Officials Advisory Committee

Minutes
Sept. 15, 2003 • 10 a.m.
FHSAA Headquarters
Gainesville, Florida


The Officials Advisory Committee met in the office of the FHSAA on Monday, September 15, 2003 at 10 AM. Those members present were: Ted Brown (Basketball, Sec.3); Marilyn Booher (Softball, Sec. 2); Scott Burkett (Softball, Sec. 3), Christine Epperly (Soccer, Sec. 2); Pat Fairfax (Wrestling, Sec. 1); Carlos Fenn (Volleyball, Sec. 3); Larry Helton (Football, Sec. 3); Mark Hewitt (Wrestling, Sec. 2); Jon Krug (Baseball, Sec. 1); Leonard Kapacinskas (Baseball, Sec. 2); Helen Kelchner (Volleyball, Sec. 1); Ecitrym LaMarr (Basketball, Sec. 1); John Lavin (Football, Sec. 2); Steve LeBruno (Volleyball, Sec. 2); Mike Puleo (Wrestling, Sec. 3); George Sansone (Wrestling, Sec. 4); Thom Smith (Soccer, Sec. 4); Bill Tallant (Baseball, Sec. 4); James Tucker (Football, Sec. 1), Arturo Vazquez (Baseball, Sec. 3); Tracy Watkins (Volleyball, Sec. 4); Ed Whipple (Softball, Sec. 4); Freddie Williams (Basketball, Sec. 4); Mike Knowles (Florida Representative to NFOA); and Roy Getzoff for Pete Newton (Football, Sec. 4).

FHSAA staff members present were: John A. Stewart, Associate Commissioner of Operations; Cecelia Jackson, Director of Athletics; Paul McLaughlin, Director of Athletics; Gary Pigott, Associate Director of Athletics, M. Denarvise Thornton, Associate Director of Athletics; Tamara J. Wilsey, Associate Director of Athletics, and Carrie Hardee, Officials Registrar.

I. WELCOME, INTRODUCTION, GENERAL INFORMATION
Dr. Stewart called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. He welcomed the new members to the newly expanded committee. The committee increased from 12 to 28 members. There were brief introductions of the FHSAA staff and officials in attendance. Dr. Stewart reviewed the expense report forms. Ms. Jackson reviewed the general time schedule for the meeting.

The committee unanimously elected George Sansone as Chairperson.

II. OLD BUSINESS

Ms. Jackson assisted Mr. Sansone in reviewing the minutes with the group by explaining the actions that have resulted from the previous recommendations.

After much discussion about the need for a Supervisor of Officials, Mr. Allen’s retirement, and the possible conflict with independent contractor status (Recommendation # 1), by consensus, the committee approved the minutes of the March 2003 meeting.

Mr. Sansone dismissed the committee into their respective sport committees with their corresponding staff member to discuss committee recommendations. The sport committees were to vote on recommendations and bring forth the recommendations for the entire officials committee to vote on.

SPORTS REPORTS
Detailed information on each recommendation that passed follows.

A. BASEBALL
Mr. Kapacinskas reported the committee’s decisions as follows:
1. Amend NF 10-run rule to an 8-run rule after 5 innings -NO ACTION
2. Set a time limit of 2 hours for JV Baseball – no new inning after 2 hours SUPPORT (4-0)
3. Assign 4 umpires from an association to work all games at State Finals
SUPPORT (4-0)
4. Conflict of interest with umpires coaching -DIED (Lack of motion)

B. BASKETBALL
Mr. Brown reported the committee’s decisions as follows:
1. Adoption of proposed signal for Held Ball -DENY
2. Use 2 hands for reporting double numbers -DENY
3. Add a Signal for Flagrant Foul – Closed Fist Pointed Offender Bench -DENY
4. Add the signal for not being closely guarded (same as NCAA) –SUPPORT (3-0) MUST SUBMIT TO NFHS
5. Replace the Stop Clock Signal with NCAA signal of pointing direction only after blowing the whistle–SUPPORT (3-0) MUST SUBMIT TO NFHS
6. When officiating free throw, officiate players closest to your position SUPPORT (3-0) MUST SUBMIT TO NFHS
7. All officials from a crew must wear identical jackets to insure uniform consistency –SUPPORT (3-0)
8. Change official’s shirt from striped to grey –FAST TRACK
SUPPORT (3-0) MUST SUBMIT TO NFHS

C. FOOTBALL
Mr. Tucker reported the committee’s decisions as follows:
1. Back judge remain at his normal position during a measurement for first down
with five-man crew -DENY
2. Create “central site” for rules questions/interpretations –NO ACTION
3. Use one set of mechanics statewide for consistency –NO ACTION
CURRENT PRACTICE
4. Move FHSAA registration deadline ahead to JUNE 1 for football officials
SUPPORT (4-0)

D. SOCCER
Ms. Jackson reported the committee’s decisions as follows:
1. Revise overtime procedure for deciding ties in state soccer series –SUPPORT (2-0) AND SEND TO COACHES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2. A player who receives a 2nd yellow card should sit out the next game and team play a man down for the remainder of that game SUPPORT (2-0)
3. Host schools make payment of post-season games before each game -DENY
4. On post-season games, charge host schools an assignor’s fee -DENY
5. Follow National Federation ruling or Florida ruling (no tape) –NO ACTION COVERED IN CLINICS
6. Increase mileage rate to post-season games SUPPORT (2-0) AS WRITTEN IN FEE PACKET SUBMITTED BY MR. KNOWLES
7. Assignment of officials for Regional play –NO ACTION PART OF GENERAL DISCUSSION
8. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Report form be placed on FHSAA website and sent to FHSAA electronically NO ACTION IN PROGRESS

E. VOLLEYBALL
Mr. LeBruno reported the committee’s decisions as follows:
1. Volleyball pre-match warm-up period should be shortened to a 6-6-3 period. SUPPORT (4-0) SEND TO COACHES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2. Official should wear white polo shirts vs. black & white striped shirts –FAST TRACK SUPPORT (4-0)

F. WRESTLING
Mr. Hewitt reported the committee’s decisions as follows:
1. Base fee for a 16-team invitational tournament be adjusted to the rate of a varsity dual meet –SUPPORT (4-0)

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATION # 1
ITEM: Officials Test
RECOMMENDATION: Rank 1 officials’ test exemptions should be retroactive to 1999.
MOTION: Brown / 2nd Tallant to approve
OAC 1ST READING: 25-0 Approved

RECOMMENDATION # 2
ITEM: 902 Maximum Pay Scale
RECOMMENDATION: Change maximum to minimum, but allow the individual associations to negotiate their own contracts with a minimum guideline.
MOTION: Fairfax / 2nd Williams to approve
OAC 1ST READING: 5-20 Defeated

RECOMMENDATION # 3
ITEM: OAC Representation on CAC
RECOMMENDATION: An OAC member should serve in an advisory capacity on the advisory committee for each sport.
AMENDMENT: The OAC representative should be a voting member.
MOTION: Booher / 2nd Getzoff to approve
OAC 1st READING: 1-24 Defeated
MOTION: Smith / 2nd Getzoff to approve
OAC 1ST READING: 6-19 Defeated

RECOMMENDATION # 4
ITEM: Regional OAC interim Meetings
RECOMMENDATION: Prior to the beginning of the school year, the four regional OAC members should meet at a central location within their region to discuss policy and recommendations.
MOTION: No action was taken. Dr. Stewart reminded the committee that this is allowed by the FHSAA. The members must do it at their own expense if they wish to meet.

RECOMMENDATION # 5
ITEM: Officials pools for State Finals
RECOMMENDATION: Have officials formally declare a desire to officiate at the State Series level. They must meet state level ranking requirements. After officiating at the state tournament, an official must wait until the subsequent third year (unless insufficient pool).
MOTION: No action was taken. Mr. Fairfax pointed out that local associations needed to be accountable for their officials. The best officials should be designated to the FHSAA when asked for in assigning State Series games.

RECOMMENDATION # 6
ITEM: Ranking of Officials
RECOMMENDATION: Create a subcommittee to restructure ranking system. Create a two-tier system: one tier for local district games, and one tier for State Series Contests. Advanced level training, physical fitness standards and peer evaluations will determine State Rank.
MOTION: Smith / 2nd Brown to table
OAC 1st READING: 25-0 Tabled

RECOMMENDATION # 7 & # 9
ITEM: Mandatory Background Checks & Directory of Bad Standing
RECOMMENDATION: Local associations shall be responsible to conduct a criminal background check on all its applicants. There should be a list of officials who are in bad standing with the FHSAA.
MOTION: Burkett / 2nd Whipple to deny
OAC 1ST READING: 25-0 Denied

RECOMMENDATION # 8
ITEM: Officials Tests
RECOMMENDATION: Photo identification is required to take an FHSAA officials examination.
MOTION: Getzoff / 2nd LaMarr to approve
OAC 1ST READING: 22-3 Approved

OPEN DISCUSSION

1. Officials are to be reminded of the official dress code as dictated in the FHSAA Officials guidebook when officiating FHSAA contests. Review of letter sent in regards to 2002 State Football Championships.

2. Mr. Whipple asked that there be information for each of the local associations placed on the FHSAA website with contact information for each of the Presidents (eg. E-mail addresses). Dr. Stewart said that he would look into the possibility.

3. In reference to the CCBOA letter, Ms. Jackson reminded the committee that the district tournament is not part of the association’s contract. Each district may choose the association in which they want to officiate their games.

4. A student may remain a student official and pay the $10 fee as long as they are enrolled in high school. If at 18, they would like to register as all other officials do, and to officiate varsity games, they may do so.

5. Mr. Knowles reviewed his plan for maximum fees and has asked to wait until the March 2004 meeting to present. He needs to review the volleyball and wrestling fees due to changes in both sports.

6. Mr. Whipple offered an update on the Softball Sub-Committee, because the information was not sent in prior to the deadline.

7. Mr. Smith asked that there be some dialogue to see if the meeting date needs to be changed to Saturday or Sunday. No changes will be made prior to the March meeting.

8. Mr. Getzoff offered several comments, but no discussion ensued.
• FHSAA should use UPS instead of US Mail
• FHSAA needs a skeleton crew on summer Fridays
• FHSAA is slow to respond to inquiries
• Where are the multiple-choice questions on the officials (football) exam?
• The FHSAA needs to be proactive instead of reactive.

9. Mr. Puelo reiterated the need for formal communication between the CAC and the OAC on recommendations that will impact both groups.

10. Ms. Watkins reminded the group that they need to go out and support/vote for the people who make the decisions regarding funding of the educational system in Florida.

11. Mr. Vazquez thanked the committee and staff for the time that he has spent serving his peers. He believes that he is leaving the program in good hands.

12. Mr. Whipple reminded the committee that they are part of the first line of defense in dropout prevention.

13. Staff reported the student officials program had an increase in participation during the 2002-03 school-year and a 50 percent retention rate.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 15, 2004 at the FHSAA Office in Gainesville.

The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.


BASKETBALL SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING

Attending the session for the basketball sub-committee were: Ted Brown, Lakeland; Eccitrym Lamarr, Tallahassee; Freddie Williams, Miami; and Mike Knowles, Bradenton (NFOA). Also in attendance was Denarvise Thornton, Associate Director of athletics.

There were eight items reviewed by the committee as submitted. The following outlines the sub-committee’s recommendation and Officials’ Advisory Committee’s actions.

Item #1 Adoption of proposed signal for Held Ball
(Recommended to Deny)
The sub-committee feels that the present signal for Held Ball is sufficient.
NFHS supports this position.

Item #2 Use 2 hands for reporting double numbers
(Recommended to Deny)
Although the sub-committee supports the concept, there were some concerns in its adoption (even if passed by the officials advisory committee). The necessary training, not just for the officials, but for the scorers as well, is concern. The sub-committee acknowledged that the NFHS manual says an adult should be the official scorer, but in many instances, students are selected to perform this duty. Additionally, the committee supports the NFHS’s concept of remaining consistent in philosophy and mechanics, as much as possible. Reporting with two hands for double numbers only becomes inconsistent in approach.
NFHS supports this position, as it relates to training of official scorer (who are often students) and are concerned with the inconsistency in reporting as well.

Item #3 Add a signal for Flagrant Foul – Closed Fist Pointed Offender Bench
(Recommended to Deny)
The sub-committee identified this signal as the signal used by the NBA. The sub-committee also recognized that there are signals in the NBA that are not reflective of rules for the high school game and it may be best to stay away from the NBA concept because of this.
NFHS feels that current signal is sufficient.

Item #4 Add the signal for not being closely guarded (same as NCAA)
(Recommended to Submit to National Federation for Adoption)
The sub-committee supports the use of this signal, citing it improves communication most often between officials and players and coaches.
NFHS rules committee has studied this signal/mechanic in depth drawing the following conclusion. The NFHS feels the present communication for not being closely guarded (no signal) is sufficient. Creating a signal may draw more attention to the signal and the official than necessary, thereby creating a situation where the signal becomes overused. This has also been on NFHS questionnaires in the past. Although the questionnaire typically only addresses rules questions, the NFHS is open to possibly including this as a questionnaire item.

Item #5 Replace the Stop Clock Signal with NCAA signal of pointing direction only after blowing the whistle
(Recommended to Submit to National Federation for its Questionnaire)
Although the sub-committee supports the adoption of this signal/mechanic, it feels it is best to gather data regarding other states’ position on this signal/mechanic. The sub-committee feels that in many instances, some officials already do not practice the mechanic as intended, and making such a change will support the current trend in high school basketball officiating.
NFHS is open to discussing this as a possible questionnaire item. However, the vast majority of state association basketball administrators are very much in favor of keeping this signal because it gives younger, less experienced officials time to process before signaling. It also helps with communication between officials and bench personnel.

Item #6 When officiating free throw, officiate players closest to your position
(Recommended to Submit to National Federation for Adoption)
The sub-committee cited that this creates a responsibility that is easier to officiate in free-throw situations.
NFHS has addressed this item before at it rules committee meetings and does not support it. It puts the officials in an improper position to focus on their primary responsibilities of players in marked lane spaces and lane violations.

Item #7 All officials buy jackets from the same supplier for uniform consistency
(Recommended adding editorial change in the Officials’ Guidebook 701.02 to read: “If jackets are worn by a crew, the jackets must be identical in style and insignia.”)
Officials have noticed the inconsistency in crews’ appearance, as it relates to jackets, pants, etc. The sub-committee modified the original recommendation under the following consideration: rather than require FHSAA to dictate the style of jacket and supplier, requiring consistency within a crew allows the autonomy associations currently enjoy.

Item #8 Change officials’ shirt from striped to gray
(Recommended phasing-in the requirement to wear the gray, striped, mesh, v-neck shirt as follows: Beginning 04-05 required for state series play only and beginning 05-06 required for regular season and state series as state association adoption by NFHS.)
After much discussion, the committee feels that adopting this shirt will present the officials as less confrontational/adversarial and more professional/relaxing. Additionally, it works consistently with the FHSAA’s current patch/insignia for officials.
NFHS has identified that some state associations have been adamantly opposed to changing the shirt as reflected in the NFHS Basketball Officials’ Manual, citing a “PR nightmare.” Although it is not listed as a state association adoption in the manual, states do have the authority to deviate from the officials’ manual; the manual is a guide.
The Officials’ Advisory Committee was informed that the basic approach of the FHSAA is to follow the NFHS manual.


FOOTBALL SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT

Attending the football sub-committee were James Tucker (NFOA, Jacksonville, Section 1), John Lavin (A-1, Daytona Beach, Section 2), Larry Helton (Lake Region, Lakeland, Section 3), Roy Getzoff for Pete Newton (BCAA, Fort Lauderdale, Section 4) and Gary Pigott (FHSAA Football Administrator).

The following four items were reviewed by the committee as submitted.

Item #1: Variance from NFHS Officials Manual mechanics
(Recommend to Deny 4-0)
Item submitted by the West Coast Officials Association (Tampa). The request for a variance with regard to the positioning of the back judge during a measurement for first down was discussed. The sub-committee believes the NFHS measurement for first down mechanic is sufficient and request should be denied. Remain using current NFHS mechanic.

Item #2: “Network” of Football Rules Interpreters
(No Action Necessary to be implemented)
Item submitted by Butch Brannock, Central Florida Officials Association (Orlando), football rules interpreter. Mr. Brannock requests that a “network” of local association rules interpreters be coordinated via e-mail to discuss game situations that arise during the season. The sub-committee supports Gary Pigott coordinating this “network” with the assistance of each local association by providing the rules interpreter’s e-mail addresses.

Item #3: Confusion between NFHS mechanics and C.C.A. (college) mechanics
(Sub-committee supports the use of NFHS mechanics, except for seven-person crews)
Item submitted by Larry Helton, Lake Region Officials Association (Lakeland). The FHSAA office has not approved any variances for the use of five-person C.A.A. (college) mechanics during the regular season or early rounds of the playoffs. The sub-committee supports the use of NFHS five-person mechanics for all football games, except for the seven-person crews to be used during the final two rounds of the playoffs.

Item #4: FHSAA Football Officials Registration Deadlines
(Recommend to Approve 4-0, OAC Tabled this item until March)
Item submitted by Larry Helton, Lake Region Officials Association (Lakeland). Move the deadline for registration of football officials from mid-July to the first of June. Earlier deadline would allow time for conflicts to be resolved prior to initial rules book mailings. This change would impact other sports.

Open Agenda: Concern with the availability and quality of officials
The sub-committee was concerned with the increasing number of football programs and the availability of enough football officials to cover the number of games being played. The use of nights other than Friday (Thursday, Saturday, etc.) is becoming more prevalent and is common place in many areas due to the lack of qualified officials.