Performance Criteria

[Ed Hickland]

Originally Posted by wisref2

I'd also be VERY careful about setting any standards. You're setting yourself up for some real trouble in regards to employer/employee (versus independent contractor), discrimination, liability, etc. If you have a standard, and the standard is violated - you are liable. If there is no standard - you can't violate it.

Of course, there are some local associations that actually do serve as an employer, so that would probably be a different situation.

The question is not about setting standards but how officials who for whatever reason are unable to physically perform albeit a medical condition or simply result of the aging process.

One would hope officials at some point decide to "hang em up" on their own. Know some assigners give hints through assignments. Then there are those who don't get physicals, yet, find it more difficult to move up and down the field. Think the last thing any of us want to see is an official collapse and even worst collapse and die right on the field.

[Rick KY]

Our association does not either. Two years ago I went to one of the trainers at my club, and aksed for their help in designing a training regimen for officials. She provided me with a list of exercises to perform, and even invited all members of our assocition to 1 of 4 training sessions at the club. Each member who showed was given a free 30 days pass. Only 8 of 90 shoed up. That was disappointing. I will get the files uploaded to a public site and share the link when I get a chance. They really are helpful.

[Texas Aggie]

I'd also be VERY careful about setting any standards. You're setting yourself up for some real trouble in regards to employer/employee (versus independent contractor), discrimination, liability, etc. If you have a standard, and the standard is violated - you are liable. If there is no standard - you can't violate it.

Not much of this is even remotely true. The existence of standards doesn't create independent liability. However, what might create legal issues is if your "run test" or whatever event you use to measure performance isn't adequately administered. For example: require a 1 mile run of all officials and someone has a heart attack or other injury during or after the run. Do you have a duty to inform them to get a physical prior to the run? Did you have an EMT present? Stuff like that can be a state specific negligence law question.

Best thing to do is to have a release prepared by an attorney for things like this. That removes any issue I've brought up here and responded to. While you can still have lawsuits (and settlements), releases are well accepted instruments that avoid liability.