So you heard about the shortage of athletic officials in Maine, and that body you refined during your own glory days on the court or playing field remains relatively fit. But you assumed there was a rigorous training process before you could begin to think about overseeing real, live games.
Well, yes and no.
The good news is that it won’t take that long to get started. Get in contact with the right person today, start studying the rulebook, take a test and there’s a good chance you could be on the field for a sub-varsity baseball, softball or lacrosse game by this spring.
Getting started is easy. If you have Web access, log on to www.mpa.cc and click on the link that reads “Sports Officials Needed” on the home page. That will transport you to a list of current addresses and phone numbers for contact persons in baseball, basketball, cheerleading, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field, volleyball and wrestling.
If you’re not connected to the internet, simply call the Maine Principals’ Association at (207) 622-0217 for a complete list.
Baseball candidates don’t need to have attended umpire school in Florida, nor are basketball hopefuls expected to write a five-page discourse on what is and what isn’t a traveling violation in order to be hired.
“We train people every year for basketball. It’s the same way with baseball. We offer clinics all the time,” said Jeff Benson of Auburn, a 23-year veteran umpire and basketball referee. “We’re not looking for people with a Major League Baseball level of rule interpretation. We just want you to know some simple rules so we can teach you the rest.”
In other sports, there is less to learn before you’re ready to handle a junior high or junior varsity skirmish. Of course, prior playing experience is helpful.
The costs in becoming a referee are minimal. Officials must supply their own uniforms and transportation. The pay varies from $30-40 for a junior varsity game to $50-58 for a varsity tilt, depending upon the sport. There is mileage reimbursement.
Most sports require an annual refresher course and an exam with a nominal charge, but many boards waive their dues when you pass the test. Other groups offer recruitment incentives, forgiving annual dues if you bring in a new member.
“When different officials’ groups do their own recruiting, that’s most effective,” said MPA assistant director Larry LaBrie. “People who are already officiating usually know somebody who would be a good candidate.”
That suggests that some of the most qualified officials are out of the loop.
“Its an avocation, not a vocation,” said Benson. “You’re not going to get rich. But it’s a great way for people to stay involved in the game.”
And to ensure that the games go on.
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