Earning the Mental Advantage

Officials face countless challenges on and off the field to their judgment, knowledge, character and poise. Some are related to games (scheduling, rules study); others are related to their personal lives outside officiating (regular job, family). Each challenge must be met effectively to enhance their chances of success.

Men's Health published a story several years ago titled, "Advantage, You," which examined how to become more powerful in handling situations. Though geared for dealing with your boss, each of the 12 points Men’s Health listed are applicable to officiating.

Resist the urge to brownnose. The indignity of kissing up bolsters other people's power, not yours. Instead, you need to work on building mutual respect. Officials have many opportunities to favorably position themselves for personal gain. For example, they could be overly friendly with coaches, athletic directors and assigners. Resist the temptation to "back-door" your way to better games, and earn respect — and self-respect — by working hard and improving.

See it his (or her) way. Shrewd power players know what the boss is after and help him or her try to get it. For officials, your "bosses" could be assigners and trainers. Know what they want from you (more hustle, better mechanics, etc.) and work to achieve it.

Be direct about your needs. Don't waffle or play games when asking for something. If you ask for something from another official or your assigner, be up front. Beating around the bush can make you look manipulative.

Get smart. Knowledge is power. Notice that smart people often have a lot of influence even when they don't have a lot of authority. People listen to them and put stock in what they have to say. Study your rules and mechanics. It will pay off.

Learn from others. Understanding the decisions and mistakes they've made can be more valuable than an earful of ambitious chatter from an up-and-comer. People who have been in the officiating trenches often have learned lessons that apply today.

Reverse your tactics. If your boss's style prevents you from gaining responsibility, understand that he or she is nervous about mistakes and tap into that with a kind of reverse psychology. Often, assigners are nervous to put young or new officials on "big" games. Though you want to work the best assignments, early in your career offer to work lower level games. That way, the assigner builds confidence in you while you gain valuable experience.

Strive for balance. The important thing is that (you) feel that the balance is equitable and comfortable. Working too many games can hurt you in the long run. Instead of taking that extra game, read a book, go for a walk or take your significant other out to dinner. You'll be mentally replenished for the next game.

Build trust. Show up to games in plenty of time and look professional. The trust you build is vital.

Ask opinions. Seeking comments from others about your own behavior is one of the most powerful ways to build relationships. Ask many questions of many people. You may find different answers from a variety of sources. That allows you to decide which answer is best suited for you.

Invest time. Read the rulebook for at least a few minutes every day.

Let people decide for themselves. It's your job to point out the possible consequences of people's actions, not to take on the responsibilities that belong to them. By warning coaches and players in gray-area situations, you've let them know their actions are out-of-line. Now, it's up to them to decide if they want to cross your line.

Be persistent — and patient. The more you ask for, the more you're likely to get. Be sure you're ready to "move up the ladder" if that's what you're asking for. If you're not ready and fail, it will be tougher to climb the second time. Take your time and it will pay off great dividends in the long run.

Your Guide to Association Management

Your association board is looking to revise its bylaws. A member in your association has been cited for drunk driving. Someone trips over a cord from your projector during a meeting and is injured resulting in a claim against your association. Your membership numbers are down and you need ideas on how to recruit new members.

If your association is hit with one of those scenarios, will your association be ready to handle it? Associations that are NASO-ON members say, yes. The National Association of Sports Officials-Organizations Network (NASO-ON) provides articles specific to bylaws and contracts and even sample bylaws you can adapt to work with your specific association's needs. NASO-ON can provide legal documents that help you deal with unruly members. NASO-ON also has optional general liability and directors and officers insurance. NASO-ON offers a 12-chapter Guidebook on topics such as recruiting and retention, training and mentoring.

NASO-ON is an affiliate association of NASO and is the only organization that exists for the sole purpose of helping local officials associations conduct business administration.

If your association is not a member of NASO-ON, visit www.naso-on.org to download a membership brochure. You can also learn more about NASO-ON by contacting NASO-ON Coordinator Tina Sagal at 800/733-6100 or tsagal@naso.org. Join NASO-ON today. Your association needs the resources NASO-ON provides.

NFHS Presence Strong at NASO Summit

Since 1981, NASO has conducted a national annual conference for sports officials. The conference has evolved over the years and is now called the NASO Sports Officiating Summit. Not only has the name changed, but some of the key players who make the Summit happen have changed, too. No longer is it only NASO efforts that guide the Summit, other organizations help finance and chart the course for the Summit events.

The 2005 Summit, held July 30-Aug. 1 in Salt Lake City, will be the third consecutive year that the NFHS has joined forces in the program, promotion and financial elements of the Summit.

The combined forces of NASO and the NFHS created an opportunity for both organizations to reach out to even more officiating leaders.

Last year's Summit brought together state high school executive directors and administrators from nearly half of all the state offices. More are expected this year.

By attending the NASO Summit, you have the opportunity to talk with state leaders and administrators, network with local association leaders from around the U.S. and Canada and create longtime relationships with officials who share the same officiating goals.

NASO members are urged to attend the 2005 Summit at the Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown. Register for the Summit today by visiting www.naso.org/summit2005 or by calling NASO Special Events and Program Manager Tina Sagal at 800/733-6100.

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