Anyone here think being a commish is fun ? (1 Viewer)

[The Moz]

Granted I have only been doing it for a year so may things grow on you.

But so far i have found thr following :

A. No matter what decision is made it's the wrong one

B. When you try to correct a decision that the masses think is wrong it only end sup coming back in your face as you being more wrong for correcting the decision than the decision you made in first place.

C. At least a few owners love to start issues and incite others to pile on creating PR headache.

D. Whenever you make a trade that anyone percieves is in your favor the statement " something fishy " radiates in a few posts as well masked as it may be.

E. if there are people you know personally - alias concerns are expressed whenever possible and heneforth issue C. ensues.

F. The famous I trust you BUT ... remarks

Look I am not faulting anyone in the league. Hell I prolly do or would act the same way Actually alot of the guys are rather cool

Just wondering if there are people out there that actually have fun as commish ?

FFT refugee

 

[Fumbleweed]

I enjoy it immensely......the stuff you describe comes with the territory. Just my two cents.....

 

[CA_7]

Moz, what's up man?

Overall I enjoy being a commish. The biggest headaches for me are the one or two owners who want to veto a trade simply because they couldn't take advantage of another owner. In other words, they seem to be bitter about missing out on a lopsided deal.

I also hate collecting money. There are 2-3 guys who need 5-6 emails reminders about sending in their funds.

I have an assistant commish and he is a big help. Anytime there is controversy we make sure we are on the same page first and therefore less chance that owners think one guy (commish) is trying something shady.

Our rules also very anal and go into great detail to avoid controversy.

 

[Fumbleweed]

Moz, what's up man?

Overall I enjoy being a commish. The biggest headaches for me are the one or two owners who want to veto a trade simply because they couldn't take advantage of another owner. In other words, they seem to be bitter about missing out on a lopsided deal.

I also hate collecting money. There are 2-3 guys who need 5-6 emails reminders about sending in their funds.

I have an assistant commish and he is a big help. Anytime there is controversy we make sure we are on the same page first and therefore less chance that owners think one guy (commish) is trying something shady.

Our rules also very anal and go into great detail to avoid controversy.

So, you allow blatantly "lopsided" deals to take place? This is the one thing that is actually hard about being a commissioner that I failed to note....dealing with trades.

 

[CA_7]

Moz, what's up man?

Overall I enjoy being a commish. The biggest headaches for me are the one or two owners who want to veto a trade simply because they couldn't take advantage of another owner. In other words, they seem to be bitter about missing out on a lopsided deal.

I also hate collecting money. There are 2-3 guys who need 5-6 emails reminders about sending in their funds.

I have an assistant commish and he is a big help. Anytime there is controversy we make sure we are on the same page first and therefore less chance that owners think one guy (commish) is trying something shady.

Our rules also very anal and go into great detail to avoid controversy.

So, you allow blatantly "lopsided" deals to take place? This is the one thing that is actually hard about being a commissioner that I failed to note....dealing with trades.

Lopsided in the sense that a majority of the owners think that one owner definitely made out better than the other. If one owner makes a bad decision in a trade I am not going to tell him how to run his team. In most cases one owner simply overvalued an unproven player, nothing ever changed the competitive balance of the league.Most of the owners are going to publicly berate an owner who makes a bad trade, draft pick or pickup. All of us in the league know each other from college or high school and there has never been a point where anyone came close to committing collusion.

 

[fsufan]

I am the commissioner of 2 leagues, one is in its 9th year and the other is in its 3rd. I do enjoy it but it can be a pain in the a&& at times. The one thing I have learned is a league is only as good as it owners.

 

[fsufan]

Moz, what's up man?

I also hate collecting money. There are 2-3 guys who need 5-6 emails reminders about sending in their funds.

This is the biggest pain for me. My 2 leagues are allot of friends. The league rules do say pay league fee on draft day but some do not. I do trust all owners but it does take longer to collect than it should. Owners could make it easier on the commish by following the league rules.

 

[The Moz]

I enjoy it immensely......the stuff you describe comes with the territory. Just my two cents.....

hey Fumble like the avatar

 

[The Moz]

Moz, what's up man?

Overall I enjoy being a commish.  The biggest headaches for me are the one or two owners who want to veto a trade simply because they couldn't take advantage of another owner.  In other words, they seem to be bitter about missing out on a lopsided deal.

I also hate collecting money.  There are 2-3 guys who need 5-6 emails reminders about sending in their funds.

I have an assistant commish and he is a big help.  Anytime there is controversy we make sure we are on the same page first and therefore less chance that owners think one guy (commish) is trying something shady. 

Our rules also very anal and go into great detail to avoid controversy.

So, you allow blatantly "lopsided" deals to take place? This is the one thing that is actually hard about being a commissioner that I failed to note....dealing with trades.

trades involving other is somehting i forgot about - add that as well !

 

[BigTex]

Moz, what's up man?

I also hate collecting money.  There are 2-3 guys who need 5-6 emails reminders about sending in their funds.

This is the biggest pain for me. My 2 leagues are allot of friends. The league rules do say pay league fee on draft day but some do not. I do trust all owners but it does take longer to collect than it should. Owners could make it easier on the commish by following the league rules.

I don't have this problem anymore. I have two vice-commish, one is the Chairman and his job is to collect the dues. He starts collecting dues two months before the draft if dues are not collected one month before the draft we'll find another owner. We've had no problems what so ever once we implemented this rule.

C. At least a few owners love to start issues and incite others to pile on creating PR headache.

D. Whenever you make a trade that anyone percieves is in your favor the statement " something fishy " radiates in a few posts as well masked as it may be.

C. There's always one or two that starts this, but I kill it with an iron fist rather quickly because these can get out of hand.D. Only means you're doing something right!

Edit to add: Hell yes it's fun!

 

[msommer]

No I don't enjoy it, I've done it five years now and seriously thinking of volunteering one of the smartallick owners to take over next year

 

[roadkill1292]

I like commishing almost as much I like playing the game.

A lot of the headaches are avoided in my league by delegating as much responsibility to the league body as possible. Nobody gets a free ride to sit back and #####. There're processes for altering the constitution and for adjudicating the rare in-season dispute -- and everybody has to take a turn on the Rules Committee. That makes them appreciate the process just a little bit more when they've got a beef of their own.

But it's also possible that no one #####es because I'm just such a lovable noodnik.

 

[Return of the Sheep]

I love being the commish. I think I like the power!!

I make the rules and when others complain about non-issues I tell them to walk.

They never do leave b/c they only like to cause trouble. Being the commish is half the fun.

 

[Spike]

Granted I have only been doing it for a year so may things grow on you.

But so far i have found thr following :

A. No matter what decision is made it's the wrong one

B. When you try to correct a decision that the masses think is wrong it only end sup coming back in your face as you being more wrong for correcting the decision than the decision you made in first place.

C. At least a few owners love to start issues and incite others to pile on creating PR headache.

D. Whenever you make a trade that anyone percieves is in your favor the statement " something fishy " radiates in a few posts as well masked as it may be.

E. if there are people you know personally - alias concerns are expressed whenever possible and heneforth issue C. ensues.

F. The famous I trust you BUT ... remarks

Look I am not faulting anyone in the league. Hell I prolly do or would act the same way Actually alot of the guys are rather cool

Just wondering if there are people out there that actually have fun as commish ?

FFT refugee

The only thing I take exception to is the use of the 'word' "prolly". I think there is something fishy with it.

 

[gs14]

No I don't enjoy it, I've done it five years now and seriously thinking of volunteering one of the smartallick owners to take over next year

I have been running a fairly high stakes league for 7 years now.....after this season one of the more annoying guys in the league offers to "help out with the website" during the off season so I give him the commish password to add some reports.....next thing I know this clown changes the password and registers himself as the commish, locking me out of the system. I was mad at first but now I realize the joke is on him! I am still in charge of the money but I'm letting him take over all of the nonsense dutys. I'm going to actually enjoy not having to do anything but show up at the draft this year!

 

[Borat]

Moz, what's up man?

Overall I enjoy being a commish. The biggest headaches for me are the one or two owners who want to veto a trade simply because they couldn't take advantage of another owner. In other words, they seem to be bitter about missing out on a lopsided deal.

I also hate collecting money. There are 2-3 guys who need 5-6 emails reminders about sending in their funds.

I have an assistant commish and he is a big help. Anytime there is controversy we make sure we are on the same page first and therefore less chance that owners think one guy (commish) is trying something shady.

Our rules also very anal and go into great detail to avoid controversy.

So, you allow blatantly "lopsided" deals to take place? This is the one thing that is actually hard about being a commissioner that I failed to note....dealing with trades.

Lopsided in the sense that a majority of the owners think that one owner definitely made out better than the other. If one owner makes a bad decision in a trade I am not going to tell him how to run his team. In most cases one owner simply overvalued an unproven player, nothing ever changed the competitive balance of the league.Most of the owners are going to publicly berate an owner who makes a bad trade, draft pick or pickup. All of us in the league know each other from college or high school and there has never been a point where anyone came close to committing collusion.

That's definitely the worst part, and that comes up sometimes even when you're not commish. It drives me nuts. I go around offering trades left and right that I think I'm getting at least a slight advantage (sometimes just to kick up a little negotiating), and sometimes, the guy you made a proposal to values the players a little differently than anyone else and they accept the trade. Then everyone else flips out.

 

[BigRed]

Any league worth a flip has these 2 things:

1 - Run VERY democratically (ie commish has little real "power")

2 - Consists only of adults (or at least people who act like it)

w/o these 2 things, commish or not, the league sucks. Period. But given these 2 things, commishing is kinda fun - kind of a pain at times but kinda fun. Most of the fun for me comes in messing w/the web site, although I'm not doing nearly as much as I used to.

 

[Cixelsyd]

Dear Young Commish,

You are correct in stating that you've only done this a year and it will grow on you... but you need to get a spine NOW. That can't wait, or you will never be a good commish.

As for what you have found.

A. You need to make it clear in your rules that the commish is ALWAYS right, even when he is wrong. If you are commish and you are running things and you are doing things in the best interest of the league and you have your #### together, then you have no issues.

B. This all depends on what you are talking about... but you don't correct things mid season... you play them out and fix things in the off season. And get some thick skin, you have to be firm with the league... you may explain the rule, clarify the rule, but not fix the rule in the middle of the season.

C. PR headache? What are you a fortune 500 company? You are the commish, you create the headaches. Owners are going to bust your balls... you have to bust theirs... no big deal. Grow a pair... It's not lonely at top, you have ###hats bugging you all the time.

D. Are you playing in a league with your mom and sisters... no, then the guys are going to give you #### no matter what... play by the rules, trade as it's laid out, and don't worry about any #####es crying about what you got.

E. You aren't married to these fools... run the league your way, make it fun... and it will be fun... if people don't trust you, then you shouldn't be commish... but if you are playing for the purity of the game then don't worry about it.

Being commish is a blast for me... but it's hard work... you have to keep everyone into it... get the trash talking started... run a site so people can stay in touch and improve every year... Also, use the Playoffs to create a league to test out new rules and test drive it then... so you don't have to fix things during the regular season.

Granted I have only been doing it for a year so may things grow on you.

But so far i have found thr following :

A. No matter what decision is made it's the wrong one

B. When you try to correct a decision that the masses think is wrong it only end sup coming back in your face as you being more wrong for correcting the decision than the decision you made in first place.

C. At least a few owners love to start issues and incite others to pile on creating PR headache.

D. Whenever you make a trade that anyone percieves is in your favor the statement " something fishy " radiates in a few posts as well masked as it may be.

E. if there are people you know personally - alias concerns are expressed whenever possible and heneforth issue C. ensues.

F. The famous I trust you BUT ... remarks

Look I am not faulting anyone in the league. Hell I prolly do or would act the same way Actually alot of the guys are rather cool

Just wondering if there are people out there that actually have fun as commish ?

FFT refugee

 

[roadkill1292]

Any league worth a flip has these 2 things:

1 - Run VERY democratically (ie commish has little real "power")

2 - Consists only of adults (or at least people who act like it)

w/o these 2 things, commish or not, the league sucks. Period. But given these 2 things, commishing is kinda fun - kind of a pain at times but kinda fun. Most of the fun for me comes in messing w/the web site, although I'm not doing nearly as much as I used to.

Two excellent points. Democracy implies involvement and personal responsibility; when there's a sense of ownership, the impulse is to make the league run well, not sit back and criticize.My league has a high percentage of educated professionals and the average age is probably in excess of 40. That cuts down on a lot of potential toolishness right there.

 

[Green Apple Splatter]

No I don't enjoy it, I've done it five years now and seriously thinking of volunteering one of the smartallick owners to take over next year

I have been running a fairly high stakes league for 7 years now.....after this season one of the more annoying guys in the league offers to "help out with the website" during the off season so I give him the commish password to add some reports.....next thing I know this clown changes the password and registers himself as the commish, locking me out of the system. I was mad at first but now I realize the joke is on him! I am still in charge of the money but I'm letting him take over all of the nonsense dutys. I'm going to actually enjoy not having to do anything but show up at the draft this year!

Did he give a reason for doing that? Is the rest of the league OK with it? Just make sure he's never in charge of the money in future years, because he sounds like the type that would take the money and run. How can you allow someone to "TAKE" the job? Anyone that would do that, is probably not fit to be the commish from a stand point of fairness.

 

[Osaurus]

I imagine being a knish would be more fun.

 

[notoriousbob]

Being Commish is great. I had a co-commish this year, which helps. Open as many things up to vote as possible, and establish rules for events BEFORE they come up. A couple seasons under your belt will help with that.

Of course, even if things go up for vote you will get flack from time to time. I was told I worded the poll such that I slanted the results one time.

In our league, immature behavior is accepted and encouraged. So the guys that don't like smack talk and porno pics on the message board either quit or got booted. Its all about having fun. Being in a stuffy grandpa league is not my idea of fun. To each his own.

 

[Not Really Mel Kiper]

I used to be so burnt out by the end of the season, however this year I made a 5 page rules document which covered everything. I made sure people recieved it a month before the draft. THere were no problems because when there was something that was questioned we refered to the rules document. I suggest you do the same!

 

[Vic's Vomiteurs]

Granted I have only been doing it for a year so may things grow on you.

But so far i have found thr following :

A. No matter what decision is made it's the wrong one

B. When you try to correct a decision that the masses think is wrong it only end sup coming back in your face as you being more wrong for correcting the decision than the decision you made in first place.

C. At least a few owners love to start issues and incite others to pile on creating PR headache.

D. Whenever you make a trade that anyone percieves is in your favor the statement " something fishy " radiates in a few posts as well masked as it may be.

E. if there are people you know personally - alias concerns are expressed whenever possible and heneforth issue C. ensues.

F. The famous I trust you BUT ... remarks

Look I am not faulting anyone in the league. Hell I prolly do or would act the same way Actually alot of the guys are rather cool

Just wondering if there are people out there that actually have fun as commish ?

FFT refugee

Moz, I have been a commish for 14 years so I speak from experience. The bad news is that ALL of your above statements are true. The good news is there is a very simple solution:LOSE.

Thats it. When you as the commish, happen to win you are fair game for every bitter, unhappy, looking to blame loser in your league. Every decision, every trade that you approve, every trade that you make is underhanded. I shudder whenever I see some interception get fumbled and returned for a td by the original offense because I know I will have hell to pay. People have no qualms saying things about your character that would get them beaten up in a bar.

But I have noticed that the years I have struggled and lost, the insults and bull have not been as bad. My own trades even sail through uncommented on. So, that presents a dilemna, since I play this sport to win (I dont accept money for doing this, not that anyone has ever offered in 14 years).

Two years ago I thought I hit upon the solution. I created a "Dispute Board" that would have the power to overrule my decisions and veto my trades. 3 members voted on by the league.

Very first decision involved was that fumble that was recovered by the def, then he fumbled and someone from the offense returned it for a td. (Cant remember specifics) I called it as no play - and no td awarded, the owner of the player who scored disputed so I sent it to the Board. Easy right? Nope, now I get flak for not being a standup guy and sticking to my original decision ("How can you send that to the board, show some balls!")

And these are not young kids, we are all in our 30's to 50's. My son's Godfather for Christ sake, didnt speak to me for 6 months 2 years ago over a waiver pickup, and the best man at my wedding loves nothing more than to stir up the pot against me and then sit back and laugh.

Finally resigned this year, just had to. Anyway, my advice to you The Moz is this:

RUN, RUN FAR AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN..

 

[The Moz]

One of the problems i had was that I made a few trades poeple viewed as in my favor heavily. I traded Dom Davis and Hines Ward for S. Alexander and D. branch at the start of the season. I also traded JJ Arrington and R. Moss for S. jackson and C. Johnson before th season started. Both indeed went heavy in my favor and a few poeple NEVER to this day let me forget it. -- yes I won the league which I guess didn't help much.

Hearing the above statements I guess it depends who is in your league if it's a group of easy going owners it's likley smooth sailing and no issues but if not no matter what there gonna be problems The guys in the league now are for the most part really good guys - it's just a drain I guess with all the #####ing back and forth.

Still to be honest I hope it does start to grow on me but i's really not much fun so far

 

[Texasmouth]

Being a commish would be way better than being an E-5 in the Air Force........ trust me......

 

[tattoofan]

One of the problems i had was that I made a few trades poeple viewed as in my favor heavily. I traded Dom Davis and Hines Ward for S. Alexander and D. branch at the start of the season. I also traded JJ Arrington and R. Moss for S. jackson and C. Johnson before th season started.

So, is there no trade voting process in your league?

I'm affraid I would have had a problem with both of these trades as well.

As a commish, you should have known better. You set the example for the league.

 

[Texasmouth]

Being a commish would be way better than being an E-5 in the Air Force........ trust me......

My bad, I thought you meant a real GM.Fantasy GM is great. If you don't like it why play fantasy football? Making bad decisions based on your guy feeling is what makes it fun!

 

[The Moz]

One of the problems i had was that I made a few trades poeple viewed as in my favor heavily.  I traded Dom Davis and Hines Ward for S. Alexander and D. branch  at the start of the season.  I also traded JJ Arrington and R. Moss for S. jackson and C. Johnson before th season started. 

So, is there no trade voting process in your league?

I'm affraid I would have had a problem with both of these trades as well.

As a commish, you should have known better. You set the example for the league.

Actually the trade involving SA was voted on and 1 person voted against it - The other trade wasn't ever called for a vote no one had a issue with it at the time. and to be honest last August Dom was a top 10 rated back and JJ was being hyped the hell out of as was Moss. neverthelessActually you have a point It was my first time as commish and i just ran my team ( making trade proposals ) the same as i always have - trying to get the best deal possible. As the year unfolded i realize that likley was a mistake and to be honest I can't see myself making another big trade at all in the league i commish as it's not worth it right or wrong.

 

[PhatHead]

I think that being a Commish is a pain in the ###. But somebody needs to do it, and I know that I'll do it fair and right.

 

[SayChowda]

I make the rules and when others complain about non-issues I tell them to walk.

Does the league get a chance to ratify the new rules? Or suggest them? Or is it more like you are the commish, and here are your rules?

 

[roadkill1292]

I make the rules and when others complain about non-issues I tell them to walk.

Does the league get a chance to ratify the new rules? Or suggest them? Or is it more like you are the commish, and here are your rules?

There was a lengthy thread several years ago where the principles of democracy vs. dictatorship were debated as being the best type of league structure.Some autocratic commissioners were able to find success because of their skill, integrity and attention to detail. But, IMO, the very best leagues are democratic in nature where everyone contributes to the constitutional process. In those leagues, commissioners function more like committee chairmen, guiding the league through the processes with a steady hand.

 

[roadkill1292]

LOSE.

Thats it. When you as the commish, happen to win you are fair game for every bitter, unhappy, looking to blame loser in your league. Every decision, every trade that you approve, every trade that you make is underhanded. I shudder whenever I see some interception get fumbled and returned for a td by the original offense because I know I will have hell to pay. People have no qualms saying things about your character that would get them beaten up in a bar.

Though I think you're overstating the point a little, I know where you're coming from. In an autocratic league, if the guy making the rules and adjudicating the rules wins all the time, it would certainly be cause for concern by the rest of the owners.The skills needed to play this game well and the skills needed to be an effective commish are often (not always) mutually exclusive. Several of my league's better players would admittedly make horrible commissioners.

On the other hand, if my co-commish or I completes a successful season, our fellow owners are very comfortable with it. They were there with us on auction day and our transactions were completed above board and in accordance with league rules. Again, if the processes are in place and everyone has had their say beforehand, there remains little room for suspicion.

 

[Thunderchicken]

Being a commish would be way better than being an E-5 in the Air Force........ trust me......

The Air Force is the greatest job in the world.

 

[weasel3515]

Necessary evil. Somebody has to do it. Rule, rules, rules...that will help solve most problems. All that said, I don't let it detract from me enjoying fantasy football more than almost everything in life!

 

[Wingnut]

I love being commish and the rest of the league loves having me do it. Im online more than anyone else in the league, so its a natural fit.

 

[bueno]

Granted I have only been doing it for a year so may things grow on you.

But so far i have found thr following :

A. No matter what decision is made it's the wrong one

B. When you try to correct a decision that the masses think is wrong it only end sup coming back in your face as you being more wrong for correcting the decision than the decision you made in first place.

C. At least a few owners love to start issues and incite others to pile on creating PR headache.

D. Whenever you make a trade that anyone percieves is in your favor the statement " something fishy " radiates in a few posts as well masked as it may be.

E. if there are people you know personally - alias concerns are expressed whenever possible and heneforth issue C. ensues.

F. The famous I trust you BUT ... remarks

Look I am not faulting anyone in the league. Hell I prolly do or would act the same way Actually alot of the guys are rather cool

Just wondering if there are people out there that actually have fun as commish ?

FFT refugee

I like being a commish.

 

[Return of the Sheep]

I make the rules and when others complain about non-issues I tell them to walk. 

Does the league get a chance to ratify the new rules? Or suggest them? Or is it more like you are the commish, and here are your rules?

yep - I'm always open for suggestions. If change is wanted or needed I'll make it happen as long as it benefits everyone in the league. I won't let people vote on the rules though b/c in other leagues that I have been in the only result was complaining and crying. Democracy has it's good points, but sometimes the people in the democracy have no idea and its just better to have all teams who agree fully to the rules rather than a few who are mad b/c they didnt get their way. Which in turn would force me to make more (in-season) rules b/c of dead teams.

 

[roadkill1292]

I make the rules and when others complain about non-issues I tell them to walk. 

Does the league get a chance to ratify the new rules? Or suggest them? Or is it more like you are the commish, and here are your rules?

yep - I'm always open for suggestions. If change is wanted or needed I'll make it happen as long as it benefits everyone in the league. I won't let people vote on the rules though b/c in other leagues that I have been in the only result was complaining and crying. Democracy has it's good points, but sometimes the people in the democracy have no idea and its just better to have all teams who agree fully to the rules rather than a few who are mad b/c they didnt get their way. Which in turn would force me to make more (in-season) rules b/c of dead teams.

Sure, people still complain in democratic leagues but the crying is then directed at the majority and not at the commish. And I believe that the complaining is minimized in a democracy because of the way owners feel vested in the league. If one has had the opportunity to propose rule changes, discuss rule changes and vote on rule changes, then one is less likely to react negatively when things don't go their way.As in the real world, however (think Middle East), not everyone is equipped with the maturity level to deal with the problems of democracy. Heck, even my league has two or three (out of 16) guys who more or less just float downstream in the current. But at least they're realistic enough to realize that they had their chance to do something about the problem well in advance.

From a commissioner's standpoint, democracy delegates a huge amount of the downside. But you have to be able to deal with not getting your own way all the time.

 

[PsychoMan]

No I don't enjoy it, I've done it five years now and seriously thinking of volunteering one of the smartallick owners to take over next year

I have been running a fairly high stakes league for 7 years now.....after this season one of the more annoying guys in the league offers to "help out with the website" during the off season so I give him the commish password to add some reports.....next thing I know this clown changes the password and registers himself as the commish, locking me out of the system. I was mad at first but now I realize the joke is on him! I am still in charge of the money but I'm letting him take over all of the nonsense dutys. I'm going to actually enjoy not having to do anything but show up at the draft this year!

Oh my, I think I would have strangled that man.I have been a commish for several years and I agree with the original post a bit. It can get quite annoying dealing with idiots and it really takes a lot of free time off your hands. I also do all redraft leagues and often have new coaches, so that may be part of the reason.

 

[SayChowda]

yep - I'm always open for suggestions. If change is wanted or needed I'll make it happen as long as it benefits everyone in the league.

I won't let people vote on the rules though b/c in other leagues that I have been in the only result was complaining and crying. Democracy has it's good points, but sometimes the people in the democracy have no idea and its just better to have all teams who agree fully to the rules rather than a few who are mad b/c they didnt get their way. Which in turn would force me to make more (in-season) rules b/c of dead teams.

Cool. We do vote on most major rule changes in my league. Usually in the spring I am open up the rules for any suggestions, changes, etc. I usually get a few, and assuming they aren't crazy, I will send them out to the league for a vote, and I vote as a team, as opposed to a commisioner. If I think the rule would harm the league in some way, etc, I just throw it about before the voting process, and explain to that manager my reasoning. An example of something that was voted on was moving the trade deadline up two weeks.I do make changes on my own - these are mostly loopholes that come up during the year, that just need to be fixed. Or something about the integrity of the league.

 

[Black&Gold]

Going into our 10th year. Have commished since day one. We use myfantasyleague.com so setting up the league isn't that big of deal. That is usually where my work comes in. We rarely have any problems.

Always be fair.

We have NEVER vetoed a trade. For a trade to be vetoed, it must be proven cheating. All trades look unfair to someone.

All rule changes are voted on at our owners meeting.

I really don't care about most things, but I have had to use my "commish power" to change or not change a rule or a ruling. Those couple times, I thought is would be detramental to the league. They realized this and didn't complain.

Gotta have good owners. I don't have andy problem getting the dues at the end of the year anymore.

The 1st 3-4 years were a real headache. For one, I was calculating all the stats from a newspaper. We also couldn't count on having enough guys show up for the draft. Then I had trouble getting the dues at the end of the year. You slowly week out the bad owners and things get better. Piece of cake......NOW. Good Luck.

 

[roadkill1292]

A common theme in this thread seems to be that the longer the league has been established, the easier it is to commish. I concur. Time will take care of many headaches, like weeding out difficult owners or developing a comprehensive set of rules and procedures.

Since the commissioner is often the founder of a league, he can head off a lot of problems by developing a well-thought-out set of rules beforehand. In my case, I had experience in another well-administered league before starting my own and, thus, only had to tweak things in order to have a solid starting point.

 

[Husker]

Love being commish.

No democracy, I'm heavy handed, and I don't get much guff. Last serious dispute we had was in 1998. I am competitve, but far from dominant (about a 55% winning percentage over 14 years). Not even any problems getting the cash.

I think a lot depends on your owners. Many of my owners have been commissioners and know how tough it could be. Most of my tough decisions get met with thanks, respectful disagreement, or good natured ribbing.

The only thing I don't like is trying to schedule a draft date. Trying to find a date to work with 12 people's busy lives is a pain in the neck.

 

[modus]

I enjoy being commish.

I believe a commish is only as strong as their rules. I find too many leagues allow things to be up for interpretation, which leads to open "discussion" on why something is not fair or legal.

Our league understands that if it's not specified in the rules, then it's legal. The following year the rule can be addressed by everyone. I find this limits much of the arguing and sense of commish bias.

 

[jeff_eaglz]

A thread that may be of interest:

Commish Thread

I don't take a cut and never have / will.

This is about keeping a group of 8-12 buddies / friends together for about 6 months or longer on a common topic.

As commish, I get to set the rules (within reason and allow for some votes), but everyone knows I'm fair and will run a tight league. Never had a problem, but I've had some tough calls (scoring, rules, timing, trades, waivers, playoff matchups, you name it).

The satisfaction I get is knowing I'll have a solid league to play in and that things will run smoothly. Never undervalue a good league.

 

[wannabee]

A thread that may be of interest:

Commish Thread

I don't take a cut and never have / will.

This is about keeping a group of 8-12 buddies / friends together for about 6 months or longer on a common topic.

As commish, I get to set the rules (within reason and allow for some votes), but everyone knows I'm fair and will run a tight league.  Never had a problem, but I've had some tough calls (scoring, rules, timing, trades, waivers, playoff matchups, you name it).

The satisfaction I get is knowing I'll have a solid league to play in and that things will run smoothly.  Never undervalue a good league.

Or, a good commish

 

[Hawk]

One of the problems i had was that I made a few trades poeple viewed as in my favor heavily. I traded Dom Davis and Hines Ward for S. Alexander and D. branch at the start of the season. I also traded JJ Arrington and R. Moss for S. jackson and C. Johnson before th season started. Both indeed went heavy in my favor and a few poeple NEVER to this day let me forget it. -- yes I won the league which I guess didn't help much.

Hearing the above statements I guess it depends who is in your league if it's a group of easy going owners it's likley smooth sailing and no issues but if not no matter what there gonna be problems The guys in the league now are for the most part really good guys - it's just a drain I guess with all the #####ing back and forth.

Still to be honest I hope it does start to grow on me but i's really not much fun so far

If people were #####ing about those trades then screw em, those are perfectly legitimate deals. You'll never have fun as commish if you let people think they can micromanage trades or if you don;t take advantage of the fact that more people talk to you about deals they are thinking of thus giving you an inherent advantage in the trade department that is basically your only reward for putting up twith the Commish duties. The only way to enjoy it is to say that people can trade whatever they want if there is no collusion, and define collusion to mean dumping of players from a losing team to a winning team in the middle or end of the season. Those trades are nowhere close to collusion. If someone #####es, say "Get off your ### and make some deals then. Quit whining and start dealing." If you think it really is VERY lopsided, then say "So are you accusing so and so of cheating to help that other team at the expense of their own team?" If they say yes, you then put it to a league vote.

Bottom line, giving any consideration to #####ing about trades like yours will lead to problems. Nip it in the bud. Those are very fair trades, especially in light of what was thought of those players before the season started.

 

[Art_VanDalay]

Moz, what's up man?

Overall I enjoy being a commish.  The biggest headaches for me are the one or two owners who want to veto a trade simply because they couldn't take advantage of another owner.  In other words, they seem to be bitter about missing out on a lopsided deal.

I also hate collecting money.  There are 2-3 guys who need 5-6 emails reminders about sending in their funds.

I have an assistant commish and he is a big help.  Anytime there is controversy we make sure we are on the same page first and therefore less chance that owners think one guy (commish) is trying something shady. 

Our rules also very anal and go into great detail to avoid controversy.

So, you allow blatantly "lopsided" deals to take place? This is the one thing that is actually hard about being a commissioner that I failed to note....dealing with trades.

Commissioner for 10+ years and the only headache is the amount of work it takes to run the league as best as possible every year. The only thing I will say about "blatantly" lopsided trades to take place. We look for a type of legal standard of a "reasonable basis" for any trade to allow it or not. I have to say if I had a nickle for every time someone wanted me to veto a trade I would be very rich. However, in all the years of running a very successful league of 14 teams, I can tell you that all the so called "blatantly lopsided" trades have never turned out that way in the long run. In fact, many times the exact opposite happens in our league. The point is this - you don't know if a trade is "blatantly obvious" until you can judge it over time, usually several weeks. I only look for a team trying to collude with another team otherwise, if there is some basis for acquiring some player in a trade, I allow it. It works very well for us all these years.

 

[Pictus Cat]

I like being a commish. It can work as a new commish and new owners.

Not everybody agrees with me, but they know I try hard and I do what I think is right. When you start off that way, with a little humor you get through the rest. Here is how I and my leagues have evolved.

First year playing fantasy football I formed a league. Mistakes were made.

I received RB1 Priest Holmes for Chambers, Fauria, my RB2, and DB2. Those that complained that year asked why the guy didn't take their better offer. I also had a trade with a family member in the league that was a little advantage. League Prize was a $50 gift certificate donated by me.

2nd year

Ran 3 leagues, Played 3 leagues. Trades in leagues were more reasonable. I had some that were good for me including with relatives. Managers picked up on the pattern. No trade standard could be determined other than open collusion banned. One owner tried to drop his four best players so the 2nd place team might win championship not seeing anything wrong with that. Some owners said I should ask for donations for Prize. League Prize was free donation and I would match the highest donor for champ. Got $20, $10, Champ won $50 gift certificate. Donated $120 that year between the leagues.

Resolutions: Resolved my authority as absolute to decide situations. My first big Decision: Nobody picked up dropped player or forfeited Prize Eligibility. Ethical education discussions in the offseason were fun.

3rd year

Ran 3 leagues, Played 1. League 1 almost overthrew me for trying to please everyone by suggesting IDP/Team Def (which they were divided on.) Dropped Team Def. Couple owners had problems with this way of scoring or that many IDP. Pretty much just said I've worked hard to find all the info on the internet for the best way and made the decision, are you still having fun, everyone else seems to be and I like it that way. Sometimes things just come down to one owner and you would do something differently and nobody else cares. Your way is usually something they are willing to live with. I sincerely listen, then decide.

Trade with family member was brought up again. I now make it a point to trade with family member every year now. Especially when an owner after the draft says "you'll probable get player x from your other team." I always try to get that player in a fair trade just to hear more. It's fun.

League 2 nothing of note.

League 3 One owner says I take the biggest moron in the league in trade every year. I joke that guy moved out of town, so this year he is that guy. He won the league. IMO, I almost got L Johnson for McMicheal and Anderson just before Preist got hurt from him.

Mandatory donations for league prize. More prize catagories and try to make every team have something to play for in week 16.

The point is everyone has had fun including me during the learning process, nobody has walked because of my mistakes which get made fun of and addressed for next year. My integrity, commitment, and sense of humor for corrected mistakes in the past have probably carried the owners and me through.

PS: No trade has been protested by any owner in any league in three years. Ribbing to complaining afterward, but I have had fun with that too. I just ask are you protesting the trade? No has always been the answer even though they trust my confidentiality.

This years trade standard, if one quarter of the owners have good reason why a trade is unfair or majority of the league protests, then ask teams to reverse or possible veto. Funny, but not good reasons would be I offered a better trade, he'll win the league, another owner told me to protest because he doesn't think its fair, their related...Good reasons: Owner is colluding, giving up, not improving his team in any way because trade makes team significantly worse because...

I don't expect to hear from anyone.

Best of luck to you. Have fun with it.