The job of sports officials is simple, yet takes years of work and experience, but even the most experienced official still makes mistakes. Every year, sports officials are given a set of handbooks; Rules Book, Officials Rule Book, Mechanics Book, and Case Book (Washington Officials Association). Each official will be given the specific Rule Book for the sport or sports they are officiating, a rule book of how to officiate that sport, and a mechanics book showing the signals and various calls for that sport. The process of training a new official varies between different associations. For example, the WOA (Washington Officials Association), begins their training by doing one week of mechanics, one week of floor work, and various tests both in person and online.
For the first week of training both new and old officials will join in reviewing the rules and any updated rules that have been changed since their last season (Washington Officials Association). Many rules and additions are made even while seasons are in progress. Therefore, all officials are constantly studying their handbook and in touch with their trainers for any new knowledge. This, for example, may lead to a reason why so many assaults are made towards officials, since fans and parents etc. are not as up-to-date on the rules as officials are. This is an ongoing problem that all officials are aware of and are in the process of finding out ways to fix it.
During training, every official must complete reading the handbook, since they have to pass a test in order to be certified and start working games. This includes all officials before each of their seasons, not just first years. A 80% test score must be accomplished every year by every certified official before beginning their next season (Washington Officials Association).
While in training, it is not unlikely to find that mentors are mainly male, since there are substantial fewer females. This may lead to the answer as to why there are fewer female officials, since they have a lack of other females to look up to. The average years of experience of female officials before they quit is anywhere from 5-10 whereas male officials are 20+.
For the first week of training both new and old officials will join in reviewing the rules and any updated rules that have been changed since their last season (Washington Officials Association). Many rules and additions are made even while seasons are in progress. Therefore, all officials are constantly studying their handbook and in touch with their trainers for any new knowledge. This, for example, may lead to a reason why so many assaults are made towards officials, since fans and parents etc. are not as up-to-date on the rules as officials are. This is an ongoing problem that all officials are aware of and are in the process of finding out ways to fix it.
During training, every official must complete reading the handbook, since they have to pass a test in order to be certified and start working games. This includes all officials before each of their seasons, not just first years. A 80% test score must be accomplished every year by every certified official before beginning their next season (Washington Officials Association).
While in training, it is not unlikely to find that mentors are mainly male, since there are substantial fewer females. This may lead to the answer as to why there are fewer female officials, since they have a lack of other females to look up to. The average years of experience of female officials before they quit is anywhere from 5-10 whereas male officials are 20+.
Once females are accepted and certified officials they are instructed on their uniforms and proper appearance. This is the first sign of difference between the male and female officials. Females are limited to small, if any, use of makeup, given specifics on how and what to wear as uniform, and must carry themselves properly at all times (Author). Males on the other hand, are given the basic uniform and have little to no other restrictions to their appearance. This difference in restrictions in regards of appearance between male and female referees may lead to another question as to whether or not there is gender bias in the organization itself, not necessarily on the court.
Other restrictions in that are enforced to both male and female officials include; no jewelry, little to no visible tattoos, and of course the available options as to what uniforms to buy.
In summary, as far as training goes, both males and females are trained in the same way and given the same knowledge (Menke). There should be no dispute towards the possibility that males know one sport better than females and vice versa. Every official must complete the set of handbooks and rule books which are updated every year, and each of them must pass the certifications tests with 80% every year.
Other restrictions in that are enforced to both male and female officials include; no jewelry, little to no visible tattoos, and of course the available options as to what uniforms to buy.
In summary, as far as training goes, both males and females are trained in the same way and given the same knowledge (Menke). There should be no dispute towards the possibility that males know one sport better than females and vice versa. Every official must complete the set of handbooks and rule books which are updated every year, and each of them must pass the certifications tests with 80% every year.