This is by far the most frequently asked question posed by our new officials--and a good one! Here are some guidelines to help you in your officials life:
1. Be sure that you have been certified (attended a school or taken the tests, passed the background check, and registered on Nucula).
2. Be sure that you have attended the Roving 101 class and done your shadowing with an experienced official. If you haven't been contacted about this, contact Nancy King as soon as possible.
3. Secure a copy of the booklet of sanctioned tournaments that is given out by the USTA and Texas Section. This booklet lists all of the sanctioned tournaments in Texas and the referee and contact information.
4. The MTOA referees are given your name when you are certified so you should be receiving some information about work opportunities. If you haven't, you might want to contact some of the local referees and let them know you are ready and interested in working. One call or email will suffice.
5. Do not hound referees about hiring you. They will get to you in time but constantly calling and emailing will only move you further down the list.
6. If you are interested in working at the pro level you might want to contact Stephanie Burnam (stefburnam@hotmail.com).
7. If you are interested in working at the ITA (collegiate) level, you might want to contact Randy McDonald (rmtennis@yahoo.com).
8. Most new officials personally know an MTOA referee so you might want to get with them and have them give you some more suggestions. You might also ask them to evaluate you so you can work on your strengths and weaknesses.
9. Stay positive in your outlook! Eventually the opportunities will come.
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