Independent

[JRutledge]

This would depend on the area you live and the person you are getting games from. In my experience the only contract is an email one where they ask you to work the game and you accept. If they change the circumstances then you could decide to not accept the assignments. How that is received and how that affects your career with that person might be the biggest fall out. I do not see how legally anyone can hold you to the commitment other than what standards apply to your area or policies of your association.

Peace

[tref]

The assignor is a HS/NCAA official, one of many that I only work off-season ball for. You basically go to their website & email your open dates to get games.

Pros vs. Cons

This particualr assignors games are nowhere near my home (1 tollway & 2 highways) but they pay cash on the spot! I believe I'll be okay as my other guys have some sort of games on those same nights anyway (minus the cash) but they also are not walking around the gym pacifying the upset players nor starting games late to wait on players either. At one point this assignor cancelled entire 4 game sets on me, 2 weeks in a row while I was in route! Sorry was all they said & I guess I was supposed to just be okay with that. But just as usual, when the official turns one back now there's a problem. In my case, I really didn't turn anything back, I just didnt accept the new offer.
Unfortunately, I may not get picked up in a JC where I recently camped because of his ties to the Supervisor. But if thats how they choose to do things, perhaps thats not the league for me anyway!!
Everything else that I work, he cannot touch

[JRutledge]

When you accept any game, you need to decide if you are doing a game for money, opportunity, prestige or to help someone out. You could include a few other things but you should get the idea. And during the summer a couple of those things might not even apply. So if you cannot work the game because it would not be worth the travel, then say that and move on. If I am going to get half of what I originally accepted and the travel does not change, I would be OK saying no.

Peace

[tref]

Off-season factors: Pay, travel, level of play... PERIOD.

[mbyron]

If I wanted out, I'd tell him I'd do the first one to help him out, but that it's not worth it to go for just 2 games and he should find someone else for the rest.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by tref

Off-season factors: Pay, travel, level of play... PERIOD.

Is it just me or is $$$ always the #1 item on your list?

[Rich]

For me, mutual respect is number one.

When I assigned a baseball league, I pushed hard for the league to pay umpires a full game fee if the game wasn't canceled 2 hours beforehand. Also, if the start time was changed (for whatever reason), I emphasized to the league that this was a change of contractual terms and the officials were under no obligation to accept the change. And if the teams did change the time/terms within 2 hours, they were responsible to find their own umpires.

After 3 years, I still had enough of their nonsense.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

When I assigned a baseball league, I pushed hard for the league to pay umpires a full game fee if the game wasn't canceled 2 hours beforehand.

Our local kids rec league has a policy that we pay the refs if any of their games are canceled within 24 hours of the original scheduled time. Since the league controls the schedule, about the only time this happens is due to a last minute weather school closure. And, of course, here in Oregon that just about never happens.

[tref]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Is it just me or is $$$ always the #1 item on your list?

I sure hope so!!

Ummm no, the LOVE of the GAME is always #1 on my list... in-season & off-season!! I never list it because I figured its was a given amongst us brothers

I give back to my association, I attend multiple camps (more than 2) every summer, I clinician at the local camps, I give freeley of my time to my mentee & others, I invest in programs to help me improve as an official.
WTF are you talking about

If it were ALL about the money:
I would be happy with the upcoming changes from 3 to 2 person for a higher rate.
I would continue to work wreck ball for extra money during the season.
I would keep a couple dollars of the officials game fee for the tournaments I assigned.
I wouldn't drive HOURS solo for a low paying JC game.
I wouldn't turn 2 person games into 3 person (for FREE) when my court has a forfeit &/or if I feel like coming in a game early/staying a game later.
Again, WTF are you talking about

I believe you have me confused... he is not me & I am not him!
The GAME is my motivation for doing what we do.
The fact of the matter is, I've INVESTED in myself, there is money to be made while doing what I love to do & I'm going to get a *RETURN without losing my integrity/dignity/family/soul.

Dont you seek a RETURN on your INVESTMENTS??

Perhaps this is just a hobby for you?

Although its not my vocation, I treat it just as, if not, more business than my business.



* RETURN can be monetary, prestige, respect, friendships, honor, etc