Transcript How to Train New Sports Officials

How to Train New Sports Officials
Scott A. Ollar, B.A., J.D.
FHSAA Basketball Referee
ATA Martial Arts Judge
Where to find new referees.
It is the responsibility of every referee to
try to bring new officials into the
profession. Start with the obvious:
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Adult friends or family members
who are current or former athletes.
If your children are interested in
sports, get them officiating.
Look for knowledgeable parents
attending their kids’ games.
Consider you co-workers.
Consider adults you are officiating in
adult leagues.
Recent retirees in good health
looking for extra income or exercise.
Teachers or church members.
RECRUIT WOMEN!
RECRUIT MINORITIES!
Now that you’ve recruited a new
referee:
Get them registered with FHSAA.
Help them identify their local official’s association.
Responsibilities of
local officials’
association.
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Hold periodic meetings where
new officials can meet
experienced officials in a collegial
environment.
Provide new officials with all
relevant FHSAA written material,
including Official Rule Book,
Casebooks, Officials Manual.
Explain online testing process.
Prepare new referees for online
test through rule review sessions,
going over past tests, or
discussing frequently recurring
test topics.
Have senior officials give short
presentations on officiating
mechanics, specific rule
interpretation/application, or
actual game scenarios. New
referees must be encouraged to
LEARN THE RULES of their
chosen sport and participate in
the discussion.
Take advantage of local
youth leagues, YMCA, or
church leagues.
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Young players more respectful
of authority.
Parents often more interested
in having their kids learn how
to play properly (and have fun)
than they are in the final score.
Less pressure.
Smaller, more supportive
crowds.
Use blended officiating crews,
so new referees can learn by
observing experienced officials
with solid mechanics and
knowledge of the rules.
Have an evaluation committee
member observe and critique
new officials.
After a new referee
has learned the basics,
encourage them to
officiate in an adult
league…
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Rougher games
Less respect from players, less
patience for incorrect calls
You will have to learn to control
a game in stressful situations
You will learn when physical
play is escalating beyond safe
levels
You learn how to control players
and coaches by calling strategic
personal and technical fouls
You learn to control your fear
It builds confidence and
COMPETENCE to officiate an
adult league game
Goals of Mentor
Relationship
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Establish a one to one
relationship between a new
referee and an experienced
referee.
Provide support and
advice.
Identify strengths and
weaknesses of new referee.
Develop the strengths while
working on the weaknesses.
Reinvigorate experienced
referees with infusion of
new talent.