[Freddy]

No resources exist that I could find regarding the topic of this thread. Should this be considered a valued exercise, something like this -- adapted from various non-officiating entities -- might at least be a starting point for an association to discuss . . .

Fruit Belt Officials Association Self-Study -- Concept

Rationale: Any association of individuals, in time, in spite of the dedicated, loyal efforts and dedication of leaders and members alike, can benefit from a thorough analysis of “what it’s doing”, “where it’s at”, and “where it’s going.” That's when a "self-study" can serve a group well. A “self-study” is an internally directed project facilitating both internal and external resources by which the association can examine itself and make plans for improvement in the context of its established purpose and objectives, the needs of those it serves, and the changing circumstances surrounding it. Opportunities otherwise unknown to the group commonly lie hidden, able to be revealed only by mining the depths of the minds of everyone involved, or by considering the perspectives of concerned outsiders looking in. “That’s the way we’ve always done it”, even though those ways of doing things are beneficially right-minded, may deprive the association of new ways of doing things and new things to undertake and endeavor. For these and other constructive reasons, a detailed and indepth “self-study” can help prepare members, leaders, and the association as a whole for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in keeping with their stated purpose and objectives.

Particular steps of such a “self-study” might be:

1. A preliminary task force selected by the Board develops or adopts a self-study process
2. The Self-Study Plan forwarded to the Board for revision and refinement
3. Self-Study Plan proposed to members for approval
4. Board selects Self-Study Task Force:
2 active members of the FBOA (non-Board members)
2 moderately active members of the FBOA
1 area athletic director
1 area boys coach
1 area girls coach
1 area non-member businessman/woman
1 area fan
1 member of another local officials association
5. Board meets to conduct a SWOT analysis (perceived Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
6. Board facilitates a SWOT analysis by the members at a general meeting
7. Synthesis of SWOT analyses forwarded to the Task Force for consideration
8. The Task Force, familiarized with the association’s bylaws, analyzes the results of the SWOT analyses, conducts whatever surveys and interviews with members, board members, and trainers it deems necessary, then formulates recommendations for suggest areas of improvement to the board
9. Task Force reports their findings and recommendations to the membership
10. Members vote on recommendations to be forwarded to the board in order of perceived significance
11. Board studies recommendations for adoption, tabling, or rejecting
12. Board reports back to the members the action plan for initiating adopted recommendations