There is probably nothing more intimidating that being a brand new official and reporting to work for your first assignment. You're not sure whether to kick or punt, show up or leave, or just pray for guidance and grace from above...
Here are some suggestions for a new official:
1. Dress for success. Be sure you have all the right clothes--and be sure NOT to wear your stopwatch around your neck.
2. Don't pant and hyperventilate around the referee. Trust me, it makes them nervous.
3. When they are giving you guidance, don't say "I know" to everything they say. If you did know it all, you wouldn't be a new official.
4. Keep your eyes and ears open. No matter how advanced you think you might be, there is still a lot more to learn.
5. RELAX! Its not rocket science and the believe it or not, the whole world does not revolve around that ZAT match that you are observing.
6. Don't give up. It will get easier and you will get better.
7. Let referees know you are available to work but don't send them 20 emails a week. They will work you into the schedule as soon as they can.
8. Don't cry, run, or turn a deaf ear to hints/criticism from your referee. Constructive criticism is the way we learn.
9. Pay close attention to your referee and then weigh what the other officials say to you. Seems that all officials feel the need to criticize everything you do. Remember, they fall under the authority of the same referee as you do.
10. Be sure to bring breath mints. Nothing is worse than seeing a referee or player wilt under your breath.
11. Let the referee know honestly how much experience you might have. It doesn't have to be a blow by blow account of your roving in the last ZAT tournament but we do need to know your level of experience.
12. Find out which referees are open to letting you work. Not all referees are created equal and some either won't or can't use new officials. A good referee is always open to hearing from you and then trying to help train you. We were all new officials at least once.
13. Don't whine, cry, or give up if you don't get to work 52 tournaments in your first year.
14. If you are in training or working toward becoming a chair official--BE SURE to memorize the verbiage exactly as it is stated. Nothing puts greater fear in the heart of a referee more than hearing you screw up the announcement and the scores. That just radiates the word "rookie" to everyone who hears you.
15. Enjoy the experience! There are some difficult times but mainly it is a great profession.
3 comments:
Thanks, Finally what I thought this blogg was all about. Helping officials do a better job.
I appreciate the compliment but helping officials do a better job is merely one facet of our blog. Its there to share opinions and views of tennis officiating or whatever floats your boat.
Have fun and comment often...
Just be nice to everyone, say 'thank you', and don't talk negatively behind other officials' backs.
If you do these 3 things, the normal mistakes that Randy listed are easily forgiven.
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