[JRutledge]

In Illinois, we have associations. It is not required to belong to one, but it sure does help. Each association if very different and has different benefits and training expectations. I belong to one of the best associations in Football. We have several Big 10 Officials in Football just from our association. And many former NFL Officials were from this association too.

Now for Basketball I am about to join an association that had members that are NBA and NCAA D1 Officials.

Basically associations in Illinois are there to train and help recruit newer officials. Associations are not there to provide games for their members. Yes, you can get games being a member of some associations and certain conferences are mainly tied to certain associations, but it is very difficult to get all members to work for just one conference.

Basically my state seems to be a little different than others I have heard officials talk about on this board and other boards. We are truly independent contractors in Illinois. And I work for about 5 assignors and none of these assignors require me to be apart of any particular associations. Now they might want or recommend me and other officials to belong to an association, but it does not mean that if I belong to a particualar association, that I cannot work for many assignors that have no ties to associations that assignors might be members of.

Actually to get games, you have to attend camps that assignors go to. And if you are good enough or meet the individuals requirements (ranking, experiences, availibility, just to name a few), then you will be hired by them to do High School or College level games if asked.

Basically, associations are there to encourage comradery among officials through training and fellowship if you will. And in that, if you gain mentors and friends while becoming a better official, so be it.

Peace