Interesting Numbers to Ponder from NASO

[Rulesman]

Interesting, and in some cases scary, numbers from the NASO Officiating Summit:

---Average age in survey of 14,000-plus officials is 53.3.
---Officials are twice as likely as population at large to have college and post-grad degrees.
---Average age of new officials that began in the 1970s was between 18 and 21. Average age for today's newcomers is 48.
---48% of male officials and 44% of females have felt threatened or unsafe due to admins, coaches, players or fans.
---48% of officials started due to personal recruiting efforts by other officials. Only 4% due to organized efforts by associations or advertising.
---57% of officials believe sportsmanship is getting worse. Youth competitive leagues and parents are biggest culprits.

[Ralph Damren]

Thanks for sharing this, Rulesman, I believe this blankets all sports and is a major problem. IMHO, the youth of America aren't  as interested in playing sports as we once were. In baseball, my hometown used to support 3 Babe Ruth League (ages 13-15) teams. This year they couldn't even field one. IMHO, if the youth isn't interested in playing, the young adults won't be interested in officiating. Over the last few years it seems that most of the new applicants are much closer to my age than they ought to be. Regrettably, many turn out to be "Walter Mittys" and after they learn the time, expense, and physical shape required; decide to return to the world of couch potatoes.

HELP 111

ANY SUGGESTIONS......

[refjeff]

Help our youngest officials recruit their friends, acquaintances, co-workers, etc.  We have to be welcoming.  One idea, if you have someone that is interested bring them along on a Friday night.

[JasonTX]

Every year I get contacted by at least 60 people who are ready to join.  But when it comes time to sign up we end up with around 15 each year that follow through.  Then a couple that join don't stick around past a few training classes.  Getting them to come back the second year we seem to lose 2 or 3.  So our second year class is usually around 8.  Then on top of that we have on average of 7 veteran members that retire.   One step forward and two steps back is not going to cut it.

[bossman72]

One thing of note for retention: assignors need to take the glass ceiling off of the young officials who show aptitude.  If they're busting their BUTT and doing a good job, don't stick them on the Little Sister's of the Poor vs School of the Blind every week just because they only have 4 years in.  Give them 1 or 2 that they can circle on their schedule.  If they prove themselves in those bigger games, then give them some more.

[Rulesman]

One thing of note for retention: assignors need to take the glass ceiling off of the young officials who show aptitude.  If they're busting their BUTT and doing a good job, don't stick them on the Little Sister's of the Poor vs School of the Blind every week just because they only have 4 years in.  Give them 1 or 2 that they can circle on their schedule.  If they prove themselves in those bigger games, then give them some more.

As an assignor (now retired), I did exactly that. I had no problem at all using those who could carry the mail on their own (and keep my phone from ringing the next day). And don't forget to have at least one respected veteran on that crew.

[UTchad]

I am a newer official. Entering my second year I am 28.

I joined because of an ad asking for people to learn to officiate our little league football. I fell in love at the first meeting and quickly started networking and kept my nose in the rule book every single day. I watch a lot of videos some from folks on this forum I believe. My first game of the year is a pre-season varsity game this Friday.

If you put in the work you will be rewarded. I worked every week last season in JV and little league. Also most friday nights I was at a game doing foul reporting on the sidelines and learning from the veteran officials. I try and get some of my old high school buddies into it and for most it is the sacrifice to the family life that prevents them from joining. I have a 3 year old son and a newborn daughter I am thankful that my wife is okay with me pursuing my dream because if it wasn't for her I probably wouldn't be able to do this. Because there definitely is not enough money here. $40 per game for little league, $44 per JV game, and $57 per varsity game. You only stick with officiating if you love the sport not the money. Whenever someone asks why I do it, I say I do it because I love the game. Monday thru Friday is how I support my family. Officiating football and basketball is because I love the game.

[ElvisLives]

Good for you. That is the proper attitude.  Working HS sports requires a significant amount of commitment and sacrifice, for officials AND their families.  The patience and commitment grow exponentially at the collegiate level, and I can only imagine what it is like for NFL guys (and one gal).  Whatever your aspiration in officiating, indeed, it requires work and effort, to do justice to the game, at the very minimum.  Regarding family and occupational obligations, those are clearly higher priorities than officiating.  Those aspiring to work at collegiate and/or professional levels must understand that they simply have to find ways to compensate for the amount of time that it takes; don't allow it to take time away from those obligations.  Just find ways to make up for missing a traditional anniversary dinner, or work a little longer some days to make up for missed work.

And be patient.  It can take several years (many years, in some cases) for your window to open.  That window usually only opens once, and it isn't open long.  Be ready to jump through it, when it does.

Officiating isn't for everybody.  I've known some great people that showed great potential for long, successful 'careers' in officiating, but their family and work obligations simply didn't allow it, and that's OK.  No one thinks any less of them for that, and they never complained about not getting their opportunity.

However, I  have also known folks - some capable, and some not - that weren't willing to make the commitment, but then complained about not getting an opportunity. Or, didn't understand why they needed to go work so many scrimmages, or attend clinics, or do the things necessary to progress, and then complained that it was "all politics."  If politics is attending clinics and getting 'seen' by folks that are in position to offer scrimmage assignments, or other opportunities to get 'noticed,' then, yes, politics are involved.  But, no amount of politicking will help anyone, once they get where they want to be.  You gotta know your stuff.  And that takes dedication to training and studying.  No substitute.  You won't get anywhere without, and you darned sure won't last long anywhere without it.

So, keep up the good work, and the proper attitude.  It will pay off.

Robert