Many associations believe that recruiting officials is the most important task they have. But just because you get new members in the door of their first association meeting, doesn’t mean they will stay in the long-term. Retaining new officials is critical. Keeping them starts with making a positive first impression.
Groups need leaders and other members to buy into the importance of providing for new members from the start. Associations need to give new members a reason.
Step 1 — Welcome them to the group. If a new member is attending his or her first meeting, make sure you greet that individual as soon as possible at arrival. Introduce the new member to other members as well. Make sure the individual feels as included as possible. Related to that, make sure the newbie is given a copy of the association’s constitution and bylaws, as well as a directory of the association.
New officials should also be informed about registering with the state and taking required exams. New members should be provided a list of assigning authorities and be told the necessary steps for being assigned to games.
Step 2 — Provide thorough educational opportunities. Adjust your training efforts to the experience of your audience. Many groups have separate training sessions for first- or second-year officials. As a result, the material isn’t over their heads and they become more comfortable with the basics of officiating. It also gives them an atmosphere in which they feel comfortable asking questions. If your association isn’t big enough to provide a completely separate training session, give new members time following the normal session to get together and ask questions to a designated veteran.
Step 3 — Offer mentoring. A formal mentoring program is a great benefit associations can provide to new officials. Even if your association doesn’t have a formal program in place, veterans in your group can take newcomers under their wings in their first year. Assign a veteran to a new official on day one. It should be someone who is willing to watch the official work and possibly even work a game or two with the newer officials. The veteran should be available to the new official anytime for guidance and support.
Step 4 — Give them a voice. Just because a new official doesn’t have much experience doesn’t mean he or she won’t be able to provide good feedback and ideas for association. Even if your group has been doing something the same way for years, doesn’t me there isn’t a better way. Accept fresh ideas. New members will be a sense of ownership within the association their ideas are heard and considered.
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