In pussuit of perfection.

I am not talking about a wrestler, or a coach. I am talking about officials. I have spent the month of September, and October doing what I can to get ready for Folkstyle season. I ended FS/G season on a high with a strong session in the Junior Finals, and I want that improvement to roll right into Folkstyle season.
I am not the only official working this hard. You would be surprised at the study and work put forth by many of the officials right here in our state. Here is a list of some of the training that has occurred.

Formation of the Team Georgia Wrestling Officials Association.
Online training of new officials by TGWOA.
Training sessions by local GHSA officials associations.
Sharing session with MAWOA, and The Rome Area Officials.
Combined training sessions with all GHSA associations.
3 on sit training sessions by TGWOA
2 onsite Training sessions by MAWOA
A GWOA, and MWOA/TGWOA official(Me) representing Georgia at USA preseason Nationals.
Looking at video (something we can not do in a match) and giving my opinion to parent/coaches striving to learn the sport.

At Fargo this year, there was an emphasis on Coaches and officials being cooperative. Coaches would come to the table with respectful questions, and officials would give complete answers. The tournament not only ran smoothly, but I think the officiating was better than usual. I want to do what I can to carry this over to the folkstyle season.

One of the top coaches in the state told me Saturday that he was going to hold his emotions back, and approach officials with respect this season. His theory is that he is more likely to get the benefit of a doubt in more instances. I am here to tell you that the coach is right on the mark. No matter how you approach an official, they will take it to heart, but if that approach is respectful, they are way less likely to become defensive. You are more likely to get the outcome you want with respect, than you are with random rants, and insults.

As always, If you have a question, I will do my best to answer it, or find you the answer if I do not know it.

Good luck to everyone, the season has begun.