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In MN we have state observers who observe officials who have applied to work the state tournament. You don't know when you will get observed, they show up and meet with you post game. In addition to the verbal post game with the observer you get a written summary within a couple of days. All officials working the game get the same observation process. The state observers get training from the high school league and do get at least travel paid, maybe a small game fee as well. Some of the state observers are still active officials, some are retired from officiating.
These state observations are used in conjunction with coaches ratings, local association input, state sponsored camps, etc to determine state tournament officials. Difficult to say specifically how well the state observation program works but I can say the officials from our association who get to work the state tournament are deserving officials.
Within our local association we require new officials to work 10 games with veteran officials. We typically have an under-varsity/varsity game each game night. The new official works the the whole under varsity game, a half with each veteran official, the other veteran observes. The new official gets a written summary of the game with comments from each official and a score. They must pass, 75 out of 100, at least 10 games before moving on to become a varsity official within the association. The new official gets no official pay for these games but often will be treated to food and/or beverage of choice after the game.
For sure the association new official program including the observations works for us. It helps make sure when you work with a new varsity official you can be confident they have met some minimum requirements and are ready to work the varsity level. It also helps insure new officials are serious about officiating and willing to work to get better.
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