| Cohesion
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| That give and take communication, whether it’s on the field of play, during association meetings or just anytime, anywhere, between veterans and rookies, leads to a sense of fellowship. It’s esprit de corps among officials — cohesion, or what Bupp says boils down to developing relationships. “The hardest thing for a younger official is becoming included,” says Bupp. “Some of the athletic directors and assignors are sometimes a little reluctant to take a chance on new people because they haven’t seen them work. They don’t know the quality of their judgment. “If you’re not included, then it’s tough. Once you break through that ceiling, then people tend to accept you as an official and your credit improves, your respect improves and people start to seek you. “That’s the hardest thing, that four or five years struggling to gain acceptance. It’s sort of like a salesman in a cold-call situation. You have to build the clientele, you have to make sure people value your services.” The easiest way to do that is to join an officials association like Murray’s OKC. Some states, like Georgia, require you to be a member of an approved association to officiate. Others that don’t mandate it can still put you in touch with the proper groups. Swearngin says the benefits of joining an association include ensuring a regular work schedule and sometimes a regular partner. It also gives you a group of peers to bounce questions off of and trade games with should an emergency situation arise that prevents you from working a contracted game. Fish says associations serve another important purpose, too. “The learning process between young officials and veterans is a two-way street,” he explains. “Where young officials can be helpful to veteran officials is with their creativeness, enthusiasm and energy. If they’re open, it can really be a shot in the arm, invigorating.” |
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