Officials Mini-camp

[Gutierrez7]

Sports fans, (my idea of humor)

I wanted to share with you something our local Board conducted last night in preparation for the upcoming HS season and continuing education. We led a free mini officials camp for a handful of 1-5yr experienced newer officials. (Many thanks to our local Boy's & Girl's Club) Actually, we have conducted several of these recently and I thought this camp/game was the best received and something our Board plans to continue in the future.

Since our Boys HS season does not begin until next week, we invited two local Boys JV HS teams to play a scrimmage. We ran a six-quarter scrimmage in which we had two newer officials officiate for one quarter and three veteran officials video/iPad and take notes on improvement suggestions. (I am sure someone will have a wisecrack) During a two-quarter break, the veteran and new officials reviewed on iPads the previous quarter worked. Afterwards, the two newer officials worked another quarter and reviewed accordingly. Think of a condensed IAABO Camp held in one night.

This event was a win/win/win event for all. We had a controlled environment to work with newer officials; the players were able to get a good tune up for upcoming tryouts and parents/some fans/ and coaches were able to watch.

Please share other ideas your Board conducts to continue newer officials education.