Everyone is familiar with this age picture about recruiting--maybe its time we developed some of that same fervor and excitement when it comes to enlisting new tennis officials. Its no secret that our numbers are declining and we are losing more and more certified officials every year so its time to step up and take some positive steps to change the tide...
We don't have a flag to wave but it might be good to develop a national "Officials Banner" or "Officials Flag" that represents our organizations and inspires others to join our ranks.
We could always show them action shots to inspire them to come and join us...
There is always the lure of money and now that officials are being paid better, it could be a selling point.
Then there's always the thought of using beefcake in our brochures...
Or selecting the prettiest in our sport to do the talking and enlisting...
But then there are some pictures we should never show.
We as officials need to collectively pool our thoughts, resources, and energies to recruit and train new officials so our sport will continue to grow and prosper. Here are just a few thoughts about how to achieve this purpose:
* Always be recruiting. All of us meet new people all the time--why not take a moment and share about what you do and then simply ask if they would like to become an official. You would be surprised at how many take you up on your offer.
* Be ready to share an answer. When someone says they would like to become an official or even might be interested, be ready to share your resources with them. One of the best ways is to have business cards printed up with your name and contact information and something about your being a tennis official.
* Use the resources that are ours. There is a great link to becoming a tennis official on the USTA Texas Section website (http://www.texas.usta.com/Officials/becoming_an_official/?intloc=headernavsub). The USTA website has a good one but not nearly as complete and as information as the Texas Section. It might even be good to put this link on your business cards.
* Talk to people at tournaments. Your most fertile field will be a bunch of tennis players and spectators at a tennis tournament. Be friendly and you'll be surprised at how many people will ask you questions about being an official. Be ready to give an informed and quality response!
* Start a tennis officials blog. While this is not for everyone for sure, its a great tool for stimulating interest and can provide tons of informative links to people who might be interested in officiating. Remember that you have to have really thick skin to have a blog...
* If you don't know the answer then connect them with someone who does. All of us know someone who knows the answers, so when you don't know anything, find someone who does...
* Develop enlistment brochures and posters to put at tournament desks. This is a fantastic tool that we aren't utilizing nearly enough.
* Cultivate your certified officials. There are tons of new officials who are waiting for someone to ask them to work or to encourage them to advance in our field. Talk to them... You can always get a list of officials in your state with contact information so learn to work the field.
* Stay positive in your recruiting! If all we do is gripe and complain then noone will want to join us. If you are positive and upbeat, they will be knocking down your door.
* Don't be afraid to share war stories. They don't need a 10 minute discourse on your last code violation but people are always interested in what goes on behind the scenes (and sometimes in the forefront) or tennis.
These are just a few thoughts and ideas--let's all be creative and become "ENLISTORS" for our officiating family. It can and will make a difference...
6 comments:
Great post RM.
Sounds simple - but if we each take an interested recruit under our wing - we can significantly increase the numbers.
Get the pro's and coaches to help recruit - usually its "their" tournaments or duals we are working - they should have a special interest in helping recruit!
Look for the parents of the "10 and under's" - they need and want the knowledge - and who knows they may stick with it for 8+ years or longer!!!
Having the new recruit in touch with area coordinators/good referee(s) is a key to success.
One of the toughest parts is sticking out the training with the new prospect... not all will not have the passion it takes... find the ones that do and we will have a great organization.
Thanks again for the post.
Friend of BACO
You may be able to do a better job of recruiting if some of your primadonna Referees would get their heads out of their buttocks and look out for their fellow officials.
And there are many that need looking out for unfortunately.
Tennis officiating is a great part time job. We should be spreading the word.
Boy, 12:44 wonder why you don't get hired with that attitude!
Having worked as an official for about 7 years - primarily ITA and local USTA events - I think one excellent way to keep experienced officials is for the coordinators to make an effort to include at least one or two newer (not rookies, but those with multiple years of good experience) officials in some of their events each year. It is very surprising to me how closed some of the coordinators are. Just because a coordinator does not know a someone personally does not mean they are not a good official. Some coordinators do try and add new official each year, but most tend to stay with the same folks year after year which would seem to not be in the best interest of the sport.
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