Do you need referees for your organization, but don’t know how to find them? Are you having trouble recruiting referees who meet your club or league’s standards? This guide will help give you valuable insight on finding and recruiting referees. We’ll cover topics such as where to find potential referees, what qualifications they should have, and how to approach them. Follow these steps, and you’ll be able to recruit qualified referees for your organization in no time!
Step number one is to identify where to find potential referees. There are a few places you can begin your search:
– Other local sporting clubs and associations: Many referee organizations get their members from nearby sporting clubs and associations. If you have a list of potential referee candidates, reach out to their club or association and ask if they would be interested in refereeing for your organization.
– Colleges and universities: Another great place to find potential referees is on college campuses. Contact the athletic department at nearby colleges and ask if they know of any students who might be interested in refereeing.
– Teachers: School teachers can be a great pool of potential referees. Due to the hours they work, having free summers, and their existing work with children, teachers can become great referees in their spare time.
– Online directories: There are a number of online directories that list qualified referees, such as the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) website. You can search for referees in your area and contact them directly.
Once you’ve identified potential referee candidates, the next step is to assess their qualifications. There are several qualifications that every referee should have. Below are several that we find most important:
– A basic understanding of the sport and related rules/guidelines: Clubs and leagues should be willing to train officials with zero or next to zero experience in the sport. Having some experience within a sport can help provide additional context, however, sometimes having little to no context helps officials avoid developing bad habits or misunderstandings about their sport.
– Official licensure or certification: Depending on the level of competition, referees are required to fulfill a specific amount of licensure requirements or have commensurate experience. This is important to keep in mind when vetting officials for your club or league.
– Good communication skills: The referee must be able to communicate effectively with both players and coaches. They need to be able to explain their decisions and resolve any conflicts that may arise.
– Physical fitness: Referees need to be physically fit in order to keep up with the action on the field or court.
If the referee candidates meet all of the above qualifications, the next step is to approach them about refereeing for your organization. Here are a few tips on how to do this:
– Be clear about what you’re asking for: The referee should know exactly what you’re asking them to do. Make sure you explain the commitment involved, as well as any expectations or requirements.
– Offer support: Let the referee know that you’re there to support them. Offer training and resources that will help them be successful in their new role including continued education and .
– Show appreciation: A little bit of appreciation can go a long way. Thank the referee for their time and let them know that you value their contribution.
By following these steps, you’ll be one step closer to being able to recruit qualified referees for your organization. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your refereeing team is up to the task of providing fair and unbiased officiating.
For tips and advice on how to retain your top officials, read more here.