Are You Ready? Personal Prep for Season

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Rich

I'm amazed at how many officials in my area are bothered when they are asked to fill out a W9....or worse, when they are paid by Direct Deposit.

My response is always of the nature of....."Why does it matter since all officiating income is taxable?" I smile when I say this, since I know the only reason people care is cause they feel that this alone means they have to pay taxes.

I have an issue with some of this because it delays the process to get paid. I do not care that I have to fill out paperwork, but we us Arbiter which already has all that information they basically need but a signature. I really do not care about filling out paperwork, but it seems that many schools do not review it.

I have had schools not only not pay attention to the information I filled out on a voucher, they sent to the wrong address or call me to find out what was the right address. Again, everything we have is on Arbiter. And in the case of an IHSA official, all our address information is also on their website.

Last year just to get paid at one of the schools, we had to fill out an online voucher that did not get processed properly. And mostly, who is reviewing this information? I am giving you my social security number and I have no idea who sees or can review the information. Because when we sign this information, we are not giving it to the people in the business office. We are giving the information to some "host" who may or may not be a teacher or even administrator and they could do a lot with that information and we would not know.

Peace

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Altor

I don't believe food is a deductible expense unless it is "necessary for you to stop for substantial sleep or rest to properly perform your duties" or it is business-related entertainment.

I was told it OK if it was on the way or part of what you normally do as apart of that job. Again, this might be something you really need to check with your CPA or Tax professional. They usually can clarify how you do many of these deductions.

Peace

[BlueDevilRef]

It drives me INSANE to do my part in every aspect, including legibly filling out a voucher and W9, both with current address, to then have to track down a check 6 weeks later because the address the school has on file is the old house from four years ago. Happens at least 2-3 times per year between the two sports


I wish I had a cool signature

[Gutierrez7]

Let me add a few:

a) I usually take a month and half off from officiating to recharge mental and physical batteries.
b) I participate on our Board's Education Committee to train new officials. This gets me back into the rule book in earnest.
c) Fortunate to work fall varsity schedules to get back in shape.
d) My annual physical is scheduled in December in anticipation for the season.
e) Review equipment and uniforms for wear and tear. Usually order 6 new whistles per year and purchase new apparel as needed.
f) Review/update my varsity game bag and accessories. Extra everything in case needed at game site. i.e. shoe laces, sewing kit, ankle braces, knee braces, sports tape, shoe polish, grooming toiletries (shampoo, soap, lotion, tooth brush/paste, brush, towel), flip flops, static cling spray, lint roller, wooden hangar, laundry bag for wet uniform, shoe trees, pen/paper, muscle lotion, pain reliever (lots), Tums/Pepto, cough drops, contacts/glasses case, court chart w/magnets, safety pins, small lock, swiss army pocket knife)
g) Contact partners at least one week before game to confirm. Confirm gym location and time allotted to arrive.
h) Update personal spreadsheet with game schedule; partner ratings; game notes; paid date; commissioner fee. Update file of school's coaching staffs w/pictures as needed.
i) Review "You make the ruling" videos
j) Update Pregame Meeting sheets
k) Water bottles
l) Attend game dressed at least in business casual. Look sharp; officiate sharp. Arrive early enough minimally to watch JV game.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Gutierrez7

Usually order 6 new whistles per year.

Wow. Are you a "whistle chewer"?

[Gutierrez7]

I use the Fox 40 Classic with CMG and hate when the CMG gets nasty. So, I guess, yes, I'm a whistle chewer. LOL