There’s an old saying in the publishing business: Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel. There’s a parallel in running an officiating organization: Never tick off the people who administer sports in your state.
Staying in the good graces of your state association is a matter of common courtesy and common sense. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Stay connected.
Whether your board or point of contact changes or is the same from one year to the next, let the state association know who is in charge of your chapter. If the state needs to send messages or seeks information regarding your group, it is extremely frustrating for them if they have an old contact list and then get passed from person to person. Make it as easy as possible for them.
2. Be judicious about contacting them.
Your state association office is a busy place. The staff handles all manner of business. Although those people would be happy to help you, don’t abuse the privilege by peppering them with questions. Be mindful of the time of the year. Tournament time is not the best time to contact them with non-urgent questions or issues.
3. Invite them.
Need a guest speaker for your annual banquet or a regular meeting? State association personnel can speak on a number of topics that relate to associations and officials. They appreciate the opportunity to get out to meet people who officiate in their state. Many are current or former officials themselves and are very good storytellers. They relate well to your audience.
4. Share your successes.
Had an especially successful recruiting drive? Come up with an innovative training method? Done something nice for the community? Don’t hide it under a bushel basket. Share it with the state association. Not only will your group derive some “halo quality,” you can give the state something to share with other associations. That benefits the industry.
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