2012 Program 

Monday

8 - 8:30 a.m. — Improve the Officiating ROI

Return on investment equals a better officiating product for the resources available. That is the goal. The expectation of superior officiating performance has never been more acute. Standards of training; results- based management; evaluation programs that uncover, recognize and reward; officials working smarter. This session breaks new ground. Hear how to get more return for your efforts – regardless of the size of your budget.

8:45 - 9:30 a.m. — How the Media is Changing Officiating

It used to be said: “Call them the way you see them.” Today the mantra needs to be: “Call them the way they are.” The difference? It is the media and the capturing of every play, every call, every ruling for broadcast and endless rehashing. We will nail down and define the intersection of officiating and the media: broadcast to broadband. Everything is now on view. All relations are now “public.” New responsibilities, a new set of skills, the need for a new openness. Do the officials have a “voice?” Join the conversation.

9:45 - 10:15 a.m. — Officiating Insurance: What and Who is Covered?

Security, affordability and comprehensiveness – the vital attributes of an officiating insurance program worth the name. Any game, any level, any time – that is the promise fulfilled by the NASO insurance program. NASO’s insurance administrator, Drew Smith talks straight, clears away the fog. As Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services, Inc. Smith is the leading authority on insurance protection for sports officials. Smith has the answers.

10:15 - 10:45 a.m. — The Seven Things You Need to Know About Game Contracts

Have you thought about the contracts you sign and the ones signed by your officials? Who is accountable to whom, and for what? What are the pitfalls, the inconsistencies and the provisions that would be laughed out of a court of law? In today’s litigious world, contracts need to be done right, be enforceable and stand scrutiny. Alan Goldberger, sports law attorney and recognized legal authority for sports officials, doesn’t spare the candor as he uncovers the key elements necessary in any contract, with the effect of minimizing your risk.

11:00 - 11:45 a.m. — Command Center

If sports officiating had a mission control center, it would look and feel like the ones currently being used by the NFL and the NHL. High tech, high energy, high accountability. Failure is not an option. Come behind the scenes for a never-before-seen look at the internal workings of these two state-of-the-art command centers. The lessons for administrators at every level will be unmistakable. A unique and highly educational experience that will pay dividends.

12:30 - 1:45 p.m. — Officiating Industry Luncheon

Sports officiating has become an industry. This annual luncheon is an opportunity for leaders in the industry to speak…presenting a “state of the union” address about the issues, challenges and accomplishments the industry has experienced during the most recent year. The OIL is always one of the program highlights at the Summit.

2:00 - 3:15 p.m. — Sport-by-Sport Interactive Clinics

Break down officiating to its core in these concurrent sessions covering baseball, football, basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling and lacrosse. Sit with fellow officials and veteran officiating leaders to review video and analyze rules, mechanics, philosophy and hot topics — the nuts and bolts of working your games, evaluating performance and teaching better officiating.

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. — Break the Play Down

Get The Play Right — Job One for any official! Each presenter breaks down tape: real plays, real rulings, real analysis. You will feel the pressure, the dynamic of actual game situations being evaluated right in front of your eyes. You get the “insider” analysis of what actually happened — and the aftermath — from the officials who were there on the firing line. Real officiating in real time.

Tuesday

8:00 - 8:45 a.m. — It’s About the Money

Let’s erase the myth that money isn’t important in officiating. It is. This session squares up with that reality. Game fees, expense reimbursement, negotiation tactics, tiered pricing, payment systems – who is paying what, using what to do it and liking the results they are getting? Data showing the trends will be on display. Creative ways of compensating officials when budgets are tight will be a highlight.

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. — PlayFlix

Great Officiating! Roll the tape please! Here we go – always one of the highest rated sessions of any Summit. Invited organizations and leagues present real calls, no-calls and uniquely handled situations – all with ample video support. We asked each to show outstanding officiating and this session “plays” the plays. Celebrate what has gone right and pass the popcorn!

10:15 - 11:00 a.m. — Large Associations: How Business Gets Done

Is bigger better when it comes to officiating association operations? Maybe, maybe not. This is a “show and tell” session by a number of leaders of statewide and big officials associations. Managing a group of hundreds or even thousands of officials can be a boon or a bane. What is the strategy? What is the proper structure? How do they interact with the state or national governing body? What size best fits your purpose? The candor will be refreshing. This will be “MBA material” on association management.

11:15 - 12:00 p.m. — The New Architecture of Officiating Administration

Okay – the assignment is to build an officiating department from the ground up. Call in an “architect!” Well, we have two for you and both are respected and renowned. They share with you their concepts, construction and components. First comes the strategic vision then the tactical necessities of: budget, staffing, technical support and physical outfitting of the department. Whether your program is big, small, new or in need of rehabilitation, you will come away with fresh ideas on the modern architecture of officiating administration and its demands. Form does follow function.

12:15 - 2:00 p.m. — Lunch Workshops

• NASO-On Workshop (Fiduciary Responsibilities of Boards)
• State Association Workshop
• Being a crew chief in life

2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Are We “Taking Care of Business?”

Are officials managing the game or manipulating the game based on what they know will be seen upon review? Has video changed the way officials carry out their responsibilities? What’s the real goal of weekly training videos? Can officials become afflicted with a “play it again” overload? The ability to evaluate every nuance of officiating is at hand. Wise use of that ability now has special importance, for officials and those judging them.

3:15 - 4:15 Closing Session

Sports is life with the volume turned up. Thus officiating is an unbreakable link between life and sports. This session is unique – it makes the clear and undeniable connection between the experiences of life and those of officiating. Dramatic, sometimes heart-wrenching, emotional – this is a journey for all of us. Officiating presented in its proper perspective.