Should the Commish get a free ride? (1 Viewer)

[Bulldog96]

Just curious what some of you think...

I play in a fairly expensive ($300) League and the Commish gets a free pass. I joined with a buddy of mine who's been there for 4 years or so. Last year was my first season. This situation kinda bothers me as there is less money to go around, and HE can win the same as a guy who forks over the full fee.

Another problem I have is, we both commish seperate leagues at a CBS. So I have first-hand experience in the behind-the-scenes activities of the Commish. With todays technology, there isn't a whole lot of pencil pushing required. The league basically runs itself. Ten years ago, a USA today and some "white-out" were tools of the trade. Not to mention the time spent searching for stats of each player... I could see giving the Commish a free-ride back then. But not today...

What do you guys think?

 

[radballs]

In yesteryear with manual scoring and everything else, I was in a few leagues that were like this. In today's internet leagues, it's silly. Once the league is set up so much of it is automatically taken care of that it's ridiculous for anyone to get a free ride.

 

[Musesboy]

He should pay.

In one of my leagues I just pay the site fee because I can't be bothered to ask 13 owners for $5 each.

With $300 though, he has to pay.

 

[citsalp]

Sorry I voted yes before reading the whole post.

Small league fee's like $5-$25 should be covered by the rest of the league, but $300.00... Yeah he pays

 

[nerangers]

In yesteryear with manual scoring and everything else, I was in a few leagues that were like this. In today's internet leagues, it's silly. Once the league is set up so much of it is automatically taken care of that it's ridiculous for anyone to get a free ride.

I agree....not everyone thinks like this though.I did a playoff pool one that I had to score all the individual players by hand (using Excel)....It was $10 to enter....I had a few people mad that I was not going to pay the $10 since I was running it and scoring it all. I think people forget what it was like to score everything by hand.

 

[maddogs]

he should pay. We have a 3 commish board in our league and they all pay. It is unfair for a commish to not pay and expect a payout if they win.

 

[Bulldog96]

Old-time scoring, stats gathering, manual standings spreadsheets, etc... Not to mention the time spent tracking people down for trades, FA pick-ups, game score distribution, etc.. ALL done by hand. Most of the league stuff was handled over the phone. Line-up submissions on Sundays was the worst. My phone rang off the hook 'til 12:45pm. It was crazy.... And I did it all for free. I paid my dues.

Enter the internet age... I felt kinda guilty in the ease of use. There is very little the Commish has to do. Maybe run waivers and collect fees.. Big whoop.

I just don't get it.. This guy pays for the pizza and hosts the draft. Without a Draft Board, btw... ( I suggested one and he coldly shot me down. I even offered to bring one for free this year. He still refused.) Regardless, the guy is pretty well off, (nice house, nice car, mid 40's, etc..) and he still plays for free.

I'm gonna present this thread to him at the next draft...

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Capt Hook]

Whatever the amount that every other team pays that goes into the prize pool should also be paid by the Commissioner.

Whatever site fee or administrative fees are on top of that, he would not have to contribute to.

I run a lot of leagues for bigger entries and that is the way to handle it.

 

[Marc Levin]

he should pay or you should rotate the commissioner every year to a different owner

it is not unreasonable for the commish to take a very small percentage for his time and effort - 2% of the other owners' entry fee works out to 66 bucks and 5 % of the other owners' fees works out to over half his fee ($165) - but the entire $300 entry fee is unreasonable.

If he wins, does he deduct 300 from the prize and return it to each owner???

 

[renesauz]

AS commish, I've always kept a small part for administrative fees. I put out a weekly newsletter, and keep spreadsheets and such that are made available to every owner.

Printer cartridges aren't cheap, and the whole season uses up at least one.

That said, $300 is ridiculous. The most I've EVER kept is $40, and I spent at least that on paper, printing materials, draft materials, etc.

(edited for spelling)

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Someone who is the commish should be there because they like doing it, not cause they are getting paid.

The Commish is a thankless job, so people who are the commish have to like to be heavily involved in the league and help it run smoothly.

The only way I see the commish not having to pay is if not one person will do it for free, and even then I would just rotate the job each year.

No fricken way a commish should pay for free in a 300 dollar league. Not a chance. It would be tough situation for yourself calling him out though after just being in the league for one year of an on-going league.

 

[renesauz]

To clarify...The commissioner should pay. I take a certain amount for admin fees that are an estimate ofwhat I expect to spend to run the league. I would prefer to pay full league fees and take this out of the funds, but I'd rather have the prize amounts set in stone instead of estimating.

Every year, I've spent within about $5 of what I've kept for "admin fees".

I'd find another league to play in if I were you.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

I commish a $300 league on CBS. I pay the full fee, the only reward I get is knowing I run an excellent league. That should be payment enough.

 

[Marc Levin]

I'd find another league to play in if I were you.

I don't know if I'd do that - nice money available in a 300 dollar league even w/o the commish paying in. Esp. if you otherwise like the league It is unfair, but it's still sweet to snag big money.

With such a big pool of money, are there weekly prizes and other ways to recover some of your pay-in fee? Like a "making the playoffs" bonus of 50 bucks back or some such? Those prizes should be UNAVAILABLE to the commish - and if he is the winner of one of those prizes, the money he woulda won should go into the Super Bowl winner's pot or into a fund for a party for the league or something.

If not, I'd make that an issue as well - if the commish plays for free, the rest of the league should have a chance to hedge their pay-in fee even if they don't win the overall prize. At least you have a CHANCE to play for free with weekly in-season prizes.

 

[Bulldog96]

I'd find another league to play in if I were you.

I don't know if I'd do that - nice money available in a 300 dollar league even w/o the commish paying in. Esp. if you otherwise like the league It is unfair, but it's still sweet to snag big money.

With such a big pool of money, are there weekly prizes and other ways to recover some of your pay-in fee? Like a "making the playoffs" bonus of 50 bucks back or some such? Those prizes should be UNAVAILABLE to the commish - and if he is the winner of one of those prizes, the money he woulda won should go into the Super Bowl winner's pot or into a fund for a party for the league or something.

If not, I'd make that an issue as well - if the commish plays for free, the rest of the league should have a chance to hedge their pay-in fee even if they don't win the overall prize. At least you have a CHANCE to play for free with weekly in-season prizes.

Yeah.. the money is definitely nice. There are weekly payouts of $75 each to the High Scorer. It also pays out the Top 3 places. Last year we brought in about $800 with a 2nd place finish + a couple weeklies.The commish finished out of the money. Not sure on weeklies though...

I'm not sure if he pays the league owners back their share of the $300 if he wins. I'm going to find out though.

 

[Shrek]

It's relative to the entry fee.

Small entry (<$50) = OK

Bigger than that, he has to pay.

 

[Eviloutsider]

Smaller money league-25 dollars

I pay plus I have to pay for the trophey, plus I payed for the engravings, plus I pay for the draft materials (board and sheets because they dont even print them out themselves), plus I pay for the drinks and food at the draft, plus I pay for my own stattracker that other people log into and use. I guess I play with a bunch of cheapskates that are just used to not having to pay for anything.

 

[nightshift]

PAY 2 PLAY. Everyone should ante up or step away from the table & observe.

 

[nerangers]

AS commish, I've always kept a small part for administrative fees. I put out a weekly newsletter, and keep spreadsheets and such that are made available to every owner.

Printer cartridges aren't cheap, and the whole season uses up at least one.

That said, $300 is ridiculous. The most I've EVER kept is $40, and I spent at least that on paper, printing materials, draft materials, etc.

(edited for spelling)

Email and a free website should save you the ink cartridge...I do both of them as well. I do then because I enjoy it, not because I have too.As for league expenses, trophy, engraving, etc, are all taken out of the pot before the money is handed out.

 

[Godsbrother]

I've been commish for 15 years. I have always paid and I always host the draft (although everyone brings their own drinks). I don't mind, I just want everyone to enjoy the league.

 

[Despyzer]

I voted that he should pay, but I doubt participation in his league is mandatory. If you don't like the way the league is run, move on or start your own. If you like the league, then suck it up and play the cards you were dealt.

 

[Power Monster]

Pay up like everyone else!

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Whose job is it to collect the league entry fee? Who has to chase down late-payers like an overjealous landlord? Who distributes the cash at the end of the season?

Who is the focal point of complaints, league clarifications and general sandbox-style whining?

If there's a question of collusion or other illegal activity, who has to become detective, bad cop and jury? Who has to do all these things while still somehow trying to manage his own team?

That doesn't count commissioners who put out newsletters, search for new owners, clarify league rules in the off-season, maintain Web sites and try to keep interest high throughout the year. It also doesn't count "dealing with" owners who bail in the middle of the season and having the extra burden of every transaction you make extra-scrutinized like a paroled felon so there's no sign of a "commissioner advantage."

I wouldn't want that job. I'd rather sit back and enjoy playing the game so I have no problem letting the commissioner play for free. It certainly isn't a "free ride" because their time is valuable.

It's nice that some martyr-commissioners talk about how they wouldn't THINK of taking money for the hard work they do. Maybe some servers don't care about getting tips, either-- but I'm still not going to stiff one. If the commissioner provides a service, and that service has value...cheapskate owners shouldn't cry about recognizing the value of that service.

On the other hand, if they can find a packmule commissioner who will do all that work for free, I guess there's nothing wrong with strapping a wagon to them and riding the dumb animal until they collapse, either.

Maybe I see both sides, then. But I'm still glad I don't have that job.

 

[Godsbrother]

Whose job is it to collect the league entry fee? Who has to chase down late-payers like an overjealous landlord? Who distributes the cash at the end of the season?Who is the focal point of complaints, league clarifications and general sandbox-style whining? If there's a question of collusion or other illegal activity, who has to become detective, bad cop and jury? Who has to do all these things while still somehow trying to manage his own team?That doesn't count commissioners who put out newsletters, search for new owners, clarify league rules in the off-season, maintain Web sites and try to keep interest high throughout the year. It also doesn't count "dealing with" owners who bail in the middle of the season and having the extra burden of every transaction you make extra-scrutinized like a paroled felon so there's no sign of a "commissioner advantage."I wouldn't want that job. I'd rather sit back and enjoy playing the game so I have no problem letting the commissioner play for free. It certainly isn't a "free ride" because their time is valuable.

I look at commishing my league as a hobby. I don't expect to get paid for a hobby. If I were in a league with people I didn't know then I guess I would expect some sort of compensation but my league is comprised of close friends. I would just feel weird if I won the league and took their money without risking my own. It would be kinda like inviting buddies over to my house to play poker and while they were betting cash, I was betting with worthless chips.

 

[Pickle Rody]

I've been in many leagues over the last 10 years. I am the commissioner of the one league that I started in 2002 with other friends. We started the league as an off-shoot of another we were in. That league had a commish that got a free ride all year. Things never worked out well at the end of the season. Money did not get paid, etc.

I pay full dues and pay for all trades and waivers I make as if I was just another player. I have won money the past two years and don't feel guilty because I paid in like everybody else. Which is the way it should be. I do a lot of work behind the scenes, but because I pay like everybody else, there is no animosity directed towards me and the guys respect me for the efforts I give every year to make sure the league runs smooth. Every commish should pay, regardless of their workload as commish. There can be no accusations later. I did not like it when I played in a league where the commish rode for free, and I will never take that route. Even if my league offers it to me as some kind of gesture, I would not accept. I play (and pay) to WIN.

Rody

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I've been in many leagues over the last 10 years. I am the commissioner of the one league that I started in 2002 with other friends. We started the league as an off-shoot of another we were in. That league had a commish that got a free ride all year. Things never worked out well at the end of the season. Money did not get paid, etc.

I pay full dues and pay for all trades and waivers I make as if I was just another player. I have won money the past two years and don't feel guilty because I paid in like everybody else. Which is the way it should be. I do a lot of work behind the scenes, but because I pay like everybody else, there is no animosity directed towards me and the guys respect me for the efforts I give every year to make sure the league runs smooth. Every commish should pay, regardless of their workload as commish. There can be no accusations later. I did not like it when I played in a league where the commish rode for free, and I will never take that route. Even if my league offers it to me as some kind of gesture, I would not accept. I play (and pay) to WIN.

Rody

You talk about "feeling guilty" and worry about "animosity" and "accusations." Why do you need to do all that free work to avoid feeling guilty? What kind of friends would accuse you of anything and hold animosity toward you if you chose not to work for free? Sorry, that doesn't make any sense to me.If you're happy with it, that's cool. But that league has a good thing going with you. You have to work for free to keep yourself from feeling guilty, and you refrain from taking money so as to avoid any animosity. I think you'll be a good, hard worker for several years to come. At the right price, too.

 

[BL Titans]

With todays technology, there isn't a whole lot of pencil pushing required

Then you're a lazy Commish IMO.I Commich a couple of leagues. My main one is Dynasty, 12 teams, and I keep the web site going, all rosters and spreadsheets updated, I try to add new and improved stuff to our site and league ......... I spend a LOT of time doing it and I love it. And thats the good side of it. Trying to settle rule debates, deal with problems, sometimes having to line out an owner - all of it takes time.I wouldn't have a problem paying for a Commish entry fee because I know the work that goes along with that title. I don't get a free ride in any league and would never ask it .... but I can see it being a rule for a league and it working out fine.

 

[Mystery Achiever]

AS commish, I've always kept a small part for administrative fees. I put out a weekly newsletter, and keep spreadsheets and such that are made available to every owner.

Printer cartridges aren't cheap, and the whole season uses up at least one.

That said, $300 is ridiculous. The most I've EVER kept is $40, and I spent at least that on paper, printing materials, draft materials, etc.

(edited for spelling)

i'd have no problem with what you do. but agree that the full $300 is excessive.

 

[coolnerd]

If the commish is collecting the fees, especially in a dynasty league, I asume that he has enough financial sense to put the money in some sort of interest bearing account what is separate from his regular funds. Most of the dynasty leagues I play in the fees are collected in before the NFL draft, so let's argue April. He does not have to pay out these out until December. That's 8 months of interest that I have never seen another player ask about. for me the interest collected is his payment for whatever headaches he has a commish. He needs to pay just like everyone else.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I've been a Commish for years. I pay for the team fee ($75) and we take $$ from the fees to pay for the site and trophy. The remainder is 100% given out to winner(s).

The benefits to me of being Commish:

1. I can run a league pretty much how I like to run it. Sure I listen to everyone for comments / suggestions, but in the end the schedule of things are set by me, as is the site to host, the choice of the trophy, payout structures, etc. I'm not a dictator, but picking the time of the draft for me is a big benefit for all the leagues I am in every year.

2. I know every year I'll have a good local league. Invaluable, year over year.

3. I know my league, and the owners. THE LEAGUE IS ABOUT 8-12 GUYS HAVING FUN. Bragging rights, $$, trophies are all a distant second. I like knowing I have a place to hang with guys for 5-6 months a year and talk football (aside from FBG of course).

4. The guys in the league know I do a thankless job and they take care of me if I need it. The respect and thanks of your guys have a value far above your entry fee.

5. I know everyone will get paid.

I'm sure there are more, but those are the top ones for me. Bottom line - I share the cost, but I get intangible benefits.

 

[Kit Fisto]

It's relative to the entry fee.

Small entry (<$50) = OK

Bigger than that, he has to pay.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

I've been a Commish for years. I pay for the team fee ($75) and we take $$ from the fees to pay for the site and trophy. The remainder is 100% given out to winner(s).

The benefits to me of being Commish:

1. I can run a league pretty much how I like to run it. Sure I listen to everyone for comments / suggestions, but in the end the schedule of things are set by me, as is the site to host, the choice of the trophy, payout structures, etc. I'm not a dictator, but picking the time of the draft for me is a big benefit for all the leagues I am in every year.

2. I know every year I'll have a good local league. Invaluable, year over year.

3. I know my league, and the owners. THE LEAGUE IS ABOUT 8-12 GUYS HAVING FUN. Bragging rights, $$, trophies are all a distant second. I like knowing I have a place to hang with guys for 5-6 months a year and talk football (aside from FBG of course).

4. The guys in the league know I do a thankless job and they take care of me if I need it. The respect and thanks of your guys have a value far above your entry fee.

5. I know everyone will get paid.

I'm sure there are more, but those are the top ones for me. Bottom line - I share the cost, but I get intangible benefits.

I am in full agreement.

 

[stugnut]

Of course he should pony up. If he needs this explained to him then he is the type that will never get it. If I was in your situation I would first ask him to start paying. If he didn't want to, I would contact every other owner and tell them I was starting a new leauge, one where the commish paid, one where they would get a higher payout if they won.

Why doesn't he want to use a draftboard? What is he using instead? Put that to a vote. Who wouldn't want to use a draft board??

 

[Ray Pollett]

I comish 5 leagues. They range from $30.00 to $250.00. I pay my fees the same as everyone else. But I do it because I love fantasy Football. I enjoy playing with good knowledgeable people. But if you have a problem with the comish keeping part or not paying fees you have three choices. 1 - Get the league to change it. 2 - accept it if you are enjoying the league. 3 - leave and fine a new league.

I would never join a league where the Comish gets a free ride these days.

 

[roadkill1292]

Back in the days of paper and pencil, my league fees ($75 at the time) were waived. But since we've started using an online service, we've discontinued that practice. It's pretty easy to do now and I like doing the little bit of work required anyway. Also, I've taken on a co-commish and we have virtually no collection problems. All fees are taken out of the pot and the auction is BYO stuff.

I don't think I'd like the commish getting a $300 free ride unless he's doing something awfully special for the league.

 

[Wu-banger]

I run a league for a number of years.... the Commish's job is valuable and can be tough...real tough at times...the stat taking and scoring are easier now with the net but the other aspects still need to be addressed with anyone who prides themselves with correctly running a competitve league.

I always pay the entry fee...and front the money for the league website till draft day.... I get reimberesed at the end of the year by the tip the owner provides me...normally about 10% of the pot...this is an issue I now some of you raised before but I feel it is common curtiosy.

 

[valhallan]

I've been a Commish for years.  I pay for the team fee ($75) and we take $$ from the fees to pay for the site and trophy.  The remainder is 100% given out to winner(s).

The benefits to me of being Commish:

1.  I can run a league pretty much how I like to run it.  Sure I listen to everyone for comments / suggestions, but in the end the schedule of things are set by me, as is the site to host, the choice of the trophy, payout structures, etc.  I'm not a dictator, but picking the time of the draft for me is a big benefit for all the leagues I am in every year. 

2.  I know every year I'll have a good local league.  Invaluable, year over year.

3.  I know my league, and the owners.  THE LEAGUE IS ABOUT 8-12 GUYS HAVING FUN.  Bragging rights, $$, trophies are all a distant second.  I like knowing I have a place to hang with guys for 5-6 months a year and talk football (aside from FBG of course).

4.  The guys in the league know I do a thankless job and they take care of me if I need it.  The respect and thanks of your guys have a value far above your entry fee.

5.  I know everyone will get paid.

I'm sure there are more, but those are the top ones for me.  Bottom line - I share the cost, but I get intangible benefits.

I am in full agreement.

Ditto

 

[Dave Baker]

Easy answer. It depends on the cost of the league and the efforts the commish has to do to put things together.

In general, I say no. But the commish does a lot more than people think, especially in local drafts and dynasty leagues.

 

[BigTex]

There should be a: "HELL NO!" option.

 

[glock]

Whose job is it to collect the league entry fee? Who has to chase down late-payers like an overjealous landlord? Who distributes the cash at the end of the season?

Who is the focal point of complaints, league clarifications and general sandbox-style whining?

If there's a question of collusion or other illegal activity, who has to become detective, bad cop and jury? Who has to do all these things while still somehow trying to manage his own team?

That doesn't count commissioners who put out newsletters, search for new owners, clarify league rules in the off-season, maintain Web sites and try to keep interest high throughout the year. It also doesn't count "dealing with" owners who bail in the middle of the season and having the extra burden of every transaction you make extra-scrutinized like a paroled felon so there's no sign of a "commissioner advantage."

I wouldn't want that job. I'd rather sit back and enjoy playing the game so I have no problem letting the commissioner play for free. It certainly isn't a "free ride" because their time is valuable.

It's nice that some martyr-commissioners talk about how they wouldn't THINK of taking money for the hard work they do. Maybe some servers don't care about getting tips, either-- but I'm still not going to stiff one. If the commissioner provides a service, and that service has value...cheapskate owners shouldn't cry about recognizing the value of that service.

On the other hand, if they can find a packmule commissioner who will do all that work for free, I guess there's nothing wrong with strapping a wagon to them and riding the dumb animal until they collapse, either.

Maybe I see both sides, then. But I'm still glad I don't have that job.

The Commish in my local 12 owner $$ league is the founder as well. He has never paid the $200 entry fee and every year owners break his balls about it......and every year he finds the time (most of the time!) to hammer out an in depth weekly newsletter, post daily updates to our MFL site, pay the MFL fee, call owners to nail down a draft date, host the draft(over his wifes protests), spring for the food and some beer, rent a tent if need be, engrave the trophy (that he bought), and serve as wet nurse for the owners.

Fee paid in my book.

 

[Nemesis]

Whose job is it to collect the league entry fee? Who has to chase down late-payers like an overjealous landlord? Who distributes the cash at the end of the season?

Who is the focal point of complaints, league clarifications and general sandbox-style whining?

If there's a question of collusion or other illegal activity, who has to become detective, bad cop and jury? Who has to do all these things while still somehow trying to manage his own team?

That doesn't count commissioners who put out newsletters, search for new owners, clarify league rules in the off-season, maintain Web sites and try to keep interest high throughout the year. It also doesn't count "dealing with" owners who bail in the middle of the season and having the extra burden of every transaction you make extra-scrutinized like a paroled felon so there's no sign of a "commissioner advantage."

I wouldn't want that job. I'd rather sit back and enjoy playing the game so I have no problem letting the commissioner play for free. It certainly isn't a "free ride" because their time is valuable.

It's nice that some martyr-commissioners talk about how they wouldn't THINK of taking money for the hard work they do. Maybe some servers don't care about getting tips, either-- but I'm still not going to stiff one. If the commissioner provides a service, and that service has value...cheapskate owners shouldn't cry about recognizing the value of that service.

On the other hand, if they can find a packmule commissioner who will do all that work for free, I guess there's nothing wrong with strapping a wagon to them and riding the dumb animal until they collapse, either.

Maybe I see both sides, then. But I'm still glad I don't have that job.

Thank you for expressing many of the headaches that I have to go thru. Maybe other leagues "practically run themselves", but every league that I've played in or run as a commissioner required a considerable amount of time to properly keep things running smoothly, especially as you get into more complex leagues such as keeper leagues or dynasty leagues where there is more yr round involvement. Redraft leagues with automatic FA processing I could see the level of commissioner involvement being less.With that said,......In my league, I pay 1/2 of the $100 entry fee and any transaction that I make. Not a substantial $$ discount, but enough to make it feel like the hours I've worked that nobody sees is appreciated. And BTW, none of my leaguemates have ever questioned this and I ALWAYS begin each season by asking if someone else wants to take over the commissioner's duties (more like BEG them to take this job)......but nobody has ever stepped forward to relieve me.

Now, I DO think that a $300 free ride the original poster spoke of is excessive............and I would offer that he suggest to his league that the commissioner cut his discount to a MORE reasonable amount.

 

[Synthesizer]

Even with the internet, the commish still has his hands full..... getting everyone on the same page with rules, getting everyone together in the preseason, keeping track of every pick during the draft, inputting all rosters after an in-person draft, setting up the schedule, and listening to people complain all year. They deserve a little slack with their entry fee although not paying a dime is a bit much.

 

[Wu-banger]

Whose job is it to collect the league entry fee? Who has to chase down late-payers like an overjealous landlord? Who distributes the cash at the end of the season?

Who is the focal point of complaints, league clarifications and general sandbox-style whining?

If there's a question of collusion or other illegal activity, who has to become detective, bad cop and jury? Who has to do all these things while still somehow trying to manage his own team?

That doesn't count commissioners who put out newsletters, search for new owners, clarify league rules in the off-season, maintain Web sites and try to keep interest high throughout the year. It also doesn't count "dealing with" owners who bail in the middle of the season and having the extra burden of every transaction you make extra-scrutinized like a paroled felon so there's no sign of a "commissioner advantage."

I wouldn't want that job. I'd rather sit back and enjoy playing the game so I have no problem letting the commissioner play for free. It certainly isn't a "free ride" because their time is valuable.

It's nice that some martyr-commissioners talk about how they wouldn't THINK of taking money for the hard work they do. Maybe some servers don't care about getting tips, either-- but I'm still not going to stiff one. If the commissioner provides a service, and that service has value...cheapskate owners shouldn't cry about recognizing the value of that service.

On the other hand, if they can find a packmule commissioner who will do all that  work for free, I guess there's nothing wrong with strapping a wagon to them and riding the dumb animal until they collapse, either.

Maybe I see both sides, then. But I'm still glad I don't have that job.

The Commish in my local 12 owner $$ league is the founder as well. He has never paid the $200 entry fee and every year owners break his balls about it......and every year he finds the time (most of the time!) to hammer out an in depth weekly newsletter, post daily updates to our MFL site, pay the MFL fee, call owners to nail down a draft date, host the draft(over his wifes protests), spring for the food and some beer, rent a tent if need be, engrave the trophy (that he bought), and serve as wet nurse for the owners.

Fee paid in my book.

sounds like the services I provide.... and I still pay the fee. .I like to leave compensation to the owners who finish in the $$

 

[thayman]

Whose job is it to collect the league entry fee? Who has to chase down late-payers like an overjealous landlord? Who distributes the cash at the end of the season?

Who is the focal point of complaints, league clarifications and general sandbox-style whining?

If there's a question of collusion or other illegal activity, who has to become detective, bad cop and jury? Who has to do all these things while still somehow trying to manage his own team?

That doesn't count commissioners who put out newsletters, search for new owners, clarify league rules in the off-season, maintain Web sites and try to keep interest high throughout the year. It also doesn't count "dealing with" owners who bail in the middle of the season and having the extra burden of every transaction you make extra-scrutinized like a paroled felon so there's no sign of a "commissioner advantage."

I wouldn't want that job. I'd rather sit back and enjoy playing the game so I have no problem letting the commissioner play for free. It certainly isn't a "free ride" because their time is valuable.

It's nice that some martyr-commissioners talk about how they wouldn't THINK of taking money for the hard work they do. Maybe some servers don't care about getting tips, either-- but I'm still not going to stiff one. If the commissioner provides a service, and that service has value...cheapskate owners shouldn't cry about recognizing the value of that service.

On the other hand, if they can find a packmule commissioner who will do all that work for free, I guess there's nothing wrong with strapping a wagon to them and riding the dumb animal until they collapse, either.

Maybe I see both sides, then. But I'm still glad I don't have that job.

Cry me a river. I hate the Commish that whines and cries about how hard it is. You knew what you were getting into when you took over as Commish, if you don't like it then don't do it. Like Jeff said earlier you get to run the league pretty much as you see fit, something I've always enjoyed. If your in a league with good owners being a Commish isn't that hard anyway. My big $$ league we rotate the Commish every year, and he pays the full amount.

 

[Chaka]

With todays technology, there isn't a whole lot of pencil pushing required

Then you're a lazy Commish IMO.I Commich a couple of leagues. My main one is Dynasty, 12 teams, and I keep the web site going, all rosters and spreadsheets updated, I try to add new and improved stuff to our site and league ...

Did you design and do you host the website? If so, why? Updated rosters and configurable spreadsheets are fairly common among most fantasy sites. If you do all of this yourself then you are simply reinventing the wheel and that does not make sense. And do you have the website up and running all year round? Again, why pay a yearly fee for a 5 month window of usage?You can make up the money you "save" the league for your "free" web-design services by actually contributing to the cash prize you are vying for.

If you are using a third-party league hosting website (i.e. not designing and hosting the site yourself) then it is not as difficult a job as you are making out, and if it is you need a new service.

... I spend a LOT of time doing it and I love it.

If you love it so much why demand payment?

 

[Chaka]

No free rides.

I hate it when league commissioners act like they are doing their league a grand service at great personal sacrifice when we all know that it would take all of four seconds to find a willing and capable replacement from among the current owners.

If you can't handle the duties of the commish then don't take the job.

 

[easy like sunday morning]

I run a dynasty league that requires a little more work and I still pay. If he isn't going to pay maybe you guys should rotate who is commish each year so everyone gets the advantage. He has a pretty sweet deal going.

 

[Bulldog96]

With todays technology, there isn't a whole lot of pencil pushing required

Then you're a lazy Commish IMO.I Commich a couple of leagues. My main one is Dynasty, 12 teams, and I keep the web site going, all rosters and spreadsheets updated, I try to add new and improved stuff to our site and league ......... I spend a LOT of time doing it and I love it. And thats the good side of it. Trying to settle rule debates, deal with problems, sometimes having to line out an owner - all of it takes time.

I wouldn't have a problem paying for a Commish entry fee because I know the work that goes along with that title. I don't get a free ride in any league and would never ask it .... but I can see it being a rule for a league and it working out fine.

Trust me bro.. I am not lazy. I have enough experience with a PC to be able to move easily around Sportsline, MFL, ESPN, etc... Anyone can do that. It doesn't take much dedication to push a few buttons and move a mouse.However, in my world as a commish...

I do EVERYTHING that needs to be done in a timely manner and I KNOW for a fact that there is NO WAY in hell the work I do should warrant a $300 buy-in. Of course there is extra work that is involved with running a league, however, I've always gone above and beyond the standard "duties" of a commissioner anyway. I'm used to it. (The person in question does much less, trust me, perhaps that's why I'm a little peeved.) There are different degrees of commissioning and my idea of "good" will differ from most league owners idea of what it takes to be "good". It IS a thankless job and most owners have NO IDEA what it takes to do the job well. However, as a commish, I KNOW what it takes when I join a league. (The person involved was your basic, run-of-the-mill, no frills commish. He collected fees, hosted the draft, entered the rosters, and handled transactions/payouts. All that for a free pass in a $300 dollar league... We did the rest.)

Website upkeep is a minor role and one that requires little time if you have a decent league host. Handling draft dates, draft hosts, draft order, keeper lists, website upkeep, league fees, transaction fees, add/drops, roster requirements, weekly highs/lows, weekly studs/duds, survivor VO's/Immunities, and everything else that is a requirement for the job is JUST THAT. It's a requirement for the job that one should do for enjoyment >>> Not for profit. (The person involved has a FREE shot at a possible payout of roughly 1200 + $75 per week over 17 weeks. That free shot comes at the expense of 11 other owners. His own leaguemates.)

I've personally incorporated numerous competitions within the scale of a 17 week season. I make sure that the majority of my owners have a "shot" at winning something back at the end of the season. Afterall, it's THEIR money on the line (mine included). It may not be much but it keeps 'em fighting 'til the bitter end. I've successfully commished a couple of leagues over a ten year period with little to no turnover. Payouts have/will never be an issue. I'd expect full payment on time and would stand for nothing less. I know what it takes to be a commish.

My honesty and integrity is on the line at all times. (If yours isn't, you have never commished a league and therefore cannot form much of an opinion on the matter anyway.) That's what I love about being a commish. All rulings and decisions must be finalized by myself, however, league wide acceptance and majority vote help make those decisions easier. We work as a team, 'cuz without owners there would be NO League. With no league, my Sundays would absolutely suck. It's that simple.

(I take offense to being called lazy, however, you don't really know me so that statement is taken with a grain of salt. The circumstances were a little unclear at the time and I hope I've helped clear 'em up for ya. No harm done and all that.)

 

[RC94]

I've been a Commish for years.  I pay for the team fee ($75) and we take $$ from the fees to pay for the site and trophy.  The remainder is 100% given out to winner(s).

The benefits to me of being Commish:

1.  I can run a league pretty much how I like to run it.  Sure I listen to everyone for comments / suggestions, but in the end the schedule of things are set by me, as is the site to host, the choice of the trophy, payout structures, etc.  I'm not a dictator, but picking the time of the draft for me is a big benefit for all the leagues I am in every year. 

2.  I know every year I'll have a good local league.  Invaluable, year over year.

3.  I know my league, and the owners.  THE LEAGUE IS ABOUT 8-12 GUYS HAVING FUN.  Bragging rights, $$, trophies are all a distant second.  I like knowing I have a place to hang with guys for 5-6 months a year and talk football (aside from FBG of course).

4.  The guys in the league know I do a thankless job and they take care of me if I need it.  The respect and thanks of your guys have a value far above your entry fee.

5.  I know everyone will get paid.

I'm sure there are more, but those are the top ones for me.  Bottom line - I share the cost, but I get intangible benefits.

I am a commish as well and reason #1 in particular is important to me. I would never play in a league where the commish charges a fee, which is essentially what he is doing by not paying.

 

[Your Mom]

In yesteryear with manual scoring and everything else, I was in a few leagues that were like this. In today's internet leagues, it's silly. Once the league is set up so much of it is automatically taken care of that it's ridiculous for anyone to get a free ride.

I agree....not everyone thinks like this though.I did a playoff pool one that I had to score all the individual players by hand (using Excel)....It was $10 to enter....I had a few people mad that I was not going to pay the $10 since I was running it and scoring it all. I think people forget what it was like to score everything by hand.

I would be pissed also. I run a lot of things and i pay all of my fees and never get tipped. If people say to you, "you don't have to pay since you run the thing" then fine. But dont take it upon yourself to choose not to pay.