Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Patton.
Hi Ken , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First, let me first say that I am not an entrepreneur nor a CEO. While I am “hired” by the general membership and entrusted with the integral part of filling the supply and demand of our “business” with two others and we are fortunate to be a part of a dedicated leadership team who gives their time freely to our avocation.
The Austin Basketball Officials Organization (ABOA) has been providing basketball officials to area schools for 78 years and serve 171 High schools and Middle schools by supplying referees for about 6000 games each school year. Our current membership is 350 men and women dedicated to making the sport accessible for student-athletes who are passionate about the game.
Each official is required to pass rules tests, background checks and participate in classroom and on court training. We evaluate each official annually and they are graded to work the level of games based on these reviews of their skills.
There are opportunities through personal dedication and continuing education in summer camps to excel and work their way into the college ranks. The ABOA currently has 31 members working at the collegiate level with 13 of them working Division 1.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since we are not employers, but serve as a conduit for people who are committed to the avocation of officiating. While officials are paid for their time and learned skills, it is not an occupation and our members take what they do very seriously. But everyone is an independent contractor who can work when and where they want.
There is a national shortage of sports officials and Austin is no exception. That makes busier days sometimes difficult to cover all the games that are scheduled.
Many days there are 150+ games.
As the Austin area grows, so does the need for men and women to put on the uniform. Even with recruiting and incentives, it is difficult to get younger people to join, especially in the volatile climate that is becoming more prevalent in youth sports.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Austin Basketball Officials Organization?
The ABOA’s training program is one of the most intensive in the country. Every year we host weekend training camps, monthly new member introduction training and each fall there are over 200 live training games over 12 nights. These are conducted by veteran officials who volunteer their experience to make newer officials better prepared for the season that runs from November 1st to State Tournament in March.
We are encouraged by our skills and dedication to the craft being recognized in the post season from schools requesting us from the Panhandle to the Valley and from El Paso to the Gulf Coast. We are always represented at the State tournament.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Our most successful new officials are those that make use of veterans who are willing to share their time and expertise to make them better. This is a formal program that tries to match “rookies” in their first years.
While we advertise and attend job fairs in local universities to recruit, we have found that our existing members are the best source of bringing interested people to the organization. We financially reward our members for every referral.
Pricing:
- Start up costs are about $250 per official
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.basketballofficials.com
