Extortion?

[th3]

There's a big assigning group here in NJ (all of the guys up north know who i mean) that handles much of the HS baseball and softball in 2 or 3 counties, along with many travel and other youth games. they say the assigned 30000 games last year. they just sent an email stating that, effective this year, they were requiring an embroidred "association" uniform for all non HS games that they assign - and that eveyone would be required to buy a uniform package (consisting of 3 shirts, a jacket and a hat( for $169, and it would be available only at their approved vendor....and hurry up and order so you have your stuff at the start of the season...

 

i havent decided what im doing yet...i like the level of games that i get from this group, there are a few that pay well...but i dont think i'd be net down more than a few games without them...on one hand, i like the contact - but on the other, i dont need to spend $169

 

thoughts?

 

 

[johnnyg08]

Personal decision. Sometimes you have to play the game

[grayhawk]

How long has the owner of the "approved vendor" been on the board of this assigning group?

 

In all seriousness, if you like the games you get (level, quality, frequency, pay, partners), then bend over and pay it.  If not, then don't.  Have they given a reason for the new requirement?

[T-Rav]

Bend over and pay, I agree that it's excessive but at-least you all will look uniform. Plus I wish I had association like that, around here you have to be one of the good ole boys with each assigner to get a large amount of games.

[Jocko]

if you want their games, you gotta play their games.

[JaxRolo]

Pay. Think of it as a one time assessment. You may get better games.

[Richvee]

There's a big assigning group here in NJ (all of the guys up north know who i mean) that handles much of the HS baseball and softball in 2 or 3 counties, along with many travel and other youth games. they say the assigned 30000 games last year. they just sent an email stating that, effective this year, they were requiring an embroidred "association" uniform for all non HS games that they assign - and that eveyone would be required to buy a uniform package (consisting of 3 shirts, a jacket and a hat( for $169, and it would be available only at their approved vendor....and hurry up and order so you have your stuff at the start of the season...

 

i havent decided what im doing yet...i like the level of games that i get from this group, there are a few that pay well...but i dont think i'd be net down more than a few games without them...on one hand, i like the contact - but on the other, i dont need to spend $169

 

thoughts?

I use the same assigning group. Mainly for high school. I take the occasional non high school game from them, but most of my non-high school games come from another assigner. In the e-mail he claims if we buy the uniform, he will guarantee us at least 15 games. I'm not sure what to do. My loyalty to non high school game assignments is with my other assigner. I'd hate to have to turn down his games because I have to take games with the other. I'm also a bit concerned that turning down this $169 uniform package might adversely affect the amount and quality of high school games he gives me.  

[Jocko]

Shut up and drop the juice. You'll make it back. Dude probably needs the $ for a rectum transplant in Hawaii.

[NFUA_44]

Chances are the new Uniform's will last you at least 2-3 seasons so you should probably look at the outlay over a longer period of time, and that also means you can take whatever amount of non-HS games you can make room for over that period of time.  It sounds like they have a hold on the better quality HS stuff, so if that's your biggest draw during the HS season then you'll just have to suck it up and pay the piper.

 

It's going to happen to some degree or other whenever you are dealing with bigger Assn's or conferences.  I had to purchase new shirts and hats for a Conference job I got this year, I look at it more as an investment in myself, even though I'm "required" to have the proper digs to fit in with the rest of the crew.  It won't stop there, if I look to get into another Conference this fall I'm almost guaranteed to have to spend some $ on their gear.

 

Extortion might be a bit harsh, IMO.  Unless your going to work only local independent gigs your going to have to invest in this stuff.  It's not that different from paying for specific training that your Assn. feels is important, and if you have an Assn. or Conf. that wants it's members to not only be well trained, but to look the part that's never a bad thing.  There are many places around where guys would love to have not only that much work, but an organization to represent them.

 

My

[BalkHawk]

hmmm,

mirriam webster defines extort: to gain especially by ingenuity or compelling argument. the fact that one could purchase the same items individually, albiet unembroidered, for the same money or less, tells me you are not getting the deal you could expect considering the group purchase. but, given that you want to work, indeed, you are compelled to earn a living, i would consider your situation the definition of extortion. 

the real bad news is that someone who extorts doesn't want to be exposed, but you have just published the scheme along with smiling pictures of yourself. 

[Umpire in Chief]

I would go with it. Like someone else said play along to get along. 

 

Now just wait until they change the logo next season 

[Richvee]

I'll probably end up buying the uniform package. If for nothing else than to keep me in good standing for the high school assignments. Downside for me is more non high school games from him almost assures more travel time for me. 

 

On the plus side..AT least the shirt colors are light blue and black. 

[th3]

I am probably leaning that way as well -

[Richvee]

I am probably leaning that way as well -

Maybe they'll hook us up for a game or 2 together this summer. 

[spiritump]

just wondering what is the name of the company you have to buy your uniform from.

[Jocko]

I wouldn't even CONSIDER answering that! Beware discussing association details on a public forum. Never know what repercussions await you. Let the bear hibernate. Pay the $ or don't, but I HIGHLY recommend y'all not leave a virtual paper trail.

[scrounge]

I doubt it's worth fighting....but directly tying assignments to purchasing a specified item from a single approved vendor sounds like it's venturing awfully close to employer territory, with all its attendant responsibilities.

 

Just yesterday, the Kansas Supreme Court found for a group of strippers who successfully argued that somewhat similar requirements (requirement to work under specified house rules, minimum prices, etc) made them employees and not independent contractors and therefore entitled to worker's compensation and back wages. I haven't done the requisite....uh, research, into this situation to see if it's applicable, but just found it interesting after seeing it on Yahoo a few mins ago.

[cyclonehokiece]

Deal with it or get out.  Almost every organization has uniform standards, these guys have just taken it to the next level. While I don't like that they do not give you an a la carte option (they are acting like cable companies here where you must buy a bunch of things you don't want to get what you want and have to pay for it all), they are just saying this is the way it is, take it or leave it.  Also, while they are saying they will give you a bunch of games, if you are worried about travel, just turn down those that are too far away or let the assignor know you will not go over X miles away for a game.  This could hold you back from getting plum assignments but if you are already not taking too many non high school games from them, I think they will understand.

[zm1283]

I doubt it's worth fighting....but directly tying assignments to purchasing a specified item from a single approved vendor sounds like it's venturing awfully close to employer territory, with all its attendant responsibilities.

 

Just yesterday, the Kansas Supreme Court found for a group of strippers who successfully argued that somewhat similar requirements (requirement to work under specified house rules, minimum prices, etc) made them employees and not independent contractors and therefore entitled to worker's compensation and back wages. I haven't done the requisite....uh, research, into this situation to see if it's applicable, but just found it interesting after seeing it on Yahoo a few mins ago.

___________________________________

 

I live close to Kansas.  I'll get right on that and get back with you.

 

By the way, do you have change for a $50?

[NFUA_44]

I doubt it's worth fighting....but directly tying assignments to purchasing a specified item from a single approved vendor sounds like it's venturing awfully close to employer territory, with all its attendant responsibilities.

Just yesterday, the Kansas Supreme Court found for a group of strippers who successfully argued that somewhat similar requirements (requirement to work under specified house rules, minimum prices, etc) made them employees and not independent contractors and therefore entitled to worker's compensation and back wages. I haven't done the requisite....uh, research, into this situation to see if it's applicable, but just found it interesting after seeing it on Yahoo a few mins ago.

___________________________________

I live close to Kansas. I'll get right on that and get back with you.

By the way, do you have change for a $50?

Just so happens I have a spare set of singles u could use!