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Pavelich says promoters are paying some MMA referees extra "appearance" fees to work events.
"It's outrageous and absolutely inappropriate. These certain referees are charging anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 just to show up, bark out a catchphrase, and supervise a fight. But these fees aren't being paid by any commission. They are paid by a show owner or promoter," Pavelich said in a recent MFC newsletter. "[...]
And how can you not call into question the ethics of these referees. Would you not expect their loyalties to be torn when some promoter is willing to pay them 10K, and that same referee is then calling the action when the promoter's top fighters are in action."
Pavelich says commissions need to lay down the law.
"There are a number of very good referees out there, including those that have worked recent MFC events. But even they shouldn't be allowed to just toss out a price tag, or have a commission toss out one for them. There should be a pay scale in place — here's what you get paid (plus reasonable expenses) … take it or leave it," said Pavelich.
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I wonder what happens with that appearance fee for future events, if they happen to make a call that the promoter doesn't like.
"It's outrageous and absolutely inappropriate. These certain referees are charging anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 just to show up, bark out a catchphrase, and supervise a fight. But these fees aren't being paid by any commission. They are paid by a show owner or promoter," Pavelich said in a recent MFC newsletter. "[...]
And how can you not call into question the ethics of these referees. Would you not expect their loyalties to be torn when some promoter is willing to pay them 10K, and that same referee is then calling the action when the promoter's top fighters are in action."
Pavelich says commissions need to lay down the law.
"There are a number of very good referees out there, including those that have worked recent MFC events. But even they shouldn't be allowed to just toss out a price tag, or have a commission toss out one for them. There should be a pay scale in place — here's what you get paid (plus reasonable expenses) … take it or leave it," said Pavelich.
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I wonder what happens with that appearance fee for future events, if they happen to make a call that the promoter doesn't like.
