I've often asked myself the question, "What makes a good chair official and what disqualifies some from doing a good job?" I've finally come to the conclusion that its not a lack of knowledge of the rules but simply an issue of personal skills and whether you have them or not.
We've all seen the official who thinks they know all the rules and then you put them in the chair they bomb out quicker than a coach reacts to a bad overrule. I found this great example (pictured above) that explains it quite well. Here is a brief description of each of the personal skills in your brain:
EMPATHY: Empathy is defined as "the psychological identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another." That's why I think officials who are at least tournament players make the best chair officials--they know what's going on out there and can identify with the players and coaches. It doesn't mean you cry tears when they get overruled but at least you understand the situation.
MOTIVATION: Its easy to spot a motivated official--good and bad. Just spend some time with them and you will soon discover if they are there to climb some ladder of life or are motivated to be the best official they can be. Self-inspection is good for this personal skill and if you are intent on climbing some imaginary ladder then move on to something besides tennis officiating. Sadly, you will find at the top of the ladder there is noone there but a bunch of self-edifying people just like yourself.
COMMITMENT: As my grandmother used to say, "The proof is in the pudding." You can tell if the official has a valid level of commitment within the first 15 minutes you spend with them. If there's no commitment, then move on quickly because they will be nothing but trouble in the days to come.
SELF-ESTEEM: One of the most "glowing" or "smoldering" of all the personal traits. Remember to spend time with them and you'll figure it out real quickly. If their self-esteem is bloated and bigger than their inflated rear ends, then run away quickly. They'll never make it.
INTERPERSONAL AWARENESS: This is the trait that produces humility in a person. They know their strengths and weaknesses and continually works to make themselves a better person in both of these areas. They make great officials by the way. This also means they know how to work with and get along with other officials. If they don't know how, then move on to the next selection. A good chair official knows how to get along with coaches, players, and other officials. This ability can be taught but it requires a pliable and teachable person.
DECISION MAKING: An absolute requirement for a good chair official. Notice that "knowledge" isn't listed in this group so its not whether or not you know the law but whether you know how to apply what you know. New officials either tend to retreat or become overbearing when they are faced with a critical decision. Decision making can be taught and strengthened but it takes work and a lot of it.
When you're tempted to complain when you aren't selected for this job or that and you might not get invited to work some tournament then think back on your personal skills. They may be that which is holding you back...
Be honest with yourself and then get to work strengthening your personal skills--you might be surprised what it can do for you--and all those around you.
