NASO - To Be or Not To Be......
 

That is the question.

I just received my annual renewal for Referee Magazine. I like the articles, the quizzes, etc. Pretty good value IMO.

Now, they have made me a "special offer" to join the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO).

Question which I haven't seen asked here (for a little while anyway), for you ONE SPORT officials - is it worth it? And, for those MULTI-SPORT officials - if you only did one sport, do you think it would be worth it?

Appreciate the feedback.
Rob

PS - yes, I know I can get books for cheaper and it's tax deductible. ;)

One benefit of NASO, FOR SOME PEOPLE, is access to liability insurance. you need to contact them specifically to see what's available to you, and under what circumstances, but depending on your association, and what non-association things you do, might find this one thing to be worth it.

This topic has come up before. And so far, I've yet to see anyone post anything on how the NASO insurance does anything the NFHS insursance does not in the case of those that are covered by NFHS insurance...which is usually included in being certified/registered by your state. It just seems redunant to me.

For those that do not work NFHS games for their state, the NASO insurance is probably a good idea....unless you've got nothing to lose.

DETAILS ON NFHS: NFHS Officials Association

Camron - I agree that my state has us register and provides liability insurance through NFHS. I believe NFHS insurance covers injuries while officiating which NASO insurance does not. NFHS insurance states they cover you while officiating high school, youth, college or rec ball of sports that your state association administers.

I have carried NASO insurance until this year but I am opting out and only going to order the magazine. I can get 2 years of the magazine for less than 1 year of insurance/magazine.

I do want to state that I think NASO is a great organization and there are other discounts that you receive by being a member which if you travel probably pay for most of the membership. I am opting out because of being insured through NFHS and not needing double coverage.

1) Honigs is offereing a discount to RefMag. If you need the email, let me know.

2) Go over to the baseball board and search / read for "miswest umpire blog" (or something like that). He did a comparison (which I admit I haven't read) of the various insurance options and it shoudl apply to basketball as well.

Be!
 

Great benefits including the insurance if you don't work high school, magazine, and travel discounts. I just saved $80 on a 2 night stay at Marriott with my NASO discount. Just paid for my membership. Plus materials are discounted. Also, it's required by some college supervisors.

Really? I'd be interested in hearing more about this... Have never heard of such a thing.