Official - Basketball

The City of McHenry Parks & Recreation Department is looking for officials for the upcoming basketball season.

Officials are responsible for the enforcement of rules and regulations during City of McHenry Parks & Recreation athletic events including sports leagues, special events, tournaments, and other events as assigned. Officials control the pace, sportsmanship, and atmosphere of games through their knowledge and attention to detail. They oversee keeping players’ safe and enforcing good sportsmanship by making fair and just calls.

Under the supervision of the Athletics Supervisor, officials are responsible for working directly with staff, volunteers, coaches, participants, and spectators. They play an integral role in the development of building strong character values in our programming. The staff is a representative of the philosophy, mission, and goal of the City of McHenry and its parks and recreation department. Staff must strive to work cooperatively with the Athletics Supervisor and fellow employees to achieve the goals and objectives of the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation department.

Job Duties

DECISION MAKING AND JUDGEMENT

• Communicate effectively with co-workers, participants, spectators, and supervisor
• Making sound judgment calls regarding cancelling play based on weather or general safety concerns relating to participants
• Enforcing league rules and making firm calls
• Understanding and ability to interpret league specific rules along with general governing body rules
• Treating all teams on a fair and equal basis every game regardless of past events
• Detailed comprehension of policies, procedures, and rules for each program you are assigned to
• Report any concerns, injures, or suggestions to Athletic Supervisor within a 24 hour period
• Always defend staff, especially in conflict situations regardless of if you believe call to be right or wrong (Discuss concerns with supervisor after situation)
• Teach and explain rules and regulations governing a specific sport to participants

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Ensure all players have signed waivers and have proper documentation before playing
• Meet with captains prior to game starts to go over rules or league notifications
• Come dressed in uniform and prepared for the weather every shift
• Sign off on score sheet at the end of the game as verification of score and time worked
• Arrive 15 minutes prior to game time to inspect playing area/gather equipment
• Display a high level of professionalism by using proper mechanics, articulate calls in a firm/loud voice, and move around the field to best advantage points for viewing plays
• Assist with the development of all athletics policies and regulations
• Keeping all work areas and fields clean and clear of debris
• Accounting for all program equipment and general upkeep of equipment
• Control the flow of games by having them start on time, enforcing time limits, and encouraging sense of urgency in teams
• Attend all meetings and trainings as assigned by the Athletics Supervisor
• If you can’t make a shift, you are responsible for finding a replacement umpire/official. You must notify Athletics Supervisor of change.

SUPERVISION

• Survey facilities before play and after to note any maintenance needs or broken equipment
• Devote your full attention to the game and keep constant supervision of program participants
• Protect players by ejecting players or spectators for making lewd gestures, heckling, intentionally harming another, intoxication, or other behavior that detracts from a safe atmosphere
• Calmly and professionally intervene in conflict situations arising from play
• Assure teams, staff, and spectators act in a manner appropriate under league guidelines
• Inspect all league equipment to make sure if follows guidelines and standards

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to maintain composure in high pressure situations
• Must be available for essential dates and times the program meets
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds
• Must be able to evaluate situations and make decisions within established policies and standards
• Requires frequent lifting and moving of equipment and supplies
• Must be able to see objects or plays both near and far
• Requires ability to move around facility at a fast pace without becoming winded or out of breath
• Knowledge and physical ability to respond in emergency situations
• Candidate must be energetic, outgoing, and display a passion for athletics
• Candidate must possess strong oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Candidate must possess ability to be flexible and adjust to changing work environment
• Candidate must be trained and certified in First Aid and CPR

ACCURACY

• Requires accurate record keeping for programs

PARTICIPANT SAFETY

• Review and understand all emergency drills and be prepared to implement them
• Requires considerable attention and alertness to safety hazards

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

• Fill in at various positions when there are personnel shortages, vacations, or special projects
• Other related duties as assigned and perform all duties in a respectful and responsible manner

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• In depth knowledge of specific sports rules or multiple years playing that sport
• Officiate sports activities to ages 5 and up
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification current or obtained within first 30 days
• Desire to provide a high level of customer service daily
• Willingness to project the City of McHenry image by personal adherence to all policies
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and administer all policies, established by the City of McHenry Parks & Recreation department, to all employees and volunteers you may meet
• Ability to enforce policies with program staff, participants, and spectators in a respectful and composed manner
• Required at least 1 year officiating/umpiring an athletic or recreation program or at least 5 years experience participating in related program
• Prefer one or more years of college in a related field (i.e. recreation, sports management, etc.)

The City of McHenry is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.