| Should a Wiffleball League Commissioner get Paid? |
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Wiffleball Debates |
| 10.22.11 |
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Elvis Morales |
| Side: For Getting Paid |
| How many jobs and duties does a typical wiffleball league commissioner have? Countless. In most cases, they are the field maintenance guy, the stat guy, the website guy, the guy who writes articles. They are also the person who has to settle any disputes and problems that arise in the league. Do I need to continue? |
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Josh Williamson |
| Side: Against Getting Paid |
| Okay...okay. So they do as many jobs as my parent's (Insert non offensive nationality here) housekeeper. But guess what? They don't pay the housekeeper any money because she gets free room and board. My point is, as far as I know, there isn't one wiffleball league out there whose commissioner does NOT play in. I think its safe to assume that the commish doesn't have to pay league fees EVER because they are putting their time in towards the league. |
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Elvis Morales |
| Side: For Getting Paid |
| So, what you are saying is the countless hours the commissioner spends on the league (including website duties) is equivalent to a 40, 50 or even 100 dollar league fee? I don't think so. |
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Josh Williamson |
| Side: Against Getting Paid |
| Why are so many people willing to be the league commissioner? If it was so crummy and time consuming, why do it in the first place? I think there are certain people who like keeping stats, running a website, and serving as a person who oversees everything. It may be hard at times, but being able to run, even a small four team league, is accomplishment enough. I think its very commendable for anyone to run a wiffleball league. Self satisfaction and recognition can work just fine for a motivation factor. |
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Elvis Morales |
| Side: For Getting Paid |
| True, there are some people who have the personality and/or leadership qualities who can run a league and do it well and enjoy it. But then there are some commissioners who do it just because there is no one else to do it or are capable of doing it. So they have to take it upon themselves to take the role. However, as we have seen in many leagues, this role become a single entity and the person ends up being stuck as commish. Other members in the league don't help and this puts the entire burden on the one person. We know eventually this will take its toll. Some very large leagues have to have a co-commish just because its too much. I agree being a league commish is fun but how about the times when people are unappreciative of the time giving or are constantly complaining that stats weren't done on time or this problem wasn't handled right. In these times, its not fun. |
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Josh Williamson |
| Side: Against Getting Paid |
| So what are you suggesting? The league should pay the commissioner five bucks an hour? A dental plan? If its countless hours as you say, how do we determine the rate or amount. It's bad enough, some leagues have trouble even getting player fees. A commish shouldn't be paid in money. They should be paid with appreciation (like a thank you every so often and no complaining) or even better help out once in awhile (help mow the lawn). |
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Elvis Morales |
| Side: For Getting Paid |
| If helping with the little things was the answer, then why isn't this happening in all or most leagues now? People just want to pay a fee and not have to worry about anything. These fees make them obligation-free. They just have to show up. No worries. I feel a lot of players fit this category. I suggest we raise the league fees and incorporate some "commish" fee in there. An hourly rate would be foolish but say 50 bucks or 200 bucks (depending on league size) for a whole season would be reasonable. |
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Josh Williamson |
| Side: Against Getting Paid |
| I think (helping) does happen in the leagues. May it be taking photos or videos or compiling stats. It does happen. But you'll always need a head person to run things and that's where the title of commish comes in. Then you mention the complaining aspect. Imagine how much worse it would be if all the players knew the commish was getting paid. Even if one particular player paid only ten dollars towards the commissioner's "salary", this player may feel justified to argue or complain more. Hell, this players wants to get his ten bucks worth right. But if the commish wasn't getting paid, the commissioner or other players would simply tell this player to shut up because the commissioner is doing this on his own time. |
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Elvis Morales |
| Side: For Getting Paid |
| Bottom line. Give the commissioner help or pay him or her for their time. That simple. |
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