Looking to start a referee business, any idea's ?

[BlackFox40]

Hey guys,

I've been wanting to start a small business something to do with officiating. I'm just not sure how to go about it.
I'm not looking to be an assigner and take a cut out of the referee's hourly rate but I'm sure there's a way I can use my 10 years of experience. Other ref's have suggested I promote basketball tournaments within business, look for sponsors and promote an annual tournament, basketball clinic's, selling supplies ect.
I appreciate your feedbacks. I'm really looking for an Idea that is very creative possibly already in use.

Thanks again my fellow officials!!!!

[JRutledge]

Are you going to give us royalties for the ideas we give you?

Peace

[BlackFox40]

Your idea better be good in order to be paid royalties.

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by BlackFox40
Your idea better be good in order to be paid royalties.

Then why are you asking us for ideas? I do not know anyone that would share a possible idea with you and not want some kind of compensation.

Just something for you to think about. We do live in a litigious society. Just be careful.

Peace

[canuckrefguy]

Originally posted by BlackFox40
Hey guys,

I've been wanting to start a small business something to do with officiating. I'm just not sure how to go about it.
I'm not looking to be an assigner and take a cut out of the referee's hourly rate but I'm sure there's a way I can use my 10 years of experience. Other ref's have suggested I promote basketball tournaments within business, look for sponsors and promote an annual tournament, basketball clinic's, selling supplies ect.
I appreciate your feedbacks. I'm really looking for an Idea that is very creative possibly already in use.

Thanks again my fellow officials!!!!

Whatever you do.....make damn sure to have CHEAP SHIPPING ! ! ! !

[Snake~eyes]

Originally posted by canuckrefguy
Whatever you do.....make damn sure to have CHEAP SHIPPING ! ! ! !

OR suffer the bullsh1t rath of Tony and his profanity.

[IREFU2]

I think the first thing you need to do is find a hand full of "dependable" guys. They I guess the second step would be to organize and start out in the rec leagues.

[bossref]

I would be willing to share some ideas and caveats.

#1 contact league directors to offer services
contact tournament directors
#2 form/organize a group of at least a dozen officials
stress service and professionalism
#3 register a business with good name
protect your business with a contract
conceive a logo for jersey and jacket
#4 acquire liability/accident insurance
#5 construct business guidelines & policies
#6 construct a training manual
conduct a clinic

Build the business but watch your backside.
Consider multiple sports.
Consider private schools.
OK to run your own leagues.
Advertise (free public service announcements)in local
newspapers, websites, radio, TV

I can be reached at [email protected] if you want
to discuss your venture further.

Good luck,
Barry Alman
BOSS Officials, San Diego, CA

[BktBallRef]

I think I read that he wasn't into the assigning gig, boss.

[bossref]

BBRef thanks for pointing out that he wasn't looking
to start assigning. My mistake.

More on topic:

A group was mildly successful around 1990 by running leagues for businesses. I think it was called Corporate Sports America.
Lots of businesses want to build esprit de corps and do so
by sponsoring teams in basketball and softball.

There are also "social" leagues that charge an annual membership and fees per event.

You might want to consider renting a gym for ethnic groups or church affiliated organizations.

[icallfouls]

Start up an internet forum

[BlackFox40]

Thank you guys for all your replies. Looks like I'm going back to the drawing board. With all the clubing I do off season looks like I will be throwing a basketball tournamnet for adults at a college level. I have been asked
by teams for years to throw a basketball tourny with all class A ballers. Meanwhile I will look for other Idea's. Thanks again.

[Edited by BlackFox40 on Mar 9th, 2005 at 08:35 AM]

[refnrev]

Why not open an optical shop? After all, we are all blind aren't we! Or, after doing an AAU tourney this weekend my knees say that a muscle rub company might be good! (Man am I sore!) You might even want to manufacture and sell some Zebra-Chow! I'll stop before I say something else stupid!

[Snake~eyes]

Originally posted by icallfouls
Start up an internet forum

That's a cool idea, with a website too.

[Back In The Saddle]

Get a digital camcorder and charge officials a game fee to video them during a game. Burn the video to DVD and mail it to them.