I officiate sports. Baseball and volleyball. I am an independent contractor working for mutiple organizations. Each organization issues a 1099 for the tax year. I get to deduct the usual expenses-mileage, uniforms, etc... One organization covers mutiple states. In one state, they work a three person crew (baseball) for the post season. They only (supposedly) charge the schools for a two person crew. To cover this gap the don't pay the umpires for scrimmages. For example I am scheduled for three unpaid scrimmages and aprox 25 paid games. The organization does charge the schools for the scrimmages. I actually work in a neighboring state that does charge the schools for all three umpires during the playoffs. Essentially I am working scrimmages and someone else is getting that money for a playoff game later in a different state. One of my umpire friends is checking with a few lawyer friends he has. I guess this is a contract law question. Is this legal? Lots of upheaval in sports officiating these days because of covid and other reasons. Thoughts anyone? Thanks