How to Start a Camp or Clinic

Does your association conduct a training camp or clinic to improve the educational experience of your members? Do you reach out to the community to offer training for non-association members? Do you offer training programs to new officials? For some associations, providing a basic training program or an advancement clinic can be profitable. It cannot only enhance your association’s credibility in the community, but increase your revenues through registration fees and even new memberships.

1. Determine Your Own Abilities

Take an inventory of your skills and those who might also be involved in conducting a camp/clinic with you. Do you have credibility in your community? Are your skill levels as an official and as a presenter strong enough to impact the audience? Do you have the facility to conduct a program? Is there a strong commitment within the membership that conducting such an activity is worthwhile to the association? If “no,” get back to the drawing board and rethink your commitment. If you answered “yes,” then proceed.

2. Establish Goals

Determine what your camp/clinic’s real purpose is about. Is it to introduce officiating to beginners? Is it to help advance experienced officials to the next level? Create an outline (syllabus) of the training session and build a program that interests your audience. Based on the target audience, make sure your program teaches and reinforces officiating skills and provides opportunity for participation by attendees.

3. Practice and Rehearse

Giving a presentation is never as easy as it looks. Rehearse your presentation before a few honest but critical friends. Prepare for success by practicing and knowing what you want to accomplish when all is done. Provide variety as well. No one person can successfully go hour-on-hour by themselves. Seek out qualified individuals and create a “team.”

4. Promote

Use press releases, direct mail, posters, whatever you can to reach the target audience. Allow ample time for reservations and make sure you have the space to properly handle your program.