The Value of A Local Officials Association

Anytime you recruit a new official you also have to explain all the hoops they need to jump through in order to become a certified official in America--and that's not all bad because we want to have the very best officials in the world.  As new officials begin to wade through the different levels of certification and training they often turn to the local officials associations for their help--and thank goodness they aren't disappointed.

In Texas, there are well organized associations in the larger cities and less structured associations in the smaller cities but they all have a purpose.  Here are some of the good points:

*  They offer specialized training for officials.  In Houston and Dallas there are courses for new officials that help them adjust to their new calling in life as well as specialized training for those who want to go to the pro or collegiate ranks.

*  They offer a good advice resource for new officials.  Its always good to be able to ask questions of more experienced officials.

*  They watch out for officials in the area of pay, hours worked, and other details of the job.  Not all tournaments and tournament directors are nice to officials and will manipulate these areas if possible.

*  They offer a local standard for all officials when it comes to the pay scale and other benefits.

*  They offer a good resource for fellowship among officials.  Becoming "part of the family" is a necessary process for new officials to be happy--and get employment.

*  They take care of all your income tax requirement and do all the appropriate filing for you.  This is important to remember when choosing whom you wish to work for.

*  They make sure that you are paid the local pay rate.  It is the policy of the MTOA not to pay the referee's invoice when they are paying less than the local rate.

WORD OF CAUTION

We would be remiss if we did not caution officials about referees and tournament directors who by-pass the local associations and offer "special deals" and "special rates" for officials who chose to work for them.  Usually this means they want to ask you to work some of your shift for free and nearly always they will pay you less than the local standards.  Any official who is contacted in this manner should DEFINITELY clarify what they will be paid before agreeing to work for these referees and their tournaments.  I can assure you these these referees and/or tournament directors aren't cutting their rates for anyone.   

ALWAYS REMEMBER that a referee who goes out of the local association will have to do all your W-9 work and you sure don't want that to be done incorrectly (or not at all) when the tax man comes calling.

Just stick with your local association--they have your best interests at heart and are made up of officials just like you...