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I'm new, take what makes sense, ignore the rest.
I think you are doing a great service to your community. As you know, to do it right will take a LOT of work on your part.
I am trying to become a certified official. I am currently a referee for children. I have a limited knowledge of what you are trying to do. That being said, here are some things to consider:
Just as you are trying to develop good basketball players of children, so too can you help to develop good referees from rookies. Contact the local "association" (start NFHS and work your way down to your state, then to your local association) Most should have mentoring programs. Any new ref will value getting the experience "on the floor".
Have a grading session. Evaluate the players' talents. YOU PICK THE TEAMS AND MAKE THEM AS FAIR AS YOU CAN!
Get the NFHS rule book and learn the rules. (Get books for each coach and referee. (Decide what rule changes you would like for your kids)
Don't forget that you need scorekeepers and timers (don't try to get volunteers from the audience each game)
Schedule your games the same night each week. Pay them a FAIR price to ref a couple of games that night. The asscociation can advise you as to what is fair. (that way they can make a commitment and it allows them time to schedule their time)
Have a meeting at the beginning of the season. This will include coaches, referees, and yourself. Discuss rule changes. Listen to their input. Agree on what rule changes will be observed. Stress SPORTSMANSHIP. Remind everyone, the goal is to develop skills and sportsmanship.
The important thing is the children. Coaches and Referees are there for the Kids. Nobody goes to the game to see the Ref. Nobody goes to the game to see the Coach. If your coaches and refs can't sign on to this philosophy, get new ones.
Develop a plan to increase knowledge and "calls" as the season progresses. For example, the first week, coaches will concentrate on the basics, like inbounding the ball, dribbling, proper defense(no contact), foul shooting (without lane violations). Refs will concentrate on things like traveling, proper inbounds (our kids can't cross the opponets foul line until the ball is inbounded, sort of "free ins"), and yes fouls.
The coaches job is to teach the basics and good sportsmanship. The kids will learn. BUT, the message does not sink in until they make the mistake on the floor and the whistle blows. If the ref doesn't call a foul, they won't learn not to foul, no matter what the coach does.
The kids will learn mostly from their coaches' EXAMPLE. If the coach is a good sport, the kids will learn to be a good sport.
The coaches and the refs MUST WORK TOGETHER. They are on the same team. The kids are the stars.
And remember (and remind the coaches and refs) NO matter what you do, you can't teach these kids EVERYTHING in one season. So decide what you will teach them this year, and make sure the coaches and refs work together to teach them those things.
Hope this helps.
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