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Mark wrote: "Yes, IAABO is strong the the Northeast and it does assign games and you must belong to IAABO to get assigned games, but that is no different than being registered by your state high school athletic association to be able to officiate in your state."
I think for officials in "non-IAABO" areas of the country, it may indeed be different b/c they'd be paying an extra fee (for IAABO membership) for little or no tangible return. I see Mark's point that it is sometimes beneficial to join a professional organization, even if there are no direct benefits. But I can also see Rut's side of the argument. If IAABO has no presence in one's area, has no training in that area, and all you get is a Sportorial every other month, then why pay the dues? Just to say "I'm IAABO"? To Rut (perhaps) joining IAABO would be like me joining FIBA.
I live in western MA, so I am an IAABO member. I am fortunate to have the best interpreter in the state, if not all of New England, on my board. His training comes from IAABO, so I get very concrete and positive benefits from being a member. (Not to mention all of my high school game assignments.)
Anyway, that's just my two cents. I am very glad to be an IAABO member. But I can understand that there are those who might not think it worth their while.
Chuck
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