Gas prices in California today.
The reality of gas prices on our pocketbooks.
Since gas prices in California are now over $4/gallon, maybe its time we as officials consider a FUEL SURCHARGE to be added to our invoices for services rendered. I realize this is a sensitive issue but one that I think needs fair consideration in light of the fact that spiraling gas prices are affecting us all.
There probably isn't a bill that you receive each month that doesn't have a FUEL SURCHARGE added to it. If you have ever sponsored a USTA tournament they have more surcharges than even the local electric company--if that is possible. There is a charge to sanction the tournament, a charge to enter the tournament, a charge to register online, and then a charge for player development so the tennis world is well accustomed to surcharges.
To put it in an understandable perspective, less than three years ago the price of gasoline was under $2/gallon. Today it is fast approaching $4/gallon and should be that price country-wide in the near future. If you drive to a moderately close tournament you would use at least two gallons of gas to get there and then two more to get home. That alone is an increase of $8 just in the past couple of years--with no recognizable increase in our rates during that same time period.
While I realize we are not in officiating to make money (even though I don't for a second believe that statement), we are also not in officiating to lose money either. Every official I know loves tennis but also needs the money they make in officiating. If you're not in it to make money, then don't charge at all.
I would recommend from a 6.8% to 8% fuel surcharge on every invoice to begin to recoup some of these losses. Personally, I think the 8% is a better number since it wouldn't force us to increase our rates in the next year or two to even stay near inflation.
If you work a 6 hour shift for $15/hour, a 6.8% fuel charge would amount to a $1/hour increase. I don't see how you could consider that a huge increase with all of today's increases in every area of our lives.
I thought I would just throw the thought out there for consideration. By the time this policy would be in effect (if it ever would), the price of gasoline will be well over $4.50/gallon and then what will we do?
For those of you who don't think higher prices are coming (and I mean really higher prices) be sure to read this article (and you didn't think $6/gallon was upon us):
11 comments:
Great! Now my daughter pays more for her tournament! Either way we all pay!!!!!
We are independent contractors...get higher fees rather than imposing a fuel surcharge.
I totally agree with that but most officials run like a scalded cat from a rate increase.
Referees- We Officials - that make a living doing this job - beg you... CHARGE THEM AS MUCH AS YOU CAN!
We do not care if the parents have to pay higher tournament fees or if the Tournament Organizers have to get sponsors - or if the TD's make less money - that is their choice!
We are USTA MANDATORY - we have to be there - they have to pay us!
ALSO, PLEASE add on an extra .50 because the cost of a BIG MAC is going up - and if possible add another .35 cents because the cost of a BIG GULP is going through the roof! ONE MORE THING Please add on a .07 for the cost of lead for my pencil - have you seen the cost of lead lately?
Thanks - just another GREEDY Official....
Why are officials entitled to adding a fuel surcharge to go to work? Everyone that has a job has to drive to and from their job. Should they also be asking for a fuel surcharge from their employer?
Let's see, MTOA doesn't have a travel allowance in it's billing for officials. So a 'fuel surcharge' of 6% on 0 = $0 extra travel allowance. Works for me!!
Anon 8:31 -
You need to be on a diet like all the other Officials... you and your Big Gulp!!!
For that reason ALONE - I would not try and get extra monies out of these people!!!!
All of you Officials are FAT! I say sit on your BUTT and watch my daughter play - eat your "dead Chicken Sandwich" and drink it down with your BIG GULP!!!
That is FUNNY!
It's simple folks. If you don't like the pay or lack of benefits don't work!!!! Unfortunately, for some of our tennis officials, forgoing the work won't necessarily mean Big Uncle will step in to make sure your comfort demands are met.
Some of us work because we love tennis and love all that is associated with officiating but we are also going to continue to work for good wages and benefits. If you don't like that, don't join us and keep making what you are making.
Better yet, if you don't do it for the money then don't charge the tournament for your services. I'm sure they would greatly appreciate you.
Update: they don't do it for the money.
They actually enjoy being around the game of tennis on all levels.
BUT they would like to have minimum wage, some food allowance and a room at night, after the 14 hour day.
Referees get these basics for the umpires they work with,
glad to have good umpires, and the event organizers are glad to have it all taken care of.
Fuel surcharge is a bad idea.
The assignor/coordinator bargins for a rate, to include the day, the food, the travel and the housing.
Make it $150--250 per day, but avoid
the parceling the nickles and dimes.
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