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Match Officials Department Hosts Officiating Think-Tank

By Staff, 01/16/17, 10:30AM EST

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The Ontario Soccer Association Match Officials Development Department recently hosted a two-day Multi-Sport Think-Tank to discuss the commonalities of officiating programs across the sporting landscape. The group sat down to determine the issues, concerns and successes that other sports are facing in today's sport environment.

At the table were baseball, rugby, volleyball, basketball, athletics, softball and also OCAA and OUA. Leading the presentations were Dr. Lori Livingston, Dr. Susan Forbes and Dr. Nick Wattie, talking about trends in recruitment, retention, attrition and The Psychology of Sports.

Paul Varian, President of Capitis Consulting, spoke about the framework of officiating across Canada, and the Match Officials Department presented the Long Term Officials Development Plan. The event ended with a session on how the groups can work together moving forward.

Participants noted that it was interesting to see the common areas of concern and the patterns across all sports. This group is committing to continue to work together to create a positive, respectful and supported environment for all officials in all sports.