When a skillful lecturer sets up presentations, they are done with a series of precise steps. First, a principle is stated, then it is explained (What does the principle mean? How is it manifested?); and at length illustrations, anecdotes, facts, examples and statistics are brought forth to flesh out the original assertions. Like first creating a mannequin and then dressing it up, it is a two-step process.

The speaker moves on to point number two and the information delivery system starts all over again.

Public relations involves two-way communication. That means along with voicing your concerns, problems and ideas with your various publics, you must strive to listen to and understand their concerns as well. An effective public relations plan is mutually beneficial.

When designing a public relations plan, remember to examine each public separately. As you develop ideas for communicating with those groups, look at your association’s relationship with each group and ask yourself the following questions: In what ways does your association depend on that public? How does that public depend on your association? Have you had previous contact with that group? Does your association already have rules or guidelines for communicating with that group? Do you have policies established as to who speaks on behalf of the association? How your association proceeds with a plan will depend on the answers to all of those questions.

In many cases, there is no advanced agreement between the official and the school, league or conference defining expectations of each party. In other cases, the language of the contract clearly favors the administration. Associations can play a vital role in determining the components of an official’s contract. Most often, contracts are written by a school and issued to the officials without consideration of an official’s rights and expectations. The association can influence the elements of a contract by meeting with school administrators and negotiating for a better written contract.

There is no national standard for assigner’s fees. What follows comes from professional observation of the officiating community.

There’s no “best way” to pay the assigner. Here are four methods and some thoughts about each, so your association can make the decision on what suits your situation.

Membership in NASO-ON provides a helping hand to officials associations, no matter how big or how small, in accomplishing everyday association management tasks. Just as NASO is an educational association for individual sports officials, NASO-ON effectively provides educational resources and management tools to leaders.

To date, more than 1,100 officials associations are active members of NASO-ON. Several states — including Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota and Washington — provide NASO-ON membership to all recognized local officials associations.

Here are just a few of the articles NASO-ON members will read in the 7/09 issue of ONBoard:

• Get Your Membership Involved in Programs and Committees
• 2010 Summit Location, Theme Announced
• NASO Welcomes New Board Members, Officers