How do I assess the referee and scorekeeper side of an indoor sports league?

Ask for a list of officials with how long each has worked for the league, how many games they cover and how they are paid. Look at the schedule for gaps or last-minute changes. Ask how often games ran short of officials and what the league did, since the answer shows how strong the system is. Ask how officials are recruited and whether the league has had trouble finding enough of them in busy periods.

Then look at quality and fairness. How are complaints handled, and who trains new officials? Speak to a few team captains, if the seller allows it, about whether games are run well. Teams unhappy with officiating may move to another league. Check how scores and standings are recorded, since errors there cause disputes that officials are blamed for.

Finally, check the working arrangement. Ask whether officials work as employees or contractors, and whether a written agreement exists. Your lawyer can advise on what that means for you, and your accountant can review the cost of officials against fees collected. Meet the main officials before closing and learn whether they intend to continue. If the league depends on one person to arrange officials each week, make sure that knowledge is written down before you buy.

Key takeaways

• Get a list of officials with tenure, workload and pay.
• Ask how often games lacked officials and how that was fixed.
• Confirm in writing whether officials are staff or contractors.