Court Finds U.S. Open Officials Contractors, Not Employees

A New York federal judge confirmed that the U.S. Tennis Association properly classifies U.S. Open tennis officials as independent contractors, not employees. During match play of the 2011 U.S. Open, officials petitioned for an overtime wage violation class action against the tennis organization, claiming they should be considered employees because they wear uniforms, abided by a schedule, and were required to officiate according to USTA rules. The judge, however, noted that officials practiced autonomy in when to make calls, whether to punish players, discretion to suspend matches based on weather conditions – and whether to officiate at all at the Open, and on what days.