8 Ball Umpire

World EightBall Pool Rules

UMPIRE’S EXAMINATION

Preparation, as in all things, is vital to conducting successful examinations, regardless of numbers.
1.    Your examination papers [the part containing the questions for the candidate], should
    be presented properly and be able to be re-used many, many times.
    To achieve this I advise the following:-
    Place [back to back] each set of pages in a plastic protective sleeves, then into a clear front
    display folder [the cheap variety].
    On the outside side of the display folder clearly mark the number of that examination set.
    [best done 1 of 10 / 2 of 10 or whatever the number of examinations sets you have.
I found it handy to have at least 2 sets of display folders in different colours red / blue.
This way the Candidate often thought there were 2 different exam papers and it was
useless cheating off the person sitting next to them.  Slipped inside the front cover should be the Candidates Answer Sheet [the one they write on].
Have another qualified umpire [maybe a “C” grade, looking to go further] along with you.   They are then learning how things should be done and will be able to assist you in the ‘marking’ of the completed examinations.
2.    You should also have an Attendance Sheet, which lists the Candidates Name, what league
    /area they are from and the number of the examination set you have given them.
This is vital, allowing you to check that all examination folders are returned to you along
with the Candidates Answer Sheet.   Never let an examination folder or answer sheet
leave the room except with you.
3.    Have plenty of pens [working] with you – a kid’s pencil case is ideal.
    You, as examiner should have a red biro for marking purposes.
    You also will have a timer which you will set at 1 hour, after you have given them time
    to fill out their name and details.
4.    Ready, set go.    Remind them that they are only to write on the Answer Sheet.
Occasionally you will have a candidate who asks questions [be careful you do not disturb others, or inadvertently give away the answer].
    Give them a warning about 15 minutes, before the hour is up.   Quite a few will not need
    the required hour, but there will be those who do.   Lack of literacy can be a problem.
5.    As the candidates finish their paper, they should return the folder and answer sheet to you.
You, or your off-sider should commence to ‘mark the answer sheet’ in red biro.
A tip – only mark those answers that they gave incorrectly – inserting what should have
been the correct answer alongside.
On completion of the ‘marking’, call the person back to you.   Tell them either they failed
or passed [congratulating a pass].  Send them ‘off to the side’ with folder and answer sheet
so they can assess where they went wrong [sometimes simple as not reading the question
correctly].   This way even if they missed out, they are still learning how and why.
Just passing and/or failing is not the be all and end all, of the process.
Advise them, if they still have a problem, to come back to you so you can further explain.
Remind them they cannot take any paperwork relating to the examination away.
6.    38 – 44 is a “D” grade accreditation.     45 – 50 is a “C” grade theory accreditation [some
    will be happy with that and not wish to ‘go further’, others will wish to try out for their “C”
    grade accreditation.  If this is the case, advise [and follow up] that you will contact them
    regarding when / where you will next be conducting “C” grade practical testing.
    I.e.   Finals,  State Title Try Outs, major tournament etc. etc.
7.    Check you have all your relevant paperwork.   Pack up and go home, hopefully with
some new accreditations.