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Recruitment Strategies


Proven Recruitment Strategies:

  • Targeted Outreach: Look beyond traditional candidates and target underrepresented groups, such as women for boys' basketball and football.
  • Leverage Local Networks: Contact local sports clubs, associations, and YMCA/YWCAs to find sport-minded individuals.
  • Digital and Social Media Campaigns: Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or post on sites like Craigslist, to find people looking for part-time, flexible work.
  • Visible Promotion: Use local media, such as newspaper or TV, to humanize the role by showcasing a local official’s day-to-day life.
  • Establish Mentorship Programs: New recruits often need more support than anticipated, so pair them with experienced mentors to help with training, registration, and confidence. 

Once you’ve identified potential referee candidates, the next step is to assess their qualifications. There are several qualifications that every referee should have. Key qualifications:

  • A basic understanding of the sport and related rules/guidelines: Clubs and leagues should be willing to train officials with zero or next to zero experience in the sport. Having some experience within a sport can help provide additional context, however, sometimes having little to no context helps officials avoid developing bad habits or misunderstandings about their sport.
  • Official licensure or certification: Depending on the level of competition, referees are required to fulfill a specific amount of licensure requirements or have commensurate experience. This is important to keep in mind when vetting officials for your club or league.
  • Good communication skills: The referee must be able to communicate effectively with both players and coaches. They need to be able to explain their decisions and resolve any conflicts that may arise.
  • Physical fitness: Referees need to be physically fit in order to keep up with the action on the field or court.

​If the referee candidates meet all of the above qualifications, the next step is to approach them about refereeing for your organization. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

  • Be clear about what you’re asking for: The referee should know exactly what you’re asking them to do. Make sure you explain the commitment involved, as well as any expectations or requirements.
  • Offer support: Let the referee know that you’re there to support them. Offer training and resources that will help them be successful in their new role including continued education and .
  • Show appreciation: A little bit of appreciation can go a long way. Thank the referee for their time and let them know that you value their contribution.

By following these steps, you’ll be one step closer to being able to recruit qualified referees for your organization. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your refereeing team is up to the task of providing fair and unbiased officiating.

 

Strategies for the Recruitment / Retention of Officials by the National Federation of State High School Association - Download