Recruitment and Retention of Officials

[Nakht]

I was nominated to be on a committee in my state about the recruitment and retention of sports officials for HS across all sports and levels. I am trying to connect with as many resources as I can to get ideas on how we can recruit new officials, and how we can keep them around. What I am hoping to get from the forum are ideas that you guys (and ladies) do in your area.

Some ideas I've had already:
1. Call the local college coaches to see who they cut this year. This gives the players a chance to stick around the game and make some money on the side.

2. I am a teacher at a high school and I have made an announcement in my classes about getting people to sign up. I got 4 juniors/seniors to sign up so far for my local HS association.

4. One group in our area buys ads on TV and the local radio. Said that actually got people to the first meeting.

3. I saw on Facebook that one state waives the signup fee for 1-3 year officials who are retired or active military.

I'm hoping there are some awesome ideas out there that our state hasn't tried that could help us with our dilemma. I know we aren't the only state going through it. Any help would be very much appreciated.

PS if you officiate another sport you may see a similar thread on another forum. I am trying to reach as many people as possible. I officiate basketball but I am trying to reach as many officials as possible through this site to maximize the number of officials who can offer ideas. I apologize If you have already read and replied.

[Linknblue]

My thoughts....try senior softball leagues and tournaments clubs. Most of these guys are familiar with the game and have time on their hands.

Another thought, get to the high schools and promote to students the "easy money" that can be made doing slow pitch at rec levels.

We get some of our officials from the "recreation level" fastpitch players. GIves them a few bucks and teaches them.

Promoting training is key. I was scared to death doing my first few games. I was also intimidated by players and coaches that knew more than me (my perception!) I thought.

Guarantee that "new" officials never do games where they are going to be confronted...

New officials leave because they don't want to deal with the BS from players/coaches........keep them from doing those leagues or working alone until they are comfortable.....