Independent Contractor

[DeRef]

Do you know of any associations which require an umpire to sign an "Independent Contractor Contract" prior to officiating? Any pros or cons??

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

In our area, we don't sign a contract...BUT our submitting our availablility as a qualified, registered member of our group, then accepting the assignments from the schools organization that assigns our games, is what is called a 'de facto' contract. This organization has our SS#s, and we get a 1099 at the end of the year.

This schools group does a pretty good job - we never want for games, they do not charge a booking fee, and we just sign a voucher at the end of every month, and get paid in 10 days...

[NCASAUmp]

Around here, that's what we do. I think it reinforces the concept (primarily to the new guys) that we are making commitments to be at certain places by certain times, and failure to honor said commitments will result in consequences.

[Welpe]

I do this in my football association but not my softball one.

[wadeintothem]

If they are making you sign it.. the pros and cons are easy
Pro - sign it you get to work
Con - dont sign it you dont work

If you want to work, just sign whatever and go to work. Just like these lame ASA back ground check.. yes they are lame, yes they are dog and pony show.. but sign the paper and get it over with. No big deal.

[mv7267]

We do in Ohio in every sport. The contracts specifically state that we are Independent Contractors and not employees of either OHSAA member schools involved. It releases the schools of any tax or worker's comp obligations.