From the Chair
“Best Practices”/Templates for Officiating & Association Business
September 8th, 2009 - By Len Krsak, Officials Chair
In my discussions with officials around the country, I’ve been impressed with materials and procedures which have been developed by individual officials and associations. I’d like to leverage those good ideas by gathering and sharing them with all associations. The goal of this effort is to create “Best Practices” and document templates that would be offered, but not mandated for use. Associations which have effective programs and materials would continue their practices, while other associations could elect to use - or modify for their use - the templates & documents which we create.
This project, with the assistance of all associations, will help improve our entire organization. We seek materials which have been created in the following areas:
- Clinic/training materials -- photos, videos, handouts, brochures, etc.
- Specific event briefings to athletes and officiating crews
- Preparation guidelines for specific track & field events – apart from existing USATF monographs, etc.
- Criteria and procedures for certification level upgrades (training, meets worked, clinic attendance, etc.)
- Mentoring guidelines, and procedures for assisting new officials
- Recruiting materials or brochures for new officials - information on officiating duties, rewards, certification levels & process, training, and benefits
- Materials and programs for the retention and recognition of officials
- Average stipend for officials work at competitions – HS, college, USATF & other
- Tips on convincing meet management of the need for officials’ compensation
- Materials for soliciting financial assistance from businesses or foundations to support officials and competitions
- Locally created officials’ evaluation and feedback forms
- Systems and procedures (local or commercial services) for scheduling officials’ assignments
- Sources for purchase of commonly used equipment – flags, visors, travel bags, laser measuring devices, tape measures, belts & buckles, business cards, engraved name badges, etc.
- Bylaws, mission statements, and committee/chair duties or job descriptions
- Commercial sources for hosting of association websites
- Sample contract or agreement between associations and meet directors regarding official’s support
We understand associations may have materials on only a few of the areas
listed, and that it may take some effort to assemble these items. But, please
e-mail what you do have, and any additional ideas, to Rich Schornstein, Chair of
our Ethics & Goals Subcommittee, at
kidz1023@comcast.net. He and his committee will collect the inputs and take
the best of what we receive to create “Best Practices” and document templates
for each item. We’ll then send those draft items out for review and refinement
before finalizing and posting them to the national website for Associations’
possible use.
Association Presidents, Certification Chairs &
Officials -- we would appreciate your input by October 15, 2009. Thank you!
Len Krsak
NOC Chair
