Affirming A New Official

Here is one of the best ways of affirming a new official when he has done a good job...  A little positive affirmation goes a long way.

There is not a more daunting position in life than that of a new official.  They are wet behind the ears and basically have no idea what they are doing when we turn them loose on a tournament.  They are wide-eyed about everything in sight and sometimes overreact or go into a shell when they are hit with their first confrontation with a player and/or a parent.  More experienced officials sometimes tend to over-simplify the life of a new official but the stress and strain is more than life-like to that new official.

Here are some things to remember to do with a new official:

*  Offer them encouragement on every hand.
*  Make sure they understand they can ask questions--and no question is too small or insignificant.
*  Watch them closely when you turn them loose and be ready to help if you are need.  Don't be a "helicopter official" and hover over them but be within eyesight if they need help.
*  Don't be overly critical.   They don't know how to deal with every situation and they don't know every rule so give them a break.
*  Be constructive in your criticisms.
*  Be positive in your re-inforcement.  Find something they have done well and focus on that.
*  Don't tell them they are the worst official you have ever seen because that's probably what you were told when you were first beginning.
*  Offer to walk them through different scenarios but don't be overbearing and don't be offended if they don't (or can't) ask for your help.
*  Remember they will actually learn a lot on their own by trial and error.  Just be patient with them.
*  Call and take them to lunch the week after their first tournament.  By then they will have recovered somewhat and will be able to ask intelligent questions--or just need a shoulder to cry on.
*  If you see them sinking, go out and help them.  Noone wants to drown...
*  Offer to let them shadow you if they are really insecure.
*  Find the positives in their experience and major on that.

Remember--everyone loves their head rubbed from time to time...