Captains-would you pay league fees/ court costs for a good player?
- Thread starter goober
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Totai
Professional
For a strong player for whom money is an issue (or maybe they are really cheap:twisted, and who basically won't join your team unless you pay for all of the costs- would you pony up? The court fees are pretty small in this case ($5/match).
I hope not...If the person is truly in financial difficulties, then maybe, but if the person is just cheap, then hell no
My co-captain and myself have paid team members fees in the past. Mostly cause they procrastinated signing up themselves. The premise was the players we signed up would pay us back. Sometimes we got the money, sometimes not.
I would never offer to pay just to get a person to play. If that was the basis for their play their commitment to the team would likely be low. If the player was very young and had little money that may be a different story.
I would never offer to pay just to get a person to play. If that was the basis for their play their commitment to the team would likely be low. If the player was very young and had little money that may be a different story.
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Totai
Professional
I just can't pay $37 a match to play mixed but will play for free even though I feel stupid for someone else paying.
They offered to pay so I said ok.
I think its alright, but in the end it shows the comitment level of the dood you're paying for.
$37 per match per player? Thats just ridiculous
JoelDali
Bionic Poster
Yeah.
I just cannot justify $37.00 a match for mixed doubles and 3 hour round trips. Its just insane.
But, I like the idea of being a paid (expenses only) ringer (its turns me on) and helping a good friend maintain a playoff spot.
atatu
Legend
I had a kid on my team last year who was a telemarketing guy, he made minimum wage and ate ramen for most of his meals. I paid his league fee, paid to get his frames restrung and bought him lunch a couple of times after matches. He wasn't even one of my best players, but I didn't have a problem helping him out.
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duketennisgal
Rookie
I've had my fees paid for before, but I honestly didn't know that's what was happening. I was just out of college and didn't have any money but was asked to be on a local club team. I said yes, practiced with the team, took group lessons with the team and played for the team. Not until later did I know that all of that cost money and that one of the captains had paid it all for me. She really is one of the nicest players I've met and I felt bad about it when I found out but after I found out the cost there's no way I would have been able to pay.
I would never accept that now, I make enough money to cover myself and while I might feel flattered if it was offered I would never let somebody else pay for me.
If I were a captain I think I would pay in a situation like what I was in, some kid that just can't afford it elsewise.
I would never accept that now, I make enough money to cover myself and while I might feel flattered if it was offered I would never let somebody else pay for me.
If I were a captain I think I would pay in a situation like what I was in, some kid that just can't afford it elsewise.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
I paid a player's court fees once.
I had a player who had been on my team for many seasons. She also played on many other teams. She was always a bit of a slow pay, but she always paid.
Then one year she stopped responding to requests for payment. Finally she said she had lost her job and then lost her house in foreclosure and was declaring bankruptcy. I told her I would pick up her fees. I figured that if someone was dealing with all of that, she probably needed a bit of tennis fun in her life, you know? Maybe someone will help me out if I ever get in a jam like that . . . .
I had a player who had been on my team for many seasons. She also played on many other teams. She was always a bit of a slow pay, but she always paid.
Then one year she stopped responding to requests for payment. Finally she said she had lost her job and then lost her house in foreclosure and was declaring bankruptcy. I told her I would pick up her fees. I figured that if someone was dealing with all of that, she probably needed a bit of tennis fun in her life, you know? Maybe someone will help me out if I ever get in a jam like that . . . .
Angle Queen
Professional
^^ Good on you, Cindy.
Our family was going through a rough (financial) period this year and a friend paid for a childcare credit for me. I didn't realize it at the time...but I am oooohhhh so grateful. I feel kind of bad now, and have tried to make it up to her. Thankfully, things are better now.
I can't imagine, though...playing...for pay. Luckily, our "fees" are so reasonable...everything from the club membership, USTA league fees, (there are no "court" fees, per se), and even those childcare fees. But at the time, even that $20 helped out. *sigh*
Our family was going through a rough (financial) period this year and a friend paid for a childcare credit for me. I didn't realize it at the time...but I am oooohhhh so grateful. I feel kind of bad now, and have tried to make it up to her.
Thankfully, things are better now.I can't imagine, though...playing...for pay. Luckily, our "fees" are so reasonable...everything from the club membership, USTA league fees, (there are no "court" fees, per se), and even those childcare fees. But at the time, even that $20 helped out. *sigh*
OrangePower
Legend
As captain, I've paid on behalf on team members with the expectation of being paid back, although there have been a couple of times where I was not paid back.
If a friend or teammember was in financial need, I would consider paying for them, whether I'm the captain or not. It would have nothing to do with how good or bad a player they are. And I don't think the captain should bear the burden of paying in this case - those teammembers who can afford it and are friends with the player in need should all chip in to help.
I would never as captain consider paying for someone who has not been on the team before and is not in need purely because they are a strong player and I want them on my team. That's like hiring a mercenary, and I don't think it's appropriate for recreational tennis.
If a friend or teammember was in financial need, I would consider paying for them, whether I'm the captain or not. It would have nothing to do with how good or bad a player they are. And I don't think the captain should bear the burden of paying in this case - those teammembers who can afford it and are friends with the player in need should all chip in to help.
I would never as captain consider paying for someone who has not been on the team before and is not in need purely because they are a strong player and I want them on my team. That's like hiring a mercenary, and I don't think it's appropriate for recreational tennis.
You are so kind.
Yes, that's in Metro NYC. Just imagine you are a solid player and play against some opponents have no expectation at all. They treat the match like paying for semi private lesson. And you still have to pay to give them lesson. My wallet always cries when these happened. This season, I will join a weak team and have a chance to play good players from other good team.
Paying for a player. Yes, this happened for a competitive teams. I have no problem with that. Some player got bonus in cash when they win.
beststringer
Rookie
For a strong player for whom money is an issue (or maybe they are really cheap:twisted
I would do it. 1 or 2 more match wins can be huge near the end of the season.
I paid court fees for about 1/2 of my team and did free stringing for them (with free $10/set strings) if they played well.
I agree with this. I would pay for a friend in need, especially if it is an outdoor league and the court fees aren't outrageous, but I wouldn't pay for someone I don't know or barely know just because he is really good and I want to win. That is against the spirit of recreational tennis (or rec sports in general).
I can understand (but don't approve) paying someone's fee if you know you'll get it back. You lend it to them because they are a flake or something. I can see a parent paying his or her kids fee. I can see someone paying their girlfriend or boyfriends fee for mixed if they don't want to play partially because of money.
But to pay someone's fee because they are a great player and you need them to help you win??? I have two problems with that.
1: I don't respect people who want to buy their wins.
2: If they are so good that they are worth paying for, then they are playing (down) at the wrong level.
But to pay someone's fee because they are a great player and you need them to help you win??? I have two problems with that.
1: I don't respect people who want to buy their wins.
2: If they are so good that they are worth paying for, then they are playing (down) at the wrong level.
I've had a captain ask me to play for his team and he paid my dues. I did pay him back but I don't think it was his expectation that I did so. He was willing to pay to have me on the team.
My thought is...if you go "recruiting" a player and you feel they are worth it then you should pay for that person with the hope that you'll get paid back but with the expectation that you won't.
My thought is...if you go "recruiting" a player and you feel they are worth it then you should pay for that person with the hope that you'll get paid back but with the expectation that you won't.
goober
Legend
How about a ringer that was in need?:wink:
Totai
Professional
Yeah.
I just cannot justify $37.00 a match for mixed doubles and 3 hour round trips. Its just insane.
But, I like the idea of being a paid (expenses only) ringer (its turns me on) and helping a good friend maintain a playoff spot.
If I had to pay $37 for a match and drive 3 hour round trips just to play, I will quit tennis
E
eliza
Guest
That's CHEATING, plain and simple, and should be reported to USTA, even if I do not think they would do anything..................
goober
Legend
which part is cheating?
Paying someone's fee? Not cheating. Probably happens in every league on many teams whether because someone procrastinates and forgets and the captain doesn't want to miss the deadline, a player is having financial problems or a whole host of other reasons.
Player playing below their level? Well if they have a Computer or Benchmark rating they ARE playing at their correct level even if they happen to be at the top of their level. If they are a self rated ringer they will eventually get DQ'ed unless they deliberately lose matches (which is cheating).
I completely miss the plain and simple part. Are there ANY circumstances where you would actually able to report someone to the USTA for paying another person's fees?
JoelDali
Bionic Poster
And that is why I'm a glutton for the sport.
Playing mixed for that much $ having to take trains very far away isn't appealing, but if you're paying then sure why not.
We play the 1st place team Sunday, I'm looking forward to taking names, Mixed style baby.
OrangePower
Legend
Ask yourself these two questions, and be honest with yourself...
1. Yes or no; if this person was somewhat weaker than they really are, would you still want them on your team and consider paying for them?
2. Yes or no; if this person was somewhat weaker than they really are, would they still be asking you to pay for them?
If yes to both questions, then go ahead and pay for your ringer. If no to either/both questions, then you should not pay for this person.
OrangePower
Legend
^^^^^ Of course I'm assuming that you'd rather get 'honest' wins rather than paying for wins.
If (1) you don't care how you get the wins and (2) you can afford it, then by all means go ahead and buy as many ringers as you can. Maybe even offer your players a 'win' bonus - maybe $100 per win? I'm sure once word gets around you will be able to put together a very strong team.
If (1) you don't care how you get the wins and (2) you can afford it, then by all means go ahead and buy as many ringers as you can. Maybe even offer your players a 'win' bonus - maybe $100 per win? I'm sure once word gets around you will be able to put together a very strong team.
If someone is so poor that they're making life decisions between spending money to play tennis or being able to make enough money to put food on the table, I would question their priorities rather than figuring out if they're any good on the tennis court.
Paying for someone or being asked to cover someone's fees is a complete pain in the ass. No one genuinely poor would know what a hobby is if it hit them in the head because they're probably too busy picking up a second job somewhere.
Paying for someone or being asked to cover someone's fees is a complete pain in the ass. No one genuinely poor would know what a hobby is if it hit them in the head because they're probably too busy picking up a second job somewhere.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
^If you've been paying attention to the economy, you'll recall that there are a lot of people who used to enjoy nice lifestyles who are now struggling. So it is quite conceivable that someone might suffer a reversal of fortune that leaves them with inadequate funds for luxuries like tennis.
Whether you want to help them out so they can continue to play a while longer is totally up to you.
Whether you want to help them out so they can continue to play a while longer is totally up to you.
Although you may not know any, there are some truly generous folks out there. I've had a couple of younger college age kids insist they could not afford the fees. My co-captain and I made it clear that us paying the fee was not problem. All they needed to do was show up and play the match. No big deal.
In both cases the young player paid the fees the following years.
As a whole and in general your statements are true. Not knowing each case when and why a captain plays another players fee is unknown. Legitimate or not who is to say?
^ I'm not all that concerned about the legitimacy of paying for someone's fees. It's a free country so do what you want.
As a captain, I make it a point that I don't do this because I the people I've run into who asked me to cover for them fall into two categories:
1. The "poor" guy who can't manage his money: In this case, the man asked me to cover his fees because he said he was strapped for cash but makes it known to everyone that he likes to go barhopping and sing karaoke on weekends, easily blowing at least $150 every weekend. Yeah, everyone knows he's poor, but you can't help but to think a lot of his financial difficulties are self-inflicted and it's hard to be sympathetic.
2. The cheapskate: I invited a woman to join my mixed team because I wanted to carry one more woman due to a string of injuries and illnesses and she was joining towards the end of the season. She said she would only join if I paid for all the fees, even though she wouldn't be paying as much as the others since I was through with 70% of the season at that point but my team was playoff-bound. I also know for a fact that she is a stay-at-home mom and her husband makes enough for the family of five. If she's got it like that and is being petty about paying incidental fees, I just told her to get lost and managed to make it through the season.
I like to think that being generous is not a thing of the past, but as someone who is concerned about the bottom line, I can't help but notice the kind of people out there who will take advantage of someone's good will. Push comes to shove, tennis is just a hobby. If you can't afford it, nobody said you have to play.
As a captain, I make it a point that I don't do this because I the people I've run into who asked me to cover for them fall into two categories:
1. The "poor" guy who can't manage his money: In this case, the man asked me to cover his fees because he said he was strapped for cash but makes it known to everyone that he likes to go barhopping and sing karaoke on weekends, easily blowing at least $150 every weekend. Yeah, everyone knows he's poor, but you can't help but to think a lot of his financial difficulties are self-inflicted and it's hard to be sympathetic.
2. The cheapskate: I invited a woman to join my mixed team because I wanted to carry one more woman due to a string of injuries and illnesses and she was joining towards the end of the season. She said she would only join if I paid for all the fees, even though she wouldn't be paying as much as the others since I was through with 70% of the season at that point but my team was playoff-bound. I also know for a fact that she is a stay-at-home mom and her husband makes enough for the family of five. If she's got it like that and is being petty about paying incidental fees, I just told her to get lost and managed to make it through the season.
I like to think that being generous is not a thing of the past, but as someone who is concerned about the bottom line, I can't help but notice the kind of people out there who will take advantage of someone's good will. Push comes to shove, tennis is just a hobby. If you can't afford it, nobody said you have to play.
Totai
Professional
Tennis is not a hobby, its a lifestyle
I follow you now and agree with your senarios.
