Officiating careers (not to mention everyday lives) are often altered by a move. If one of your members is leaving your chapter and moving to what they hope are greener pastures, you can make part of the experience easier for them by following a few simple steps.
1. Send them off
Don’t let any member — particularly a loyal longtime colleague — ride off into the sunset without recognition. Whether it’s just having them stand up at a meeting to share their thoughts and say farewell or a formal goodbye ceremony, let them know their attendance and participation in the association were appreciated. A post-meeting party with snacks and beverages may also be appropriate.
2. Help them build contacts
Depending on how far away the member’s new home will be, you may know and be able to touch base with a leader or member in the departing member’s new association. Give that association a heads up that a new member is on his or her way to join the group. Provide some information on the official’s standing in your association (e.g. veteran varsity official, former board member, etc.). The information you provide will help the moving official as well as the new association.
3. Assist in the move
The departing official may appreciate a few extra hands to pack boxes or haul furnishings. If one of your members has a truck or larger vehicle, it may help facilitate the move as well.
4. Keep in touch
Gone shouldn’t equate to forgotten. Send an occasional email or make periodic phone calls to former members to let them know they’re not forgotten and to see if their old association can assist their officiating efforts. Keeping that connection is a good idea on a personal level and can be valuable to your association as well, if it is seeking information or ideas from other groups.
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