Mid-Florida Officials Association
FROM: Ralph Messer, Secretary
SUBJECT: Executive Board Meeting of October 10/06/08
The Special meeting, which was held at the North Marion High School after the basketball clinic, was called to order at 8:06 PM by the President, Bud Holt. This meeting was held in lieu of the monthly meeting scheduled for October 12, 2008.
Attending: Board members attending were Bud Holt, Ralph Messer, Jeff Pole, Paul Gery, Wade Clayton, Richard Sullivan, Ted Bedford, Reid Sergent, Carlton Dill, Dan Cannon, Terry Lee, Jeff D’Amelio, Bob Leahy, and James Law. Also attending was Richard Wilson.
Not Attending: Al Summers and Saul Speights
Old Business:
The board meeting was called to consider the investigation by Bob Leahy of a complaint by Jeff Wade, Sr. against Joseph Rigney. Wade stated that during a JV football game, Rigney used profane language directed at him (Wade) Each board member had received the written investigation via email.
Prior to the board making a decision, Rigney spoke on his behalf and stated that he had never (to his knowledge) used profane language toward a fellow official, especially a new official. He felt that this complaint was at the urging of another senior official, one that he has had problems with in the past. Rigney felt that it was a personal matter and this was a way of the other senior official getting back at him. Rigney advised that he was having problems with Wade during the game and had asked the clock operator to come down on the field.
After Rigney spoke, Leahy stated that the results of his investigation was inconclusive because he had conflicting statements from Wade and the other members of the officiating crew as well as the coaches of the two teams. The members of the crew and the coaches stated that they heard no profane language at any time, but that at one point there was a heated discussion regarding a call made by Wade.
Prior to the conclusion, Richard Wilson asked to speak, stating that he had had problems with Rigney in the past and although he was not present or had any other knowledge of the incident felt that Rigney was guilty. He referred to an incident during the 2007 season, which the board advised was not applicable to this situation as that incident had been investigated and dealt with.
Leahy stated as a result of the conflicting statements, he could not determine if profanity was used or not. Leahy recommended that Rigney be allowed to complete the season with his crew as a Primary Referee, but that he is removed from all sub varsity games currently booked and not be booked for other sub-varsity games as a Referee. Dan Cannon made Leahy’s recommendation as Motion. A second was received from Carl Dill. Terry Lee made a motion to amend the motion by Cannon by striking the portion regarding removal from sub-varsity games and that Rigney continue as a referee at all levels. A second was received from Ralph Messer. The amendments was voted on and passed with 7 members of the board voting yea and 5 members voting no. The original motion, as amended, was then voted on and passed with 9 members voting Yea and 3 members voting No.
Reid Sergent stated that, since Rigney was referring to him in his statement, he felt the need to speak. Again the incident from 2007 was referred to, but that had already been addressed.
New Business:
The Secretary advised the board that very few members (10) have complied with the board’s mandate that all 1st and 2nd year officials provide documentation of their having been fingerprinted in compliance with the Jessica Lunsford Act. The board stated that the members who failed to provide this documentation must be removed from all bookings until they comply.
There being no further business to come before the board, a motion to adjourn prevailed.