Officials Advisory Committee
Minutes
March 9, 2009 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida
Meeting was called to order at 10:10 am by Committee Chairman Michael Parks
Members in attendance included: Elaine Almond (Section 2 Volleyball), Brian Bain (Section 3 Volleyball), Rusty Batcher (Section 4 Volleyball), Greg Bondurant (Section 3 Wrestling), Paul Bosshardt (Section 4 Softball), Jeff Deen (Section 2 Football), Butch Goble (Section 4 Baseball), Don Inman (Section 1 Football) Diane Kendall (Section 1 Softball), Mike Knowles (Section 3 Baseball, NFOA Rep.), Steve Naso, III (Section 1 Volleyball), Michael Parks (Section 2 Baseball, Committee Chairman), Michael Pressman (Section 3 Football), Don Smith (Section 4 Wrestling), John Stanley (Section 4 Basketball), Newman Stemple (Section 4 Soccer), Alvis Summers (Section 2 Basketball), Joseph Underwood (Section 4 Football), Darrin Williams (Section 1 Basketball). Also in attendance were FHSAA staff members Denarvise Thornton, Jamie Rohrer, Gary Pigott, Justin Harrison, Shanell Young, Carrie Hardee and Interns Raleigh Green, Ron Talone and Greg Kirchner.
1. Welcome, Introductions, Purpose
Members were welcomed to the meeting by Chairman Michael Parks. All members and staff introduced themselves to the committee
2. Review Agenda and Complete Expense Voucher
Members reviewed the meeting agenda. Members were instructed to complete an expense voucher to be reimbursed by the FHSAA
3. Approval of June 28, 2008, OAC Meeting Minutes
a) Members reviewed the minutes from the June 2008 OAC meeting.
b) Mr. Underwood wanted to amend Page 2, Section C, Recommendation #5 to read “a player who is charged with unsportsmanlike conduct shall be removed from the game for a minimum of one play. This stipulation is ignored if halftime or overtime intermission occurs.” This amendment removes “personal foul” from the language of the recommendation.
Motion: Batcher
2nd: Stemple
Vote: Unanimous (19-0) to approve minutes as amended
4. Review of March 8, 2008, OAC Meeting Minutes
Members reviewed the minutes from the March 2008 OAC meeting.
Mr. Thornton shared with committee members some changes to the FHSAA since the last OAC meeting. He also discussed recommendations that will come before the Board of Directors that will impact officials and their associations. Topics covered included:
a) Change from a minimum of three (3) basketball games to be worked by a three (3)-man crew to a maximum of three (3) basketball games to be worked by a three (3)-man crew
b) Change in district tournament hosting format, moving from a single host to multiple sites
c) Term limits for NFOA representatives
d) Reduction of regular-season contests (20% for varsity, 40% for sub-varsity)
e) Sportsmanship issues and the reduction of brawl incidents in the past year
f) Two incidents where improper officiating led to the wrong team being declared the winner during the soccer and volleyball playoffs.
g) An emphasis that being on the OAC does not mean state series assignments or any other special privileges.
h) A change in the distribution of books to officials associations. Instead of receiving 5% or 10% more than needed, the associations will now receive the same number of books as there are names on the muster reports.
i) Changes to the number of officials as a result of the state recruiting campaign. The overall number has increased. Individual sport changes vary.
j) Possible ways to enhance attendance at state finals events. Mr. Thornton asked for input from the committee for ways to increase attendance at both regular-season and state series events.
k) Changes to the orientation procedure for field clinics to a conference call meeting.
5. Disperse into Sports CommitteesMembers separated into individual sport committees to prepare recommendations to the committee as a whole
6. Lunch Break
Members enjoyed ham and turkey sandwiches, fruit and cookies for lunch
7. Committee Reports/Recommendations by Sport
A. Baseball
Recommendation #1
Give umpires the option of wearing a blue or black hat while umpiring baseball.
AMENDED: Give umpires the option of wearing a blue or black hat while umpiring baseball. The crew must match.
Motion - Underwood
2nd - Batcher
Vote - Unanimous (19-0) to approve as amended
Recommendation #2
Require ALL baseball associations to use the NASO/Referee Manual specifically written for High School. Manual covers two- and three-man mechanics.
Motion - Batcher
2nd - Underwood
Vote - Unanimous (19-0) to approve
Recommendation #3
Adopt the CCA Baseball Umpires Manual for use by FHSAA officials.
Recommendation withdrawn
B. Basketball
No Recommendations to report
C. Football
Mr. Pigott reviewed horse collar tackle and sideline safety rules changes that have been adopted by the NFHS.
Recommendation # 1
If an association’s recommendation committee place a registered timer on a playoff crew as EXCLUSIVE TIMER ONLY, that association must also provide an ADDITIONAL ALTERNATE FIELD OFFICIAL at no cost to the FHSAA or the participating schools. The ALTERNATE FIELD OFFICIAL will be paid by that ALTERNATE’S association. The ALTERNATE FIELD OFFICIAL would be expected to accompany the playoff crew and be prepared to step onto the field in the event of an injury to a working official.
Motion - Summers
2nd - Batcher
Vote - Unanimous (19-0) to approve
OAC 1st Reading:
Motion - Summers
2nd - Batcher
Vote - 15-0 to approve
Recommendation #2
During the mercy rule, NO TIMEOUT will be allowed to be taken by the team in the lead during the LAST TWO MINUTES.
Motion - Summers
2nd - Kendall
Vote - Unanimous (19-0) to approve
OAC 1st Reading:
Motion - Summers
2nd - Norton
Vote - 15-0 to approve
Recommendation #3
After the first UNSPORTSMANLIKE FOUL, any subsequent unsportsmanlike foul on a team will result in the enforcement of the unsportsmanlike penalty in accordance with the rules AND THE OFFENDING TEAM WILL BE CHARGED WITH A TIMEOUT WITHOUT TIMEOUT PRIVILEGES. If a team is out of timeouts, only the USC penalty will be enforced.
Motion - Almond
2nd - Goble
Vote - Unanimous (19-0) to approve
OAC 1st Reading:
Motion - Batcher
2nd - Kendall
Vote - 15-0 to approve
Recommendation #4
FHSAA Officials Guidebook, Page 26. Back up the NFHS uniform requirements by amending this to read: (2) “The football official’s uniform, as outlined in the NFHS officials’ manual, must consist of a collared black and white striped shirt with the FHSAA….
STAFF EDIT, FOOTBALL MANUAL
Recommendation #5
Add the following to 701.04: (3) By local association adoption, for COLD WEATHER GAMES, football crews will have the option of wearing LONG SLEEVED one-inch BLACK AND WHITE STRIPED shirt with the FHSAA insignia on the left chest or shirt pocket. All crew members must be dressed the same.
STAFF EDIT, OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK
Recommendation #6
Amend the current Flag Football auxiliary equipment for officials to read “Additional essential equipment….bean bags or other appropriate markers to mark non-penalty spots…”
STAFF EDIT, OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK
Recommendation #7
Let local associations hold clinics to keep cost at an affordable level. Mr. Pigott discussed this recommendation and the partnership the FHSAA has with USA football and efforts the FHSAA has undertaken to allow for more cost-effective clinics for officials.
D. Soccer
Recommendation #1
A player shall be disqualified for a subsequent caution and the number of players on the field shall be reduced for a subsequent caution.
AMENDED: The FHSAA will seek approval of the NFHS for the ability to reduce the number of players on the field for a second yellow card.
This recommendation was reviewed by Mr. Stemple and placed in a holding pattern.
OAC 1st Reading:
Motion - Underwood
2nd - Fredrickson
Vote - 21-0 to approve
E. Softball
Recommendation #1
Keep the current officials uniform of shirt & pant and offer navy jacket with powder blue piping on shoulder if both officials own that style.
STAFF EDIT, OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK
Recommendation #2
Adopt the CCA Softball Umpires Manual for use by FHSAA officials.
Motion - Almond
2nd - Kendall
Vote - 18-0 to deny, 1 abstain (Batcher)
Recommendation #3
Establish a “professional dress” or uniform option for coaches.
AMENDED: The official is to submit the rule violation of coaches attire to the FHSAA on the AT6 form in the miscellaneous section.
Motion - Almond
2nd - Stemple
Vote - 13-6 to approve as amended
F. Volleyball
Recommendation #1
Officials may register for girls volleyball and for boys volleyball, but must do so as two separate registration fees. This seems equitable for all officials. OR list all sports in which officials only have to register once to cover more than one sport, ie. basketball covers both girls and boys and soccer covers both girls and boys, as well as fall and winter.
Motion - Bain
2nd - Bosshardt
Vote - 18-1 to deny (Underwood approve)
Discussion
1) Mrs. Rohrer reviewed national rules changes as a result of FHSAA rules changes.
2) Mrs. Almond wanted to add coach box limitations to the rules video for the future.
3) Mrs. Almond discussed the possibility of an official’s evaluation committee for volleyball, similar to those used for other sports.
G. Wrestling
Discussion
1) Mr. Bondurant discussed an all-day pass available for purchase to the state finals
2) Mr. Bondurant commented on discrepancies in pay between dual meets and individual tournaments. Idea to have a per-match rate for officials pay.
8. General Recommendations
A. Student Officials Working Non-Varsity Contests
Recommendation
High School students who are at least 16 years of age may register as a student official… “and” will be allowed to work middle school (6th-8th grades) and junior high contests (8th-9th grades)….”
Motion - Summers
2nd - Stemple
Vote - 11-7 to approve (1 abstain: Bondurant)
OAC 1st reading :
Motion - Knowles
2nd - Norton
Vote - 18-2 to approve
B. One-Day Field Clinics
Recommendation
In all sports, allow a one-day field clinic for local associations, with a minimum of four (4) teams. A schedule is required as is approval by the FHSAA.
AMENDED: In all sports, allow a one-day field clinic for local associations with a minimum of (four) 4 teams. A schedule is required as is approval by the FHSAA. Each school is only allowed to participate in one clinic per sport per school year.
Motion - Almond
2nd - Goble
Vote - 18-0 to approve as amended (1 abstain: Bain)
Mr. Underwood feels this will lead to future problems.
OAC 1st reading:
Motion - Goble
2nd - Fredrickson
Vote - 21-0 to approve
C. Softball and Baseball Equipment Inspections
Recommendation
Submit a proposal to the NFHS to require schools to bear responsibility for the equipment & eliminate all equipment inspections by umpires.
Motion - Batcher
2nd - Underwood
Vote - Unanimous (19-0) to approveOAC 1st reading:
Motion - Stemple
2nd - Underwood
Vote - 20-0 to approve (1 abstain)
D. Transferring Number of Years Service from Another State
Recommendation
Set a minimum number of out-of-state years to be allowed credited per a sport and do not count them towards their rank until following year.
AMENDED: For Officials transferring in with "X" number years of service, that information must be received within 30 days of close of registration deadline for a particular sport. It is up to transferring official to provide documentation to the FHSAA’s satisfaction in order to be credited.
Motion - Batcher
2nd - Naso
Vote - Unanimous (19-0) to approve as amended
E. Preseason Sportsmanship Meeting for Parents
Recommendation
Require all sports to conduct a sportsmanship briefing for parents and require them to sign a form stating their responsibilities to support the program and promote sportsmanship.
AMENDED: Require all schools in all sports to conduct a sportsmanship briefing for parents and require them to sign a form stating their responsibilities to support the program and promote sportsmanship.
Motion - Summers
2nd - Knowles
Vote - 18-0 to approve as amended (1 Abstain: Almond)
F. Replace “Should” with “Shall” in Officials Guidebook, Section 600
Recommendation
Section 600, Schools Responsibilities. Entire section should replace should provide with shall provide.
Motion - Goble
2nd - Kendall
Vote - Unanimous (19-0) to approve
G. Change Verbiage in Officials Guidebook
RECOMMENDATION WITHDRAWN
H. Compensation & Proficiency Points for JV-level Contests
RECOMMENDATION WITHDRAWN
I. Baseball & Softball Coach Name on Lineup Cards
Recommendation
Require head coach or acting head coach’s name be listed on the lineup card. Add language to rule 4-2-3. Baseball and rule 3-1-3, softball; Each team’s lineup card shall list a minimum of nine players, and the head coach’s name to start the game.
AMENDED: Require head coach or acting head coach’s full name be listed on lineup card or roster. This change is for all applicable sports.
Motion - Williams
2nd - Stanley
Vote - Unanimous (19-0) to approve as amended
9. Open Discussion
A. Change Officials Guidebook to include “or better” after minimum exam grade requirement
Recommendation
Correct the item to read as follows: (3) an official who fails to post a grade of “75” or better prior to the last date for the online open-book exam is not eligible….
APPROVED BY STAFF
B. Replace “referee” with “Umpire” in Officials Guidebook
Recommendation
Change the item to reflect the appropriate official who receives written documentation: 1-5-3c. The specified written authorization must be date specific with a copy furnished to the umpire.
APPROVED BY STAFF
C. Change Spelling for “wireless mic” in Officials Guidebook
Recommendation
Change the abbreviation of microphone to “mic”. (6) The referee of a varsity football game may wear a “wireless mic” during any game…..”
APPROVED BY STAFF
D. Gear Officials Exams Towards Mechanics
APPROVED BY STAFF
E. Create a list of Certified Clinicians for FHSAA field Clinics
DISCUSSED, TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY STAFF
F. Volleyball Officials Convention
DISCUSSED, TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY STAFF
G. Use of Coaches as Officials for JV Contests
DISCUSSED, TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY STAFF
H. Student Officials Career Day
DISCUSSED, TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY STAFF
I. “Calling for a Cure”
THOUGHT TO BE A GOOD IDEA, WRISTBANDS PERHAPS BEST. EXPANSION OF PROGRAM TO SEVERAL WEEKS OR A MONTH DISCUSSED
J. Comparison of Number of Registered Officials for Fall Sports
MRS. HARDEE UPDATED THESE NUMBERS TO REFLECT MOST RECENT DATA
K. Schools Hosting Field Clinics
DISCUSSED, TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY STAFF
L. Official’s Ranking System
MRS. ROHRER DISCUSSED ADDING ON FIELD/COURT MECHANICS TO THE RANKING SYSTEM FOR OFFICIALS. DISCUSSED THE COMMITTEE THAT WAS CREATED TO ADDRESS SITUATION.
M. Tutorial on How to Submit a Recommendation
REVIEWED BY MRS. ROHRER
N. A-1 Officials Association, Inc.
VOTE RATIO OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ASSOCIATION MEMBERS WAS DISCUSSED
10. Adjournment
Motion - Batcher
2nd - Smith
Meeting Adjourned at 3:50 p.m.