In NC, we're fined $20 if we turn back a game.

We use Arbiter. You're ok if you catch it during the time it's "pending" (we have a new assigner this year, and he's getting used to it, so that time has been very short, if any). But once it's published, and you reject it, you gotta pay the fee.

It's the same way in Football too (the Football assigner used to be the basketball assigner as well, and that's where it originated). But no other sport, as far as I know.

Post-mortem: The assigner approached me at our annual spring meeting Saturday. While he's bound by the rules of the board, he said I made a good case, and we'd talk about it. He didn't sound too interested in collecting a fine, particularly under those circumstances.

This is good to know, hear, and believe.

Sounds like it worked out for both of you. You might send him a 'thank you for the conversation' email if you have not already done so. Getting on the bad side of assignors generally have two outcomes, neither of which is desirable.

Candy's Dandy ...
 

What? No box of candy?