[Bob M.]

REPLY: Poosh, the size of a local organization varies greatly depending on where it's located and the number of schools it needs to cover. My local association services the northern portion of NJ. It is one of the most densely populated areas in the US, having mostly city and town high schools as opposed to having many big regional schools. Our association has 425 active members and we can barely field enough officials to cover the varsity load on the weekends. We have a one-year training/mentoring program after which successful completion puts the official in line for varsity action the following season. They may not all be ready for it, but we have to play the numbers game.