RATING STANDARDS AND RELATED FACTORS IN HIGH LEVEL AMATEUR SPORTS OFFICIATING

The Problem. The problem was to determine rating standards and related factors in high level amateur sports officiating and to identify changes in National Governing Body (NGB) development programs for sports officials since the 1977 report of the President's Commission on Olympic Sports (PCOS).;A response rate of 79% from sports officials and 94% from NGB's was achieved. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS computer package.;Findings. Regarding sports officials, "love of the sport" was the highest rated reason for officiating. "Ability," "active pursuit of officiating development," and "self-confidence" were ranked most important among developmental factors. Informal discussions with peers and continual rule review were reported most effective for officiating self-development. Officials averaged 43 years of age, 11-15 years of officiating experience, ;Regarding NGB's, 70% offered formal training and 60% formal rating for officials. A majority (73%) reported a need to upgrade training programs. "Ability to adapt to changes in rules and techniques" was the most highly rated advancement factor. More NGB's now conduct formal officiating development programs than did at the time of the PCOS report.;Procedures. Using a panel of experts, two survey instruments were developed. One instrument was mailed to the 260 sports officials identified by the United States Olympic Committee as officials in its 1982 National Sports Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana. A second instrument was mailed to the 32 NGB's which hosted competition in the 1982 Festival.;Conclusions. Specific factors contribute to advancement to high level amateur officiating. NGB emphasis on officiating development has increased in the past five years. Many NGB administrators perceive a need to upgrade development programs.;Recommendations. Recommendations include establishing a centralized national development program for officials and conducting additional officiating research.