Officials Agree They Are Accountable

(RACINE, Wis.) — Sports officials accept the responsibility of being accountable but want better communication with their administrators as to what is expected in both on and off the field behavior. That’s one conclusion from the new NASO Special Report: Accountability in Officiating released today by the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO).

The 64-page report summarizes varied opinions from leaders in the sports industry on what accountability means and what role sports officials play. It also includes the results of a survey on accountability conducted by NASO.

"The issue of accountability in officiating has long been misunderstood," says NASO President Barry Mano. "Who hasn’t heard the cry from coaches, both famous and local, that officials aren’t held accountable? That we show up to work the games and disappear immediately after, leaving any number of messes in our wake?

As officials, we know we are accountable. When it comes to accountability, we understand and readily accept that we are accountable to our games, but also that the games — and the people who run them — are accountable to us."

Officiating leaders from across North America gathered for the three-day event and participated in 16 specific educational sessions totaling more than 18 hours of focus on the subject of sports officials and accountability.

"Our 2003 conference in Portland was one of the most important in NASO’s history," says Mano. "The quality of education coupled with the involvement of a substantial number of key organizations reinforces the belief of NASO’s board that this event has become the signature annual gathering of officiating leaders and others. The footprint of this event will be visible far and wide for some time to come."

The report can be obtained from NASO for $10.00. Contact NASO at 262/632-5448 to order your copy now.