We Need Referees - an Opportunity

I didn't write about it, but I'm sure many of you have heard that the recent US Open had its sanctioning revoked by the USAPA. Sanctioning is a big deal because it effects player rankings. Due to the revocation, many players will lose any ranking points received through their play in the biggest tournament ever played.

As it turns out, the size of the US Open was a factor in its sanctioning being revoked. I have read that there were 2,500 games played in the tournament. In order to get sanctioned by the USAPA, a tournament must agree to have a referee for every game. The US Open failed to do so. Apparently, they had arranged for volunteers from the community to serve as referees and many left for their northern homes before or during the tournament.

I tell this tale only to illustrate that referees are in high demand. More tournaments are requesting volunteers to serve in the role and even more tournaments want to be sanctioned. There is some discussion among ambassadors about the need to compensate referees through direct payment, free lunch, free tournament entry, or other means. I believe there will be lots of opportunity as the sport grows.

So, what does this mean for us right now? How about free referee training! Below is a flyer advertising such a "class" near Charlotte on October 11. Click on the image to make it larger.