Commish Help needed (1 Viewer)

[Rounders]

Fellow Commish-FBGs, I need some help with this situation.

Here are the vitals: 10 team league, been in existence for 13+ years, same owners since the beginning. We are all friends and have known each other for close to 20 years.

Our FF league is a friendly league, don’t get me wrong it’s cutthroat, but still friendly.

Here’s the situation: This summer 3 of the 10 league members are getting married and everyone in the league is either standing up in each wedding for the grooms or at the very least they are invited. What does this mean…..well money is tight for several people.

Our league rules state:

League fees shall be $200.00 each year per team. Payment information can be found on the Finances section of the site. Team fee is broken down as follows: $165.00 for prizes & $35.00 Free agent refundable deposit.

If an owner fails to pay team fee to treasurer or commissioner, by game time of the first NFL game of the week, that team will receive a forfeit loss for each week until the fee is paid in full. Once the team fee is paid in full, no scores of games will be adjusted going back and all forfeit losses will remain intact.

We added this rule to the playbook in 2002 when we had a incident of an owner who failed to pay his team fees until after the playoffs started. One owner brought this to everyone’s attention and claimed it was unfair to the league that this owner was allowed to participate in the league and not pay. As a resolution to that problem the owner who failed to pay, then did so, and the owner who brought this point up to the league helped me create this rule to ensure that we would not have problems with collecting team fees again.Fast Forward to 2007, we had our draft on Aug 18, and at that time 8 of the 10 owners paid their team fees. 2 of the owners who did pay asked if I could wait until October to cash their checks as the cash flow is a little tight. I said no problem, thanks for the good faith “payment”.

When I asked the 2 owners who did not pay their fees, they asked about paying in installments, to which my reply was: “Why don’t you guys just write me a check for the amount ($200) and I will hold it until you tell me to cash it.” They both agreed, and I thought problem solved.

Since we all got pretty wrecked after the draft, as a reminder of our convestaion, I sent them each a message the next day and told them to drop a check in the mail and gave them my address (neither responded). I figured they were hung-over, so I didn’t expect an immediate response; I will wait until later in the week for a response. A few days roll by and nothing, so I decide to forward the message to them again to make sure they have gotten it. Both respond “I got…..again” & “Thanks for the reminder…..twice in a week”. Well this got me a little bothered, but I shrugged it off and thought well they should be dropping a check in the mail soon.

Fast forward a week later and still nothing. No emails, no phone calls, no checks. Nada.

I’m annoyed that I even have to do to this and track down people’s payments. At the same time I understand that everyone has real life issues and that money can be a problem. So I asked a fellow leaguemate their thoughts on the subject and to summarize he said that it’s a friendly league, don’t bring it public, don’t worry, give them time they will pay and why do we need the money now?

So here I am, waiting. My leaguemate brings up a good point we don’t really need the money now, the prizes are not distributed until December. But that still doesn’t mean it’s fair to everyone here.

Bottom line, I want to do the right thing, but I don’t know what that is. I will see the 2 owners this weekend (at a wedding) and want to mention it to them. I

What would you do? How would you answer the question "Why do you need the money now, if we are not going to pay it to the winner until December?"

*******Update********

Thanks for all of the good responses guys, it helps. For those that are interested here's a quick update.

I sent both guys an email message yesterday (private and individual) letting them know that I still have not received their checks yet and if they dropped it in the mail? I apologize and let them know that I have not received any checks and if they did mail it, then just ignore me, but if they haven't mailed a check, I asked them to drop me a line and let me know when I can expect it.

Owner A & B - Owners who gave checks on draft day and asked me to hold off to cashing them for a couple of weeks.

Owner C - No response

Owner D - Sends me this message

I understand it is difficult to collect from everyone but I don't understand the logic behind me giving you a check if you are not going to be cashing it until a later date.Personaly I don't feel comfortable giving anyone a check woth the hopes that it won't get cashed. And I have talked to [Owner B] and last I knew he wasn't going to send a check either. That being said, I will have the total amount owed by the second week of the season, which will be sooner than most others in the league.

Immediately I get He's wrong on so many levels. First of all the "logic" behind my extending the offer was so that he could take some time to gather the money. When I mentioned this to him at the draft he said "Yeah that works" WTF. Secondly, he's saying that he doesn't trust me to hold on to his check and he's afraid that I would cash it. Total BS, I have known the guy for 17 years, unreal. Third he's completely wrong about Owner B, because as I type this I'm staring at a check Owner B gave me on draft day?? And last, he's completly wrong about the league. 6 guys paid in full, 2 guys "pre-paid", and 2 are deadbeats.

So after stewing about it for a while I decided to send this message:

My "logic" is my understanding that you have financial issues paying your team fee and my intent is to help you out. I don't have to accept a post-dated payment from you or anyone, but I offered it as a solution to you and others to ease the financial burden it is causing.

I could be an ahole and enforce the rule that we all voted into the rulebook and start forfeiting games, but I recognize that no good will come from it and it will lead to bigger problems. I realize that this is a friendly league and my only intentions were to get the money situation taken care of so that we all can enjoy the season and I don't have to spend time tracking down payments.

I'll be expecting your payment before week 2, and so you are aware [Owners A & B] both gave me checks at the draft (which have not been cashed) and you and [Owner C] are the only 2 guys I have not received money from.

Sometimes being a commish is not very fun. Cr@p like this makes me want to say to the guys we should just play for the trophy. Do you think that I responded properly?

 

[Rounders]

586 members on the site and non are commish's that can offer an opinion?

 

[lafan68]

Fellow Commish-FBGs, I need some help with this situation.Here are the vitals: 10 team league, been in existence for 13+ years, same owners since the beginning. We are all friends and have known each other for close to 20 years. [snip]Here’s the situation: This summer 3 of the 10 league members are getting married and everyone in the league is either standing up in each wedding for the grooms or at the very least they are invited. What does this mean…..well money is tight for several people.So here I am, waiting. My leaguemate brings up a good point we don’t really need the money now, the prizes are not distributed until December. But that still doesn’t mean it’s fair to everyone here.Bottom line, I want to do the right thing, but I don’t know what that is. I will see the 2 owners this weekend (at a wedding) and want to mention it to them. IWhat would you do? How would you answer the question "Why do you need the money now, if we are not going to pay it to the winner until December?"

First, let me say that while I am not Bill Gates, $200 should NOT be an issue to come up with for age 30 something guys (which it sure sounds like you are). Are you telling me that going to or participating in a wedding is an excuse for not having money for football? And, I am guessing that these same guys DIDN'T drop $50 just buying drinks at the same wedding? C'mon.Even more sad is that it's not like Fantasy football is some sort of unexpected event. Under the assumption that cash is REAL tight for someone, if they have every intention of playing the next year, what stops them from putting aside $50 lousy bucks each month beginning in May or June? So quite frankly, not having $200 for football around the time of the draft, is simply inexcusable in almost any case except for those who just lost a jobs, or have a subprime mortgage that will be adjusting, etc. And in those cases, should fantasy football really be a priority to them? Maybe take a year off?And, as for your leaguemates "good point"... BS. HE is NOT the one everyone is going to be #####ing to come Dec/Jan when they won the league but aren't getting their money... you are. So to avoid THAT headache, THAT is why you collect the money in advance. If you HAVE to be democratic about it, you can simply pose the question to everyone that if they are OK with receiving a PRORATED amount (assuming some people never pay) for their prize money in Dec/Jan, then you won't push the issue about not having everyone's money now. But YOU are not going to try and chase down that extra money in Dec for them. They will just live with it.For the sake of your friendly league, I would draw that line in the sand now and say that money has to be in sooner, not later. In a way, you already took a chance by letting the draft happen. But all you can do now is damage control. Each week later that payment comes in sets a very bad prescedent for years to come. Next year, you can count on hearing, "well so and so didnt give you their money until October last year so why should I do it now"? And worse case scenario, you never get the money, and then what do you do?Being commish, even in a group of friends, means you are the one they will look to (and blame) when things need to get done. Lay down the law... respectfully, politely, but do it. That is what being a commish is all about.P.S. Sorry, didnt think I was going to write so much.

 

[TheNext0]

Last year I had a few guys pay when we got together to hand out the prizes at the end of the year. It was the 5th year for our league, but we've been friends since we were kids. IMO, if I trust my leaguemates, I don't mind when they pay.

 

[Pittsburgh United]

In my league, we make it clear that everyone has to pay before the draft even starts. These situations are tough, so they are best to be avoided altogether. In your situation, I would tell you to chill and let those guys pay you when they can. Next year, don't make the same mistake.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Rule is the rule. Prep the forfeits.

I hate to be a hard-#### about it, but you guys put this in for a reason. Blow it off now at your own peril - you've already weakened it by allowing checks to not be cashed until October. Completely understandable. Would have done the same. But you have to draw a line somewhere.

Before it gets too much closer to deadline, you might want to reach out to either owner see if there is something else going on - and if you can help i nany way. Could be somethign has happened and they are avoiding telling you about it. Don't email and say 'where's my cash' - maybe even just email and see how their doing. It seems wierd they've let this slip - but amongst friends, stuff gets wierd when cash is involved.

I know it's uncomfortable to be a nuisance but - especially amongst friends - this can get ugly really fast.

I sympathise - I am awaiting 2 more entry fees from people in a Dynasty league - I have to send out emails today in fact about it AGAIN. It's a sucky commish duty when you need to chase cash. Good luck.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Unfortunately, you've got to keep bugging these guys. I would answer, "I need it now so I don't have to bug you about it in December when the winners who deserve to be paid are waiting for me to collect from you." In December, they'll probably say, "Dude, money's kind of tight because of Christmas...can I pay you after the 1st?" Of course, you can remind them that you wouldn't have to pester them so much if they would do the right thing and pay up like all the other league owners. If their cash flow problem is such that $200 that they could have planned for since the end of last season is too much, they should be doing other things with their time, like working.

I would encourage them to pay in installments if they can - if it's $20 a week for 10 weeks, perhaps that would be easier for them to handle. The bottom line is, don't feel like a jerk for bugging them for the money. They're jerks for putting you in this position, when they knew the rules.

 

[Captain Hook]

Your league has a rule - and YOU have to enforce the rule.

I would send those two teams an email, copying the rule and saying that you can accept a check to be held as payment, BUT no payment will result in forfeited games beginning Week 1 - then you don't have to say anything at the wedding and just take the appropriate action if necessary in two weeks.

 

[Yogi Berra]

In my league, we make it clear that everyone has to pay before the draft even starts. These situations are tough, so they are best to be avoided altogether. In your situation, I would tell you to chill and let those guys pay you when they can. Next year, don't make the same mistake.

Same here. If you don't pay, you don't draft. Make it clear that if you don't show up with some kind of payment, you won't be allowed to draft. Give directions to the nearest ATM in the neighborhood where the draft takes place if need be. Once you draw that line in the sand, everyone comes to the next draft with a checkbook.Put it in the rules for next year, or tell someone else in the league to take the commissioner headache.

 

[Shrek]

League rules are not made so that the few can have special "exemptions". They are made for the good of the entire league. And the entire league (of which the commissioner is part) is best served by having everyone pay up front. Not paying up front is lame. It shows disrespect to the other owners who are abiding by the rules. Making the commissioner chase you down for your dues is bush league. If you can't afford it, don't play.

 

[ddogs24]

I run a dynasty league and our rule is that all dues must be paid the day before the draft. If anyone is not paid, they forfeit their picks for that round, with no compensation.

If you are running a redraft, the rule should be that you are paid the day before the draft or you don't draft. You would need to have a backup person to fill that spot if you forsee someone not paying, but it ensures all money is paod befor the season starts, and you don't have to chase anyone for money.

 

[Your Mom]

In my league, we make it clear that everyone has to pay before the draft even starts. These situations are tough, so they are best to be avoided altogether. In your situation, I would tell you to chill and let those guys pay you when they can. Next year, don't make the same mistake.

The only thing i do different is everyone pays IN CASH. I dont accept checks. People haved bounced them and a lot of others say, can you wait a month to cash this and keep extending it till the end of the season. It is a pain, but the guys in my league know I will not let them draft until they pay me cash.

 

[turnit643]

You already assured them that it would be OK to hold their checks until October, you've reminded them about the agreement and they've responded, and you are all friends ... the only reason you have now for hounding them and enforcing any of the rules in your book to the letter is that you don't believe they will pay at all. If that's the case, be up front and tell them "I don't think you are good for the money" and see how that goes. If not, just wait until October (when they are supposed to pay per your agreement) and then make an issue of it if the money is still not there.

 

[tulane]

Rules are rules. If you want to extend your PERSONAL credit for the league, then that is up to you. Front the money on their behalf and arrange personal payments outside of the league. If you aren't comfortable doing this (i.e. the owners aren't going to pay), then why should you extend the liability to the league??? Your leaguemates rely on the commish to enforce the rules.

 

[Pythagoras]

So are these two recently married? $200 might not be the issue, it might be that the wife thinks $200 for fantasy football is a waste and are avoiding that 'discussion'.

It sounds like this is a group of friends so keeping it private is probably a prudent thing to do. If they're having problems now, I'm guessing it'll be an issue every year. My advice is to either ask them to leave or to lower the league fee. I purposely set my dynasty league up with low fees because I anticipated this to be an issue as guys got married and had kids. To me it was more important to keep owners than have a big payout.

 

[BILLY_THE_BULL]

If you do not pay you do not play. I have never been a commissioner but I think that once

a commissioner starts to make exceptions they are just asking for trouble down the line.

 

[StraightCash]

Personally, I strongly dislike the forfeiture rule. Going through a season with 2 defunct teams in a 10 man league, sounds so very not fun.

The alternative is to find 2 other people to buy into the league. Unless the teams are absolutely stacked, you may have to provide a discount since the draft has already happened, but that is the price you pay for not solving this prior to the draft.

Then, once you have the backups identified, provide the existing owners with an ultimatum, either you pay up or you are out. If you are friends with these jokers, you could always expand the league to 12 teams next season if they want to buy back in (assuming their cash flow issues have been solved). Though, if two guys are willing to screw over 8 of their buddies for $200, you are probably best just to have the league move on without them.

 

[NoFBinLA]

You already assured them that it would be OK to hold their checks until October, you've reminded them about the agreement and they've responded, and you are all friends ... the only reason you have now for hounding them and enforcing any of the rules in your book to the letter is that you don't believe they will pay at all. If that's the case, be up front and tell them "I don't think you are good for the money" and see how that goes. If not, just wait until October (when they are supposed to pay per your agreement) and then make an issue of it if the money is still not there.

I think you're confused - or I could be - there were two owners WHO PAID but asked that their checks be held.There are two other owners WHO DID NOT PAY who are now being evasive.Different people. I think.

 

[senor peso 2006]

I collect an entry fee at the beging of the year and then we have a transaction fee for players picked. I'm always collecting money at the end of the year. With that said I feel as commish, its my job to make sure everyone who has something coming to them gets paid, even if it has to come out of my own pocket. MY league is a friendly league also, but if they don't pay it's no longer that they are screwing the league, but they are screwing me over by not paying. So far my freinds have been good for their money, but they are good friends. I assume yours are the same. So if you let them slide, it comes out of your pocket. If you don't like that, you better stick to your rule.

 

[Rounders]

You already assured them that it would be OK to hold their checks until October, you've reminded them about the agreement and they've responded, and you are all friends ... the only reason you have now for hounding them and enforcing any of the rules in your book to the letter is that you don't believe they will pay at all. If that's the case, be up front and tell them "I don't think you are good for the money" and see how that goes. If not, just wait until October (when they are supposed to pay per your agreement) and then make an issue of it if the money is still not there.

I think you're confused - or I could be - there were two owners WHO PAID but asked that their checks be held.There are two other owners WHO DID NOT PAY who are now being evasive.Different people. I think.

You have the situation correct. 2 owners paid and asked me to hold their checks, 2 other owners have not paid.I have sent the 2 owners a 4th message today asking for the money again. I told them the season starts in a week and I need their money before then. I'll keep you posted on details and in the meantime keep the good ideas coming.

 

[dlptown]

Newbies should be treated differently until they establish a trust with the group as we got shanked last year by my pals workmate- $250

 

[turnit643]

You already assured them that it would be OK to hold their checks until October, you've reminded them about the agreement and they've responded, and you are all friends ... the only reason you have now for hounding them and enforcing any of the rules in your book to the letter is that you don't believe they will pay at all. If that's the case, be up front and tell them "I don't think you are good for the money" and see how that goes. If not, just wait until October (when they are supposed to pay per your agreement) and then make an issue of it if the money is still not there.

I think you're confused - or I could be - there were two owners WHO PAID but asked that their checks be held.There are two other owners WHO DID NOT PAY who are now being evasive.Different people. I think.

You have the situation correct. 2 owners paid and asked me to hold their checks, 2 other owners have not paid.I have sent the 2 owners a 4th message today asking for the money again. I told them the season starts in a week and I need their money before then. I'll keep you posted on details and in the meantime keep the good ideas coming.

Oh, I got ya ... yeah I thought it was just the two owners with the hold on the checks. The two that didn't pay still agreed to give you a check so, yeah hound them until they give it to you. I would post on your league message board a list of PAID/UNPAID owners for everyone to see - a little peer pressure goes a long way.

 

[Pittsburgh United]

You already assured them that it would be OK to hold their checks until October, you've reminded them about the agreement and they've responded, and you are all friends ... the only reason you have now for hounding them and enforcing any of the rules in your book to the letter is that you don't believe they will pay at all. If that's the case, be up front and tell them "I don't think you are good for the money" and see how that goes. If not, just wait until October (when they are supposed to pay per your agreement) and then make an issue of it if the money is still not there.

I think you're confused - or I could be - there were two owners WHO PAID but asked that their checks be held.There are two other owners WHO DID NOT PAY who are now being evasive.Different people. I think.

You have the situation correct. 2 owners paid and asked me to hold their checks, 2 other owners have not paid.I have sent the 2 owners a 4th message today asking for the money again. I told them the season starts in a week and I need their money before then. I'll keep you posted on details and in the meantime keep the good ideas coming.

Oh, I got ya ... yeah I thought it was just the two owners with the hold on the checks. The two that didn't pay still agreed to give you a check so, yeah hound them until they give it to you. I would post on your league message board a list of PAID/UNPAID owners for everyone to see - a little peer pressure goes a long way.

OK I was a little unclear on this as well. I say give a pass to the guys who asked you to hold their checks because money's tight right now. That's no big deal, especially since they are personal friends of yours, and you likely know their character. As for the two who haven't yet paid, hound them every two days like clock work!And remember this: DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE NEXT YEAR! INSIST that everyone hands you the entrance fee before pick 1.01 is called.

 

[kncks12]

Every league has guys like this. I have one in my league. I work with the guy, he always has excuses, but I don't want to ruin friendships. If it is not in by a designated time that we work out, I got public, if it is in, I act like it was in the whole time. It is not like it is someone new to the league that could ruin a team and then bolt without paying. It sounds like these guys have been in it for a while, and you will get your money. Be patient, keep on them, and you will get it. I know what you are saying about annoying though. You try to hold everyone to the same standards, but you always have someone trying to buck the system, or use your friendship as a way to ignore the situation.

 

[Rounders]

First post updated with latest and greatest.

 

[GregR_2]

I think you've gotten enough feedback already that you need to follow through even if it's a pain, and that you shouldn't even let teams draft. Actually I'd make the payment date precede the draft so you have time to find replacement owners.

But what I really want to say is... if you have owners who have to struggle for 3 months to come up with your entry fee, at what point is your league going to stop and consider that your entry fee is too high for the owners you have. And if the guys in the league are more important to you than the money, that you should lower the fee.

 

[Sclaffer]

I recently went through this same issue. We require the money to be paid in full no later than one week before the draft. All but one complied. Our biggest issue was that we had no penalty for not getting your money in on time (totally my fault, being the commissioner.) I argued with the one defaulting owner, who forced me to create the penalty for non-payment. I was having a bad day and decided that if payment was not received by the deadline, we would look for a new owner. If his payment arrived before we found a new owner (and the new owner's money), he would be in. Deadline came and went with no money. We found a new owner in a couple of days. The defaulting owner was not happy with my decision and accused me of purposely trying to remove him from the league. He is a legacy owner (we've had quite a turnover in our league), and kind of a pain in the ###, but my purpose was NOT to remove him from the league. Sometimes, you just have to be a hard ###, even with friends.

The guy was trying to push the rules, assuming the penalty for non-payment would be that he would draft last in the first round (he was the 3rd pick in the draft), AND get the 1st pick in the second round (not sure of his logic there), and then would come up with the money. The only problem with that is we do allow the trading of draft picks, and he either didn't think of that, or decided that withholding the "funny money" would get him the last pick in the draft.

Needless to say, the rules are being updated concerning the prepayment of league fees.

 

[The Jerk]

I think you've gotten enough feedback already that you need to follow through even if it's a pain, and that you shouldn't even let teams draft. Actually I'd make the payment date precede the draft so you have time to find replacement owners.But what I really want to say is... if you have owners who have to struggle for 3 months to come up with your entry fee, at what point is your league going to stop and consider that your entry fee is too high for the owners you have. And if the guys in the league are more important to you than the money, that you should lower the fee.

As usual, good insight from GregR.GregR's comment sparked an idea that I think you could use. Rather than continuing to send repeat reminders to the delinquent owners that they should pay their fees, you could send messages to the entire league that effective immediately, all league fees and prizes are cut in half.This will get people's attention, and then maybe you can soften your stance and say "well, it just looked like the fee was too high since people aren't paying" and other comments to the same effect.Of course, it may not work to cut everything in half so you might need to make subtle shifts to the prizes, and you better be prepared to actually enforce the change if it is received properly by the league, but that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.My main point is that throwing a little theater into the situation would enable you to focus the league attention as a whole and not have it all come down to you as Commissioner having to feel like a jerk when all you're doing is what must be done. Believe me, I've been there, and it's not fun.

 

[Rounders]

I think you've gotten enough feedback already that you need to follow through even if it's a pain, and that you shouldn't even let teams draft. Actually I'd make the payment date precede the draft so you have time to find replacement owners.But what I really want to say is... if you have owners who have to struggle for 3 months to come up with your entry fee, at what point is your league going to stop and consider that your entry fee is too high for the owners you have. And if the guys in the league are more important to you than the money, that you should lower the fee.

As usual, good insight from GregR.GregR's comment sparked an idea that I think you could use. Rather than continuing to send repeat reminders to the delinquent owners that they should pay their fees, you could send messages to the entire league that effective immediately, all league fees and prizes are cut in half.This will get people's attention, and then maybe you can soften your stance and say "well, it just looked like the fee was too high since people aren't paying" and other comments to the same effect.Of course, it may not work to cut everything in half so you might need to make subtle shifts to the prizes, and you better be prepared to actually enforce the change if it is received properly by the league, but that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.My main point is that throwing a little theater into the situation would enable you to focus the league attention as a whole and not have it all come down to you as Commissioner having to feel like a jerk when all you're doing is what must be done. Believe me, I've been there, and it's not fun.

Good advice from both of you. I thought about that as well. Here's the catch; we just voted this past year to increase the dues from $150 to $200 to increase the prize pool. Talk about a big kicker. The league vote went 9-1 in favor....the one guy who voted no....was me. I actually said:

I think that we have a really good thing going here with the team fee at $150 and with 3 wedding this upcoming summer, and a few guys with new additions to their families, maybe we should hold off on increasing the team fee

 

[The Jerk]

Here's the catch; we just voted this past year to increase the dues from $150 to $200 to increase the prize pool. Talk about a big kicker. The league vote went 9-1 in favor....the one guy who voted no....was me. I actually said:

I think that we have a really good thing going here with the team fee at $150 and with 3 wedding this upcoming summer, and a few guys with new additions to their families, maybe we should hold off on increasing the team fee

At the risk of sounding like a brown-noser, it looks like the league has a Commissioner with some vision. Unfortunately, the vision is of a nightmare coming to reality...Well, here's another potential opportunity for you. Rather than the 50% reduction I just proposed, you could announce to the league that you are going to roll back the league fees to the previous level unless each owner's league dues (or a high portion thereof) are received by ________.Another way to get the attention of the whole league and not look like it's just you...Good luck!

 

[The Jerk]

One more piece of advice:

Don't do any reduced fee communication with an "I told you so" attitude, no matter how much you might be justified. Either be completely understated, or go in almost apologetically -- emphasis on almost, because it certainly is not your fault. I guess I'd adopt the "I hate to do this, but I don't see any other way..." attitude.

 

[bonscott]

Couple things here.

First, in my league and actually any other leauge I'm in, you don't pay by the draft (or have made other arrangements with me before hand) then you're kicked out and the next person on the waiting list takes your spot. Period. Typically every year I've got the guy on the top of the list ready to show up with cash and a cheatsheet.

Second, take PayPal payments. I have several owners do this. It allows them to pay via credit card instead of cash money. But again, must be done by the draft.

 

[GregR_2]

Couple things here.First, in my league and actually any other leauge I'm in, you don't pay by the draft (or have made other arrangements with me before hand) then you're kicked out and the next person on the waiting list takes your spot. Period. Typically every year I've got the guy on the top of the list ready to show up with cash and a cheatsheet.Second, take PayPal payments. I have several owners do this. It allows them to pay via credit card instead of cash money. But again, must be done by the draft.

I don't have personal experience with this issue on Pay Pal, but there have been some threads mentioning that if payments mention fantasy football in the subject, that Pay Pal may consider them to be gambling and freeze the account until you convince them it's a membership fee and not a gambling fee.Just a heads up. Don't know if that really is the case, but it is probably worth avoiding any potential hassle by informing your league's owners about it and request them to use something in the subject line that won't be a problem.

 

[bonscott]

I don't have personal experience with this issue on Pay Pal, but there have been some threads mentioning that if payments mention fantasy football in the subject, that Pay Pal may consider them to be gambling and freeze the account until you confince them it's a membership fee and not a gambling fee.Just a heads up. Don't know if that really is the case, but it is probably worth avoiding any potential hassle by informing your league's owners about it and request them to use something in the subject line that won't be a problem.

This is indeed true. Just don't put anything about football in the money request.

 

[JHuber77]

For every month that they are late, make them add $20 to the pot. That way the other owners arent mad, and they can go on not paying if they dont want, but its gonna cost them. If you get a check in the mail thats postdated, fine, leave it at that. If someone can go out and get drunk, they can certainly pay. Just tell them to drink PBR next time or something

 

[GregR_2]

I don't have personal experience with this issue on Pay Pal, but there have been some threads mentioning that if payments mention fantasy football in the subject, that Pay Pal may consider them to be gambling and freeze the account until you confince them it's a membership fee and not a gambling fee.Just a heads up. Don't know if that really is the case, but it is probably worth avoiding any potential hassle by informing your league's owners about it and request them to use something in the subject line that won't be a problem.

This is indeed true. Just don't put anything about football in the money request.

Amount: $200.00Reason for payment: For something other than gambling

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I say put it to a league vote whether or not they forfeit the games. If you don't want to embarrass them, say "Two anonymous teams haven't paid and they said they'd pay in week two. Should we suspend the forfeit rule?" and let the league vote. Then they're bound by the answer.

 

[Rounders]

I say put it to a league vote whether or not they forfeit the games. If you don't want to embarrass them, say "Two anonymous teams haven't paid and they said they'd pay in week two. Should we suspend the forfeit rule?" and let the league vote. Then they're bound by the answer.

And what if the league votes to not forfeit the games?

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I say put it to a league vote whether or not they forfeit the games. If you don't want to embarrass them, say "Two anonymous teams haven't paid and they said they'd pay in week two. Should we suspend the forfeit rule?" and let the league vote. Then they're bound by the answer.

And what if the league votes to not forfeit the games?

Then the teams don't forfeit the games and they have until week 2 to pay like they said. If they don't pay then...they get called out and the league talks about reducing payouts and/or replacing owners. But if the league votes on it, the commish doesn't become the jerk who came down hard on his great friends. That's not fair, but that's exactly how it will be spun.They're putting you in a bad position. Make it so they've put the LEAGUE in a bad position.

 

[Zoomanji]

Sounds like my league. Last year I was still collecting money in January.

I told them anyone who doesn't pay by the draft will be locked out of their team (commish has password control). This year was the first year in 14 where everyone showed up with $$.

 

[bigfoamfinger]

Great timing of your post. I was reading it this morning thinking about the mess you were in. Then this afternoon I get the email from the guy who was the reason we put our prepay rule into effect. He was looking for me to take his post dated check for Oct. This is not the first time that he has made this request and every other time I have not been able to cash it on that date because he has told it will bounce.

I sent him off a note first outlining how pissed I was that he put me into that situation. He wants me to bend the rules for him and not tell anyone else in the league. That is great, but when his check bounces, the winner wants to be paid and I am paying out his $200 from my pocket, what then. Football is one of 4 leagues that most of the owners do across all the major sports, so bouncing him here has a fall out to the others as well.

I gave him the Oct date, but will replace him the day the check bounces with a new owner. I will not take checks from him going forward unless I have 2 weeks before the draft to cash it. This guy is going Cash Only if he wants to continue.

 

[Birdie048]

We added a clause that Payment is Due August 1. Payment not received by Aug 10 is subject to a monetary fee. Payment not received by Aug 15 would result in displacement from the league and a new owner found to manage the team.

All owners agreed to this and it's in the rules.

I like your forfeiture of games for $ not paid.

If the don't understand the "logic" of the Commish doing the job of collecting the financial responsibility of each owner, then they don't understand the Commish duties. Expressing the rules/By Laws should be all that is necessary to resolve your situation.

 

[SKribbles]

Pretty simple really.

No pay by (re)draft day or Week 1 (dynasty), no play.

If you don't get the cash, run his team for a week or two until you get someone to takeover.

 

[bigfoamfinger]

Pretty simple really. No pay by (re)draft day or Week 1 (dynasty), no play.If you don't get the cash, run his team for a week or two until you get someone to takeover.

It is not always that simple. To find someone to pay $200 for a team some other clown put together is a bit difficult.

 

[fsufan]

i have been running a dynasty league for 10 years, good friends and family. The rule is league fee, $150, is due on draft day. I never enforced it but everyone paid at the end of the season. about 3 years ago owners started paying later and later, April, may. This year I sent out this email.

league fee is due on draft day. If you cannot follow this rule let me know and I will find a replacement owner

all paid on draft day

 

[bonscott]

Pretty simple really. No pay by (re)draft day or Week 1 (dynasty), no play.If you don't get the cash, run his team for a week or two until you get someone to takeover.

It is not always that simple. To find someone to pay $200 for a team some other clown put together is a bit difficult.

Get yourself a waiting list if you can. I've had 2 guys on my waiting list for a few years and they are ready to jump in every year with cash in hand. This year the first guy finally got his chance as I had to replace an owner. I still got 1 guy chomping at the bit to get in so I'll probably need to be on the lookout for a 2nd just in case.Hopefully other commish's in "big money" leagues can get together a waiting list as well. It's also a good pressure for any slackers knowing they can be easily replaced. It's also very important to have such things in the rules (penalty for non-payment, waiting list, etc.)As for the OP, letting the league vote I think is a mistake. It sounds like you have clear rules on this matter. You have to enforce them. If you don't and let the league vote you then leave other league rules "up for vote". If you want to bankroll these guys under the table and cover for them if they fail to pay that's up to you, but no matter what you need to do what a commish does, and that is enforce the rules. Even if it pisses off good friends.

 

[Godsbrother]

One year I had a guy give me a check for $100 more than our league fee. I didn't notice it at the draft and a few days later gave it back to him saying it was way too much and he said he would give me another check in the correct amount. So the season starts and I forgot about it and but realize after the season that he never gave me another check because I am short for that amount.

So I call him and he swears he gave me another check and I said I never got it and asked if he had the cancelled check. He said he just tosses them away so at that point I am stuck so I ended up paying his entry fee that year.

Ever since I have insisted everyone pay in cash at the draft. I haven't any problems since.

As for your situation I would email the deadbeats and say I need either cash or a post dated check by Opening Day kickoff or you will enforce the forfeit rule.

 

[franks&beans]

Get yourself a waiting list if you can. I've had 2 guys on my waiting list for a few years and they are ready to jump in every year with cash in hand. This year the first guy finally got his chance as I had to replace an owner. I still got 1 guy chomping at the bit to get in so I'll probably need to be on the lookout for a 2nd just in case.

All leagues are not that simple. My league is not full dynasty, but you are allowed to keep up to 6 offensive and 3 defensive players. That being said, if the team was really good that guy would find the money. If the team sucks, then the money may not be that easily found. You would need about 2 years to turn around on of these bad teams. That is a big investment of time and money for someone to have them hanging on a waiting list. Redraft leagues I can certainally understand having a waiting list, but not so much in a keeper league. It is all about the cheap rookies and once you have them, you keep them until we tell you that you can't.