November 18: Post season football started Saturday the 14th with several games at The Villages for a group of independent schools. Crews led by Wayne Hunter, Paul Gery, Dick Van Auker, Tinker Bowen and Larry Mayhew officiated. Thursday the 19th Al Summers leads a crew for the Branford v Sneads bowl game. On Friday the 20th five man play-off crew #1 is assigned to 6A Orange Park hosting DeLand. Crew #2 goes to 5A Fleming Island hosting First Coast. Crew #3 goes to 3A Andrew Jackson hosting Choctawhatchee. Crew #4 with adjustments including a 25 second clock operator goes to 3A St. Augustine hosting Bartram Trail. Crew #5 also with adjustments goes to Trinity Christian in Jacksonville which is hosting Crescent City. Details can be found on the Arbiter.

Dick Van Auker was honored by his crew and the schools for his 40 years of officiating before the game November 6. Here he is with Vanguard Head Coach Alex Castaneda, former MFOA basketball official, and Belleview Head Coach Mike Bowe, current MFOA basketball official. (Photo by Joel Hartley, Marion County Schools)

"This whole thing took place after the coin toss at mid field. The crew presented me with the shadow box & the school gave me a very nice plaque in recognition of my 40 years. I was surprised and humbled by the event. My wife and daughter also made a surprise appearance." Dick wrote. Dick's crew is made up of Dean Aderholt, Kevin Townsend, Ron McMillan, John Cramer and Dave Schoenfeldt.

The MFOA November Board Meeting has been postponed and all items from the agenda will be moved to the December meeting. Please let anyone know that had planned on attending this month's meeting.

Thank you,

Terri Mayhew Adams, Secretary

Nov 7: Carl has revised his 7 man mechanics presentation to the current book. Study up for next Friday.

A few of you know Vicki Miller who has been an ECO this year. Her sister passed away after a short fight with pancreatic cancer. Our thoughts are with Vicki and her family and John Farmer.

October 21: The FHSAA has sent out to broadcast emails. First for all sports, The AT6 form for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejections is now available as an online form allowing you to fill it out and submit it online. No more filling out by hand and faxing. For football, the Spalding J5V is the ball that must be used starting with the tie breakers and for every play-off game after that. At least that is how interpret the message. Last year we had a debate as to which week was the ball was mandatory. This email seems to leave no doubt. The penalty is an unsportsmanlike conduct foul against the coach.

October 16: Here are the playoff crews as submitted to the FHSAA. After Monday's meeting adjustments had to be made for members lack of attendance at a FHSAA Field Clinic in the last four years,7. One member did not have the requisite meetings attended this year per Policy 004 8a., enacted this year. Crews were ranked per their MFOA point totals.

October 14: Hey Ralph, If you would please send this out. Just want to brag on Jesus!!
> > Today was a good day for us. Bud went in for his 4th chemo and to see his
> > oncologist. Great report. Blood work came back great, numbers on tumor is
> > down and he is gaining weight. Doc was very pleased and said " We will
> > continue with what we are doing." I think the doc was talking about chemo but we
> > plan to continue to do as we are doing and that is praying. Thank you all
> > for all your prayers. God is at work!!!! Bud is feeling good and even went to
> > a ballgame this past Friday night. God bless you all for your prayers and
> > friendship. From the Heart, Eileen and Bud

Wayne Hunter reported that they were assigned to the game at The Villages where Bud was honored by the school. Said he lost some weight but otherwise looked good.

October 12: You may now see your football test online. Go to www.fhsaa.org/officials. Then click on officials testing page. Log in. Click on Test History to the left. Pick the 2009 football test. Voila!!

August 26: Congratulations to Carl Dill. He was elected to the Officials Advisory Committee