Date:         Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:02:40 -0700
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
              <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees
              <[log in to unmask]>
From:         Mark Merritt <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Tracking down those payments for refereeing
In-Reply-To:  <45273FB841DF4CD3B378BCCA045A4737@ITTB8PFSC1>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

The solution to this issue is the role of a "paymaster".

I contract with* *each schools in our region to handle the calculation of
stipends and match fees.  I collect executed contracts, W9s, send out 1099s,
etc.  The assignor runs the show via arbiter and referees are paid via
RefPay.  The schools no longer have hundreds of vendors but a single source
vendor.  The referees get a consistent form of remittance advice that they
can refer to electronically at any time.  Win-Win.

It started up when I decided to start making noise about the personal
security issues of constantly leaving W9 information literally drifting in
the wind at the scorer's table next to the fields, and gained momentum when
I spoke with several AD admin assistants and bookkeepers who were delighted
at the prospect of not having to handle these payments.  It reached critical
mass when I pointed out that several schools were not even paying the proper
sums and that several schools consistently paid late.  For a small sum, I've
taken it off their hands.

I set up a "agency account" entity with the IRS, and got an EIN, so the tax
man is happy as well.

Cheers,
Mark

On Sat, Dec 19, 2009 at 9:47 AM, Tom Stagliano <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Here in MA, the high school and college soccer seasons were finished in
> early November with playoffs, etc. finished prior to Thanksgiving.
>
> Every year, as I review the soccer season and prepare my Paperwork for
> filing a Schedule C with my Federal and State taxes, I note that some
> schools haven't paid me yet.
>
> Here is an example of an e-mail that I have sent to a high school
> (similarly
> for colleges) at least 30 days after the game:
>
> ---------
>
> AD NNNNNNNNNN
>
> I hope this e-mail finds you and GGGGGGGG HS doing well.
>
> The Fall 2009 high soccer season has drawn to a close, and I have been
> reviewing the games I officiated and whether I have received a payment.
>
> In reviewing the post-season tournament game I officiated at your HS, I
> have
> not yet received the payment.
>
> Boys Varsity soccer game (vs. JJJJJJJ) played on Monday, November 9th.
>
> I know I filled out the form, and it may have gotten misplaced.   If you
> need any other information from me, please do not hesitate to ask.
>
> Thank you, all the best in the winter sports season, and have a Happy
> Holidays
>
>                   Tom
>
> {Followed with my complete address and phone numbers}
> -------------
>
> I sent out several of these types of e-mails.   In each case I received a
> prompt and very polite return e-mail, apologizing for the delay and
> promising to send the check ASAP.   I have then forwarded the reply to my
> partners for that game to alert them to the pay issue, and in each case
> they
> have thanked me for taking the lead in following up with the schools. I
> have
> received most of the delayed checks and the remainder are "in the mail".
>
>
> If we all maintain a level of Professionalism and remain the coolest and
> calmest head on the field (or in the e-mail), we will be able to best
> manage
> the situation.
>
> All the best
>             - Stag
>