After being a coordinator and a collegiate, pro, and UIL official for over 30 years, this is the one question that always comes to mind when I meet or interview a prospective new official...
The first step is to ALWAYS TAKE THEM OUT TO EAT! You can learn more about a person from sharing a meal together than any other way. They are more relaxed and more "unprogrammed" to say the correct answers to everything and its the best place to evaluate their personal skills. Let them share about their lives, families, jobs, and goals in life and pay less attention to whether they can answer some question about a vague tennis rule. Watch how they interact with the people at the table--and most of all, watch how they treat and inteact with their waitperson. It speaks volumes about their personal skills and character...
Nothing is more important to a good official than having GOOD PERSONAL SKILLS. Ask whatever questions you want/need to but most of all, just watch and see. An official needs to know how to handle stress, deal with irate parents, players, and coaches, and how to make wise decisions when called upon. If they have an inflated ego, they probably won't be a good official. If they are too quiet, they probably won't make it. Just watch and see--that will tell you most of what you need to know...
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