[JRutledge]

We started every meeting this year with a "New Officials" meeting which lasted a half hour. The topics were very basic in the meeting and dealt with things that were very basic in nature. Topics like "How to get games, Moving up, Looking the part, Being Patient."

Then our regular meetings consisted of rules presentations and mechanics discussions. We had about 7 meetings until the season started. We also have a mentor program to help younger officials get evaluated by officials that have achieved either varsity ball or college ball. We have a wrap up meeting at the end of the season and banquet. Now this is the official's association that I am the vice-president of that I am referencing.

I belong to some other groups and they do similar things. They all try to do things that help younger officials. Some have a session specific for newer officials, others do not. It is common for associations to cover specific rules and mechanics.

Peace