Economics of Officiating

[BballRookie]

I'm new at this, so this could be totally inaccurate. Let me know if what you think either way.

With unemployment/underemployment still high, most associations have as many officials, if not too many, for the season. Our association did not allow any new officials without prior experience.

It seems "try out" camps are getting overbooked, while "instructional" camps are having a harder time filling up. To get hired you'd better be at camp, but to learn... the thought process could lead you to saving money and pushing it off a year.

This will be regional, of course. Any local trends you've seen?

[JRutledge]

We have noticed a few more officials coming into, but unlike what appears to be your situation, we do not turn people away. And our associations are training organization not assigning ones. Also the assignors are always looking for people to work. I have never heard them turning people away because they had too many for assignments. We are true independent contractors around here. We are responsible for getting our own games or working with assignors we want to, so we would not be in the business to turn people away just because. There is always a need for reliable people and competent officials to cover games. The same few cannot do the work for everyone.

Peace

[BillyMac]

My local IAABO (high school) board limits the number of applicants each year to thirty. The training committee can't handle a larger number of applicants. The training classes have been "full" the past few years, probably, at least partially, due to the economy.

[Rich]

I just worked my 39th baseball game and I'm in the frozen tundra. If there's a surfeit of new officials, I haven't noticed.

[berserkBBK]

Aren't your associations afraid of missing talented, hard working, future leaders? I don't see how it would be fair to make someone jump through hoops to work a game or two. While everyone might not pan out, there might be a diamond in the group. A future clinician, president, final four ref, or nba ref could be someone that is turned away.
The new officials that are allowed in, is it on a first come first serve basis or is there an interview process and/or clinic?
I hope your associations continue great numbers, but good things don't last forever (numbers). And without discussing politics, bad times come to an end eventually.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by berserkBBK

Is it on a first come first serve basis or is there an interview process and/or clinic?

First come, first served. Those that are turned away are put on a waiting list and get high priority the following year.