I want to finish my three part series on cheating in Play-By-Mail leagues by looking at problems and issues with the Commissioner.
A Play-By-Mail league needs to have a Commissioner in order to function. That person collects the game result files, submits the compiled roster files to the league, enforces the League Constitution or League Rules, and acts as the official babysitter of the League. It is first and foremost a thankless job. I think morticians and garbage men are thanked more often than the local League Commissioner.
Personally, I try and avoid the job whenever possible.
As the conduit that the League functions through, the Commissioner has the greatest ability to cheat. He controls what League files are used. He imports all the games. No one audits what he does anymore. Back in the day, when each owner compiled his own statistics, it would be impossible to do this, but now with the computer game and game result files, it would be child's play.
A Commissioner can cheat by manipulating the league files. For example, all player cards can be edited. A Commissioner can modify the league files by adding and removing homeruns from a batter's card. Better year, the whole card can be modified, say switching two pitcher cards. Unless an opponent has the printed cards in front of him, it is unlikely that anyone would ever know. Fortunately, this has never happened to me, but I have heard of it done.
Another way a Commissioner can cheat is by substituting games. When an owner sends three pairs of game result files to the Commissioner's Office, the Commissioner can import two and replay the third game to a different result. As long as he picks a game without any unusual events that an owner might remember, no one would be the wiser. In a good league, there may only be one or two games that would need modification in order to change the results of a season. Again, I've heard of this happening, but it has never happened to me.
If a Commissioner does overtly cheat, that pretty much ends the league. Once he is caught, either he is expelled or all the owners leave. While I've heard of stories about Commissioners manipulating the results, I've never personally seen it.
While manipulating the league files or results would be extremely rare, making unethical decisions happens all the time.
The hardest part of the job of Commissioner is making decisions on the fly on keeping the league fair. You see, we Strat-O-Matic players are too creative when it comes to manipulating the rules. No matter how long one spends searching for just the right combination of words, there will always be loopholes in the League rules. It is either that or have a Constitution that is as readable as the small print that comes with your credit card.
That is why there is a Commissioner. To make those stupid decisions and keep the league functioning. Here are some guidelines for Commissioners and those thinking about becoming one.
1.) Use League Votes
When possible, use a league wide vote. Let the body decide. Unfortunately, decisions often need to be made immediately. To stay on schedule, trying to organize a league vote where all parties have enough time to have a say and some debate is not always possible. If it is possible use it. Keep in mind of the oppression of the majority. Just because a majority owners think it is fair doesn't mean it is good for the League.
2.) Have a Recognized Chain of Authorities
Make sure your League Constitution has a recognized set of authorities. If the Commissioner needs to take a step back because of a conflict of interest, then an Assistant Commissioner should be appointed. In our rules, the team that came in last the previous year and who has had at least one year of experience in the League can act in lieu of both the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner in case both have a conflict of interest. Yes, we really have used that position.
3.) Be Consistent
If you have rules on a specific topic, follow them in every case. If you are consistent, then no one will take offense if they are penalized. If you penalize willy-nilly then someone will get pissed off if you decide to follow through.
4.) What Would Baseball Do?
When all else fails, think about what Major League Baseball would do. As long as you are playing a simulation of Major League Baseball, making a decision similar in your league will seem more realistic.
Conclusion
Unlike Roto, there is a code of honor in a Play-By-Mail league that everyone must follow from the Commissioner to the new owner. Creating rules and making decisions that are fair, consistent and well thought out will make a league that is long lasting and enjoyable for everyone.
JP Kastner is the Commissioner of the Strat-O-Matic Baseball Online Experts’ League and plays in three other Strat-O-Matic leagues. He is also a second year member of Tout Wars in the Mixed League.