I've been asked to give a talk in February at Oregon State University about women in officiating. I don't intend to use all the time myself, but rather, I hope to drag along a vet or two from around here. But what points should we make? I'd be interested in hearing from any women who are lurking out there (Doghead, where have you been?!?!), what might be worth saying to college students. Men who have constructive suggestions could also chip in. Jokes might be appropriate if not demeaning. If I get organized enough to type up notes, I'll post them soemwhere for people to read afterwards.

Did you hear about the blonde referee......?

We're always here for you if you need us ,Juulie.

Public Speaking 101
 

What is the overall focus of the convention? What type of audience are you presenting to? Prospective female officials, college students, professional women in the community, etc...

How many people will you be addressing? 1, 10, 100, ...???

How much time do you have? 10 minutes, 30 minutes, hour, etc....

Do you have resources available to assist you through the presentation? Overhead projector, Powerpoint, Handouts, etc...

Willie --

Yes, Public Speaking 101 is EXACTLY what I need. I'm not experienced, at all. The audience will be mostly college students, mostly women, and probably largely athletes, we're guessing 100 to 300. It's "Women's Week" on campus, and this particular day is "Women in Athletics". They have a pro basketball player (female), I'm not sure whom, and I think an OSU coach (female), and an historian who is doing a PhD thesis on women in sports. I get an hour, with whatever AV stuff I want, and must leave another 30 minutes for questions and discussion. I've got a lot to live up to because my son has made a big splash on campus, in terms of politics, and I will need to measure up as his mother. In fact, the reason I get to share billing with all these illustrious athletes is that I "must be substantial to have raised such an amazing young man." I definitely plan to take another official with more experience, and higher level experience, to help me out. But what does one say of value, when all the other speakers are professionals with years of experience and background?

Juulie,
Definitely share some of your experiences in officiating...good, bad, funny, sobering, etc.
Maybe talk about how you decided to get into this crazy "field".
Tell some of your goals...i.e. A State Championship game or maybe a full Varsity Scheldule.
Talk about all the great people you have met since becoming an official. ;)
You could talk about how officiating has kept you close to the Athletics you love!
How officiating has allowed you to "deal" with young people and old coaches...the former being easier. :D
And last but not least...talk to your buddy MP...I'm sure he'll have a good story or two for you to pass on.

Dude

First of all, remember that you also are a professional with years of experience...talk about how much fun you have and the benefits you have gotten from reffing...also talk about the opportunities out there for female refs...and if none of that works, wow them with pictures of your son...

Juulie - I'll see you on the court a few times before you have to do this. Don't worry, I'll tell you plenty of jokes.

Some of them, you can even use! :p

Get some numbers if possible
 

You have a great audience from which to recruit female refs. Find out how much female participation in athletics has risen (especially since Title IX) and see if you can't get some numbers on female refs at various levels of play (HS varsity and up) and compare it to athletic participation. I am sure that the reffing numbers are way low compared with athletic participation. I know my girls rarely get female officials. Explain to your athletes how important it is for women to get involved in all aspects of the games that they play - including coaching, management, and reffing. And give them a good picture of what a female official is and how great it can be.

Get going then....
 

I like the idea about using stats... Contact your state association and let them help you with this area.

Do you have someone who (maybe it is you) can help create a powerpoint presentation? I strongly suggest that you make overhead versions (as a back-up) of the slides you feel are most necessary to help you through your presentation.

I have more ideas that I would like to suggest. Contact me at [email protected] for further feedback.

Well, they've all seen his picture in the school newspaper, but it doesn't matter, since he's gay. They would probably appreciate his work on campus for minority rights, though. He is not only working on gay rights, but also women's rights. It's been tough for me to accept his gay-ness, but I'm so darn proud of his accomplishments, that I can't help brag a little.

How is the preparation going?
 

When is the presentation? Feel free to zip me an e-mail.

Re: How is the preparation going?
 

In Feb. I'll get with you in a day or two...

There's always the $$$ angle. What a great part-time job both during college and after you graduate. And, of course, the exercise bonus, AND staying in a game you love when post-college play is unlikely. Then there's the "wish I had taken the ref clinic right out of college, instead of 20 years later. Just think what a veteran I would be now!"

I feel strongly that "people" who may have the inclination to referee, to take the course, pass the test, and get on the court, should all be encouraged. Most females who officiate just want to be considered "officials," not "female officials." Your conference will be a great way to let these young women know about the opportunity that exists, if they want to pursue it. Hopefully they will do so because they are sincere and have the potential to become excellent referees; not exclusively because they are females filling spots.

Good luck with your presentation. I hope it will inspire many young women to become officials for the many sports available. The opportunity IS there for them, but only they can take the final step and "go for it."

I've probably given a couple dozen of these presentations over the years, and the more that you downplay the "gender" card, the better off you will be. As was said earlier, we just want to be known as officials, not women officials. I've seen from your many posts that you have a good head on your shoulders, will come off as a great role model, and will more than likely talk a few of these young athletes into trying the trade.
Just be yourself, tell them some funny experiences, stay away from really bad horror stories, and assure them that there is a lot more to this stuff than coaches and fans yelling all of the time.
Also stand in front of them (no sitting)when giving your talk. You could also see if Marcy Weston or Sally Bell is free on that date to help out (just kidding). If you need more, I'll be lurking around.
oatmealqueen

Sounds like you ought not to limit yourself to just Basketball officials. Find a veteran Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, track and field.... official to help

Maybe make some comparisons and show that the same qualities that make a good official also make for good parenting and for good leaders.

Wow! what an opportunity. Good luck.