Not all clinics have to be formal, high-tech affairs. You can run your own one-day camp packed with good training and information that is low-cost and even fun for all concerned.
You first need to decide what type of training you will offer. Will it involve players and coaches? If so, you’ll need to coordinate efforts with someone running a camp for players. Those types of camps often need officials to work the live scrimmages and will likely be amenable to having your campers mix in with theirs. The easiest version is an all-classroom camp. You can use any combination of video, PowerPoint, guest speakers and handouts for education. In between those varieties is an oncourt or onfield camp using clinicians to act as players and officials. Attendees can observe officiating techniques in a more relaxed atmosphere than one involving live play.
Step 1 — Choose Your Clinicians Carefully
Be sure the people you choose to serve as clinicians understand what you’re trying to accomplish. A local official who works in the pro or college ranks adds star power to your event, but if he or she tries to teach advanced techniques to novice officials, the campers will quickly feel lost. Also, avoid instructors who offer only war stories as a means of instruction. Real-life experience is valuable, but is not a substitute for actual instruction.
Step 2 — Get Necessary Approvals
If your state association, conference or other governing body requires officials to attend a camp, or if camp attendance improves an official’s chances of receiving assignments, be sure to obtain the proper certification from that group. Send them a copy of your agenda so they can see exactly what subjects are being covered in the camp. If the governing body has paperwork that you need to fill out to certify a camper’s attendance, be sure you get it and return it as soon as possible after the event.
Step 3 — Don’t Forget Insurance
Even if you don’t plan on setting foot outside a classroom, you should spend the few dollars it takes to insure yourself and your association. If an official were to be injured participating in a drill, liability would be a concern. Associations can purchase insurance coverage for a day or for an entire year’s worth of meetings. For rates and information, check the American Specialty Insurance website, amerspec.com, and click on the Applications link.
Step 4 — Get the Word Out
Use email lists and local media to announce your event. If you aren’t restricting your camp to members of your own association, let other area associations know about your camp. Don’t forget to let area schools know of the camp. Former players often make great officials. Your camp may prove to be your association’s most successful recruitment tool.
Step 5 — Size Matters
Bigger isn’t always better. You may have to put a limit on how many attendees you can serve. Know how many people will fit comfortably in whatever meeting room you’ll be using. If possible, aim for a one-clinician-to-five-student ratio.
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