Mid-Florida Officials Association
FROM: Ralph Messer, Secretary
SUBJECT: Executive Board Meeting of April 19, 2009
The monthly meeting, which was held at the Ocala Star Banner in Ocala, was called to order at 5:00 PM by the President, Bud Holt.
Attending: Board members attending were Bud Holt, Al Summers, Ralph Messer, Carlton Dill, Saul Speights, Bob Leahy, James Law, Reid Sergent, Paul Gery, Ted Bedford, Dan Cannon, Richard Sullivan, Terry Lee, and Jeff D’Amelio.
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Not Attending: Jeff Pole and Wade Clayton were unable to attend.
Old Business:
A Motion was made by Reid Sergent and seconded by Carl Dill to waive the reading of the minutes of the March, 2009 meeting and accept them as posted. The motion passed.
Bob Leahy reported that of the officials who were fined in February, six still have not responded to his letters or email. Suspensions are still in effect on these members. Bob will again attempt to contact them.
New Business:
Bob Leahy discussed the use of the Arbiter as a tool for compiling the address rosters of each sport. However, the problem is that members are not posting correct addresses, zip codes, telephone numbers, etc. Some members are not logging onto the Arbiter to accept of decline an assignment.
Bob also discussed the preseason NFHS publication for each sport. These could be copied and given to each member as they contain valuable information. A check will be made to see if there are any copyright laws violations asssociated with this.
Dan Cannon advised that he is continuing with the system of evaluation of officials by the coaches. Dan was encouraged to continue by all board members. It was noted that this can be accomplished on the Arbiter.
Terry Lee discussed the possibility of the MFOA working the University of Florida basketball clinic this summer and letting it substitute as the state required field clinic. The MFOA would realize no monetary gain as it does in the FHSAA sponsored field clinics. It was the general opinion that the FHSAA sponsored clinic is the best for the MFOA, but if members need a recognized field clinic for playoff purposes, they can attend UF’s and receive credit. It was determined that application has not been made with the FHSAA to host either a football or basketball clinic. Terry will contact Denarvise on 4/20 in an attempt to change this.
Ted Bedford advised that, according to the FHSAA there will be no mandated reduction in the number of football games a school may have in 2009, but there will be adjustments in all other sports.
Reid Sergent discussed the possibility of having an MFOA funded scholarship program with donations from area businesses. It was pointed out that many businesses are reluctant to give because of the economic situation. A program will be formulated and presented to the membership at the annual business meeting.
Ralph Messer requested that all directors get the names of the MFOA award winners, invite them and their spouses or significant others to the banquet and confirm whether or not they plan to attend. Directors were requested to pass this information along to Ralph so that the individual certificates and Banquet Program can be completed.
Al Summers questioned if baseball and softball were satisfied with their selections for the playoffs and the answer was in the affirmative. Al also asked if any local schools were hosting games.
Richard Sullivan answered both of Al’s questions and noted that several of the schools served by the MFOA will be hosting tournaments.
Paul Gery discussed the method used in the selection of playoff crews. It was noted that the FHSAA has made changes to crews in the past and probably will in the future. However, the method in which our officials are selected and how we can improve this method was discussed.
Jim Law briefly discussed the change in the date of the Annual Banquet from June 13 to June 20, 2009. It was pointed out that this was our only option as facilities were not available on other dates in the June time frame. This time frame change could affect the availability of the proposed speaker.
Adjourn:
There being no further action by the board, a motion to adjourn prevailed.