Officials Advisory Committee

Minutes
March 14, 2005 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida


The Officials Advisory Committee met at the Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building on Monday, Mar. 14, 2005 at 10 a.m. Members present were: Randy Abbott (Basketball, Sec. 3); Pat Fairfax (Wrestling, Sec. 1); Stephen Farinacci (Soccer, Sec. 3); Carlos Fenn (Volleyball, Sec. 3); Stephen Fredrickson (Football, Sec. 1); Roy Getzoff (Football, Sec. 4); Dan Hector (Softball, Sec. 3); Leonard Kapacinskas (Baseball, Sec. 2); Diane Kendall (Softball, Sec. 1); Mike Knowles (Baseball, Sec. 3/Florida Representative to NFOA); Steve LeBruno (Volleyball, Sec. 2); Bob McKinney (Basketball, Sec. 2); Beryl Napoleon (Basketball, Sec. 1); Michael Parks (Baseball, Sec. 1); Thom Powers (Football, Sec. 3); George Sansone (Wrestling, Sec. 4); Thom Smith (Soccer, Sec. 4); Bill Tallant (Baseball, Sec. 4); Tracy Watkins (Volleyball, Sec. 4); Ed Whipple (Softball, Sec. 4); and Freddie Williams (Basketball, Sec. 4). Charlie Towers attended the meeting to represent Grant Merrill, Sr. (Soccer, Sec. 1).

FHSAA staff members present were: Sonny Hester, Senior Director of Athletics for Athletic 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; Shanell Young, Administrative Assistant; Carrie Hardee, Officials Registrar; Jordan Cobb, Technology Services Coordinator; and Chris Singleton, FHSAA Intern.

Members not in attendance were: Marilyn Booher (Softball, Sec. 2); Christine Epperly (Soccer, Sec. 2); Mark Hewitt (Wrestling, Sec. 2); Helen Kelchner (Volleyball, Sec. 1); John Lavin (Football, Sec. 2); Grant Merrill, Sr. (Soccer, Sec. 1); and Mike Puleo (Wrestling, Sec. 3).

I. Welcome, Introductions, Purpose
Sonny Hester called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. He welcomed the committee members and introduced himself, giving a brief history of his career before joining the FHSAA. There were brief introductions of the FHSAA staff and officials in attendance.

II. The committee unanimously elected George Sansone as Chairperson and Thom Smith as Vice-Chairperson. The current agenda and minutes from the Oct. 19, 2004 meeting were approved.

III. On-line Rules Clinic
Paul McLaughlin presented the platform for the 2005-06 Rules clinics for both officials and coaches.
a. There will be opportunities to view the rules clinics via the DISH Network at any public school, or through the FHSAA website during a two-week time period at the beginning of each season (see full proposal).
b. Jordan Cobb explained the possibility of receiving the Florida Education Channel from services other than the DISH Network; however, the service provider must request to carry it.

IV. Open Book Exams
Denarvise Thornton presented information on new procedures of open book/closed book exams. During the sport breakout sessions, each group will discuss their support/nonsupport of the open book testing procedure and provisions set forth. There was a concern for the possibility of open book test-takers to also be afforded the opportunity of the closed book make-up if needed. Please see the full proposal.

V. The group dispersed into Sports Committees at 10:45 a.m. and returned at 11:45 a.m. with their reports/recommendations.

VI. Committee Reports/Recommendations by Sport:
A. Baseball (Lenny Kapacinskas)
1. Penalize team when on-deck batter enters the circled area when there is a play at the plate--NO ACTION, currently addressed in NFHS Rules Book

B. Basketball (Bob McKinney) (Supports exam overview as written)
1. Freshman and JV games play 6 min. quarters--WITHDRAWN
2. NBA logo basketball apparel—NO ACTION, logo is legal according to NFHS Rules Book

C. Football (Roy Getzoff) (Supports exam overview)
1. Communication of rule interpretations to all Associations/database--NO ACTION, currently a database is available online for communication and with the advent of online rules meetings, a general message board with rulings/interpretations will be developed through the FHSAA Office.
2. Auxiliary Personnel, to be used during FHSAA playoffs—When assigning, it is SUGGESTED to use local association registered officials (volunteers/paid when possible)
MOTION: Getzoff/2nd Smith)
OAC 1st READING: 20-0 Approved (3/05)
3. Semifinal and Final Playoff Games – Utilize 7-man crews during the final 3 rounds of football playoffs (currently done during final 2 rounds). Modified from original action item of final 4 rounds.
Motion: Getzoff/2nd Knowles
OAC 1st READING: 20-0 Approved (3/05)
4. Evaluations of playoff crews—Suggest that football to be next sport evaluated by the FHSAA.
MOTION: Getzoff/2nd Knowles
OAC 1st READING: 14-4 Approved, 2 Abstained (3/05)
5. Enhance state final experience for officials—Provide hospitality liaison, TV liaison (red cap), room accommodations at same hotel as FHSAA, crew photograph. Delete championship ring.
MOTION: Getzoff/2nd Whipple
OAC 1st READING: 19-0 Approved, 1 Abstained (3/05)
6. Establish a no-man’s zone (6 ft.) around the football field for the officials and chain crew.
MOTION: Getzoff/2nd Whipple
OAC 1st READING: 20-0 Approved (3/05)


D. Soccer (Thom Smith) (Approves Open Book Testing)
1. Establish a standard soccer roster form to be available online for all coaches.
MOTION: Getzoff/2nd Whipple
OAC 1st READING: 23-0 Approved (3/04)
MOTION: Smith/2nd Whipple
OAC 2nd READING: 20-0 Approved (3/05)
2. Field clinic attendance and enforcement of FHSAA policy for playoffs—NO ACTION, but encouraged FHSAA to use consideration during extenuating circumstances.
3. Revisit decision to adopt double dual (three whistle) system of soccer officiating—Would like the FHSAA to spend another year collecting data and allowing associations to experiment and train using this system.
MOTION: Smith/2nd Whipple
OAC 1st READING: 20-0 to Table (3/05)

E. Softball (Diane Kendall) (Recommends Open Book, but would like to see the option of the closed book make-up if failed)
1. Each school schedule 3 umpires in 3 home games—To help train for playoffs. Can volunteer to do this now, would like to see it paid.
MOTION: Smith/2nd Whipple
OAC 1st READING: 23-0 Approved (3/04)
MOTION: Kendall/2nd Whipple
OAC 2nd READING: 20-0 Approved (3/05)
2. Utilize graduated-run rule option—As used in all other governing bodies, 20 runs after 2, 15 runs after 3, and 10 runs after 5. Recommended use by county adoption.
MOTION: Smith/2nd Whipple
OAC 1st READING: 23-0 Approved (3/04)
MOTION: Kendall/2nd Getzoff
OAC 2nd READING: 20-0 Approved (3/05)
3. Utilize tie-breaker rule in 8th inning--Recommended use by county adoption.
MOTION: Smith/2nd Whipple
OAC 1st READING: 23-0 Approved (3/04)
MOTION: Kendall/2nd Fredrickson
OAC 2nd READING: 19-1 Approved (3/05)

F. Volleyball--No Action items (Carlos Fenn) (Approves open book) Would like to see the libero tracker seated at the head scorer’s table during next year’s matches.

G. Wrestling (Pat Fairfax) (Recommends Open Book, but would like to see the option of the closed book make-up if failed)
1. Wrestling officials pay scale, having individual state championship and a dual meet state championship event and evaluating officials (letter from Ira Fleckman)—NO ACTION, the FHSAA can provide individual evaluations to each officials after completion of state series.

VII. General Recommendations
1. Expand IFHSAA to include more information—NO ACTION, Shanell offered an explanation of current plans for expanding IFHSAA and to include requested information for each individual. Suggestion was made to publish internet security policy for online registrations.
2. Leave of Absence policy for officials—This would allow officials to maintain rank when returning after a one-year leave of absence.
MOTION: Powers/2nd Whipple
OAC 1st READING: 0-22 Defeated (Motion failed) (3/05)
3. Standard Locker/Dressing/Shower facilities for game officials—Would like to reflect wording changes in the FHSAA Handbook, Officials Guidebook, and sport Manuals to reflect the word “shall” instead of “should” and “must.”
MOTION: Fredrickson/2nd Kendall
OAC 1st READING: 20-0 Approved (3/05)
4. State Championship Awards Program—WITHDRAWN

VIII. Open Discussion
a. State Series Recommendations—Fitness Level—FYI, Please take into consideration during playoff recommendations the ability to “keep up” with the level of the game.
b. FHSAA policy regarding officials who are called to military or national service—NO ACTION is required. An active duty member must notify the FHSAA in writing to receive any consideration for waivers.
c. OAC representation (ex-officio capacity) on sports advisory committees—All FHSAA meetings are open to the public. If officials would like to attend a meeting, they may at their own expense.
d. Regional – OAC interim meetings—Reiterated that these meetings may take place at the members own expense. All contact information is listed on the FHSAA website.
e. Develop FHSAA policy for issuing reports to media regarding officials’ actions in game situations—After much discussion, the FHSAA will continue under current practices.
f. Weigh-in/start times—Administrative procedures already in place.
g. Game Reports for Officials should be due no earlier than 15 days—Address any issues directly to the FHSAA.
h. Availability of officials for post-season tournaments—May be addressed on recommendations form now.
i. Mr. Hester reviewed the increase in registration dues by $2.00 for the first sport only for the 2005-06 year. This increase is in response to the NFHS increase of membership fees for each official in our state of $2.00. Also discussed was a $10.00 processing fee that has been added to paper registration. The cost of in-house processing has continued to rise, it is the FHSAA's hope to move toward online registration only within the next few years.
j. Sportsmanship Survey Update—Data was collected this year as a result of the Soccer Summit through a Sportsmanship Survey. Officials and coaches/administrators were able to respond. The results of all information collected are available.
k. President’s Meeting Update—June 10-11 in Tampa at Plant High School. Registration is available only through online. Now accepting topics and presenters from local associations via the website.

IX. The meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m.