This is the time of year for finalizing assignments for collegiate officials to begin their work in January--but its also a time when many people are choosing officiating as a field they want to explore. The hiring of new (and experienced) officials is a difficult process that has many aspects to consider.
Here are some things to remember when you are asking to be hired:
* Have you completed all the USTA and ITA requirements before requesting consideration?
* How are your personal skills such as friendliness and ability to get along with others?
* How committed are you to the task? Noone wants to hire a new official who backs out of half of their assignments.
* How much actual experience do you have? Be up front and honest with your employer about what you have done--and haven't done. It makes a difference.
* Don't let your first question be to ask how much you are going to get paid. That's the quickest way to take your name out of consideration.
* Please don't say, "I'm a tennis player and already know all the rules." You won't get hired by a reputable referee if you do this.
* Don't say that you don't need training because you already know how to do it.
* Don't laugh when the referee talks about requirements and say, "It doesn't sound that hard." If by chance you do get hired, they will give you the most difficult match to show you how it works.
* Don't show up for your interview dressed like a slouch.
* Don't show up at your first match with something other than required attire. It happens more than you can imagine...
* Don't say, "I need money and this is an easy way to get some cash."
* Don't show up with an arrogant attitude that you know it all and we should be glad to have you because we won't be and you won't get hired.
* Don't show up late.
* Listen more than you talk.
* Don't drop the names of everyone you know and every tennis player that you have opened balls for.
The hiring process always includes the one doing the hiring. If you are wanting to get hired, here are some things we integrate into our hiring process and here are some things to remember when you are doing the hiring:
* Hire people who are energetic and pleasing to be around. If they aren't, they will drive you crazy.
* Check their previous work history and even talk to their previous employers. It will pay off.
* Avoid people who tell you how privileged you are to have them.
* Run from people who continually say, "I know that." They usually don't.
* Don't hire people based on their skin color or sexual orientation. It doesn't matter...
* If you get chance, walk them to their car and see if its neat and clean. That's a good indicator of what kind of official they are going to be.
* Check out their personal appearance and hygiene.
* Ask them generic questions about things other than tennis to discover their personal values and work ethic. It can be done and you need to do it...
* Listen to them talk. They will usually tell you all you need to know.
* If they shake hands, check out the quality of their handshake. It tells you a lot.
* If you reach out to shake hands and they want to do a fist bump--run.
* Ask them what they believe about having authority--and then listen to their answer.
* Take them out to eat and observe. You can learn more here than in an audition.
* Talk to other referees who know them. This is a great source of information--both pro and con.
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