Meeting Minutes for SCBOWBO

November 18, 2002

Meeting Recap: Monday, November 18, 2002: Pat K. reported on new recruit training. We had 2 orientation sessions plus 3 floor training sessions at Mountlake Terrace High School. We have many new refs and they all show great enthusiasm and potential. Several of our "veteran" refs helped out and it was much appreciated. 22 apprentice officials showed up tonight for the 6 PM apprentice program which is a huge increase over past years. Two minor constitution changes were proposed and approved overwhelmingly by our members. 1) In the past, we elected board members as well as a vice-president. The vice-president would then become the president in the following year. It is believed that we would get more members to run for board positions if we just elected "board members" and then had the board elect the president from within their own members. This change was approved. 2) In the past, referees who transfer to our association had their initial rating made by members of the board who observed them at a game. This duty will now be handled by our paid observers. This change was approved. Jason displayed the SCBOA shirts that we had made and area available to our members for $25.00 each. There is a blue polo shirt as well as a button-up denim shirt. Many shirts were purchased. These shirts will be made available to the boy's association as well at their next meeting. Thanks to Paul Patterson for suggesting a "generic" design (rather than a "girls only" shirt) so that both the boys and girls associations can benefit. Kevin requested that cell phones and pagers be set to "vibrate mode" rather than having ringers on during our meetings. He also requested that members go out into the hall to have their conversations if they receive a call. Pro Stock attended our meeting and "set up shop" and sold their officiating equipment. They will be attending another meeting later in the year. Jason reported that summer official camps are very helpful (and occasionally humbling) and he got a lot out of his camp experience last summer. Our association pays to send two officials to a camp each summer. Application forms can be found at the Referee Forms section of our website. Forms must be turned in to the board by March 1 to be considered for a camp scholarship. Kevin reported on a survery received from the WOA. The first part asked if our association would support an officials camp in Eastern Washington. We would support that. The second part asked if we would accept 1/3 less pay (splitting the same game fee between 3 officials rather than 2) to have 3-person crews rather than 2-person crews. It was unanimously rejected. Kevin Reported on the new game fees ($1.50 increase per game) and new mileage fees (a 20% increase overall and a much simplified system). To see the new fees, click on this Game and Mileage Fee Form. Jim Shaw went over the instructions on how to properly fill out a pay sheet. Over 50% of the pay sheets last year contained errors. This year, fines will be charged to officials who turn in their sheets late or do not fill them out correctly. Also, Jim reminded officials that they need to keep pay boys and girls association sheets separate. They also need to turn in separate sheets for high school games and middle school games. Click on this Pay Sheet Form . Jim Shaw discussed the proper placement of referee patches and flags and also went over the dress code expected of our officials. Jim also reminded members that tonight's meeting was their last chance to buy a state tournament pass for $10.00 through our association. Rick Byrum presented the proposed new ratings system where officials rate their partners and the officials they observe once per year (rather than every game as had been in the past). The new system involves a paid observer component as well although the observers will not figure in to ratings (but they will provide helpful feedback) in this first year. The ratings system was approved by a vote of 51-12. Ashley Thomas gave a great presentation on "dead ball officiating." (What to do when the ball is not in play - there are always things you can be doing before the game, during time-outs, etc. Glenn Dunbar gave out service pins to each of our officials who had moved in to a new "5-year service grouping." Glenn passed out the state test which is due back at the December 9 meeting. Use a number 2 pencil! Jim Shaw discussed the Player, Coach, and Host School Award program that we have every year. Nominations will be accepted at every meeting and then we will vote by ballot at the end of the year. Glenn talked about the Athletic Director's meeting that he and Gunther attended a few weeks ago. The A.D.'s understand that we need appropriate changing and showering facilities at each gym. Any school failing to provide this should report to our school liason (Pat Kaminske) at the next meeting after their game. Glenn talked about the video library and any official wishing to check out an officiating video should request one from Glenn. Dave Muscatell gave an excellent presentation on the pre-game conference that officials should have before every game. Jim gave instructions to our members on what to do if they get injured in a WIAA game. We are covered by L&I from the time we start heading to the game until we get home afterwards. If any official gets an injury during a game that requires medical attention, please contact Jim if you are confused about the steps that need to be taken. Kevin requested that each official go to the photo section and the phone/address section of our website to verify that their photo is on the website and that their personal Everyone verify their personal info on the spreadsheet. Go to the ref roster and photo section of the website. Jason made brief mention of the scholarship program for athletes that our association does every year. We give out two $500.00 scholarships to deserving student-athletes in the schools we serve. Criteria includes athletics, grades, community service, and other school activities aside from athletics. See the Scholarship Application Form . It is amazing to see how well-rounded and goal-oriented many of these kids are when studying the applications. This program is funded solely by voluntary paycheck deductions from our officials each year. Recreation assignor Dan Taylor mentioned that several leagues will be starting soon and reminded members to call him if they want to work rec leagues. Rick Byrum had five scrimmage requests and several officials signed up for each one. The attendance raffle was held and Trent Harwood won the free referee shirt in the drawing. This week's officiating myths: What does it take to establish your location inbounds again once a player has accidentally left the floor? Answer: One foot only. Is it illegal for the ball to bounce way above the dribbler's head if they continue to dribble afterwards? Answer: No. It may be ugly, but it is not illegal. At what point would an official rule that a "moving screen" is illegal? Answer: When contact is made. If no contact, no call! NEXT MEETING: December 9, 2002 at 7:00 PM