NASO NewsWatch

NASO President to Appear on HBO’s Real Sports

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:33:57 GMT

Barry Mano, president of the National Association of Sports Officials and the publisher of Referee magazine, will be among those featured on Tuesday, May 21, in a segment on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Mano was interviewed by the monthly sports newsmagazine about the increase of poor sportsmanship in society today, with focus on physical assaults of sports officials.

For the full press release, click HERE.

Narol Highlighted in New York Post Article

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:31:16 GMT

The late Mel Narol, longtime officiating legal advocate and NASO leader, was highlighted in an article this week by New York Post sportswriter Phil Mushnick.

In the article, Mushnick wrote, “Narol specialized — the only lawyer in the country to do so, at the time — in representing rec league, Little League, Pee Wee Football, Adult Softball league and all other amateur league refs and umpires — often volunteers — who were targeted and assaulted as game officials.”

Narol died suddenly in 2002 at the age of 51. NASO’s Mel Narol Medallion Award is named after Narol. The award recognizes an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to NASO and, thus, supporting the betterment of sports officials and the officiating profession. Narol won the award posthumously in 2003 and then it was named after him.

To read the Post article, which came out on May 12, click HERE.

Big Ten Network Executive to be at Summit

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:23:19 GMT

Mark Hulsey, Big Ten Network Vice President of Production and Executive Producer, will be a panelist at the 2013 Sports Officiating Summit. Hulsey will provide his insight on the session, "Mad About the Media," which will explore the role and impact that the media plays in officiating today.

Hulsey has served in his current role with the BTN since July 2009. He oversees the production of over 400 live events and over 250 hours of studio programming a year. In addition, the network produces approximately 300 streamed events through its innovative "Student U" initiative.

Hulsey was formerly the Executive Producer at Fox Sports Midwest/Fox Sports Indiana/Fox Sports Kansas City. Fox Sports Midwest annually produced more than 450 live events for seven universities and professional sports teams in a six-state region. Additionally, he oversaw all live event studio pre-game and post-game coverage, collegiate preview shows and 30-minute specials. During Hulsey’s tenure, Fox Sports Midwest won multiple Emmy awards for best Live Event Special for coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. Prior to joining Fox, Hulsey served as the VP, Broadcasting for four years with the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes. While in Phoenix, Hulsey created and oversaw the Coyotes in-house broadcast department. He received a regional EMMY award for the Coyotes telecasts in the first year of the franchise. His career also includes serving as the Director of Broadcasting for the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets of the NBA. Hulsey graduated with a degree in Film Studies from the University of Kansas.

Summit Support is ‘Right Thing to Do’ for NFL

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:36:25 GMT

The NFL knows the effect quality officials can have on sporting contests. The drama of the officials’ lockout played out on national television and did more to elevate officiating in the national consciousness than anything in recent memory. That chapter is closed, however, and everyone involved is looking to move forward into a brighter future where officials at all levels are recognized for their skill and dedication.

NFL Director of Officiating David Coleman recognizes NASO’s impact in promoting and supporting quality officiating nationwide. When asked what his office’s support for the Sports Officiating Summit means, he said, “The support of the NFL Officiating Department is an indicator to all that we value NASO for all that it does for officiating.” He continued by saying that “the NFL is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Summit because NASO is the premier officiating organization in the U.S. The Summit provides us with superior visibility of our programs and activities to leaders and officials at all levels and in many sports.” He added simply, that supporting the Summit “is the right thing to do.”

The NFL Officiating Department has numerous outreach efforts and programs designed to put quality officials on the field including NFL Officiating Academy. You can find out more at www.nflofficiting.com. You can learn more about the Summit HERE.

Player Accused of Punching Portillo Charged

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:39:10 GMT

The 17-year-old Utah soccer player accused of punching referee Ricardo Portillo, 46, who later died from his injuries, was charged with homicide by assault. That is a third degree felony that could result in a penalty of up to five years in prison if the player is convicted.

Sim Gill, the Salt Lake County district attorney, said that he would also seek to try the player as an adult.

The teenage player was arrested after allegedly punching Portillo during a recreational soccer league game on April 27. Portillo later lapsed into a coma and died May 4.

For more information: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/08/homicide-by-assault-charge-for-teen-in-utah-referee-death/

Southeastern Michigan Officials Association Renews

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:09:03 GMT

The Southeastern Michigan Officials Association (SMOA) has seen the benefit of NASO group membership first hand and has decided to renew.

Many of SMOA’s more than 200 members officiate football, basketball, baseball and softball in the Detroit area. Through group membership, SMOA officials receive NASO membership at a discounted rate. That includes all of NASO’s benefits — liability insurance protection, educational materials, special discounts and more.

“You’ve got the best of both worlds — education and protection,” Mario Soresi, president of the SMOA, said about NASO membership when his group signed up last year.

NASO will design a benefit program that fits the needs of an association’s members. Leaders of associations with 25 or more members interested in having their chapter or conference staff join NASO as a group should contact Ken Koester at 262-632-5448, ext. 132.

Media Relies on NASO Perspective

Mon, 06 May 2013 15:43:30 GMT

Multiple media outlets have contacted NASO after the tragic death of soccer referee Ricardo Portillo in Utah over the weekend.

NASO has been contacted by the website for Fox News, USA Today, the New York Times, the Harrisburg (Pa.) Patriot-News, Arise TV, the Waterbury (Conn.) Republican, the Associated Press, a radio station in Salt Lake City and HBO.

So far, the following stories have been published, quoting NASO President Barry Mano:

Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/06/soccer-ref-death-shines-light-on-violence-faced-by-sports-officials/

Harrisburg Patriot-News: http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/05/the_tragic_death_of_a_utah_ref.html

New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/07/sports/soccer/death-of-soccer-referee-ricardo-portillo-raises-questions-about-assaults-on-officials.html?ref=sports&_r=0

USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2013/05/06/utah-soccer-referee-death-example-of-increasing-violence/2139149/

AP: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/refs-death-consequence-lack-sportsmanship

One of NASO's roles is to be an advocate for sports officials. This story will be updated as more news outlets contact NASO.

Teen Gets Labor Law Changed, Earns Great Call Award

Mon, 06 May 2013 13:29:46 GMT

Matthew Burkart, a 13-year-old soccer player from Newburgh, Ind., has been named a Great Call Award recipient due to his efforts in having a labor law changed. With the change, kids older than 12 but younger than 18 are now allowed to officiate in Indiana without having to get a state-issued employment certificate.

In addition to gathering signatures for a petition and lobbying for the bill, Burkhart testified before a legislative committee.

Burkhart and his parents attended the Apr. 9 ceremony at which the bill was signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence. Also present were State Sen. Vaneta Becker and State Rep. Suzanne Crouch, who introduced the bill to their respective legislative bodies.

Burkhart said several of his classmates are “really fired up” over the prospect of being able to join the officiating ranks.

Utah Soccer Referee Dies

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:21:48 GMT

Ricardo Portillo, a 46-year-old soccer referee from Salt Lake City who was punched by a player during a April 27 game, died from his injuries.

A 17-year-old player in a recreational soccer league allegedly punched Portillo after the referee called a foul on him and issued him a yellow card.

The teen was booked into juvenile detention on suspicion of aggravated assault. However, authorities may consider additional charges since Portillo has died. Utah is not among the 21 states that have specific officials' assault legislation.

NASO extends its deepest sympathy to the Portillo family.

Matt McKendry to be at Summit

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:39:32 GMT

Matt McKendry, Major League Baseball's Director of Umpire Administration, will be a panel member at the 2013 Summit being held in Grand Rapids, Mich. McKendry will be a panelist on "How the Pros Make Their Assignments," an in-depth look at the assignment process at the highest levels.

McKendry enters his second season as Major League Baseball's Director of Umpire Administration in 2013. In this role, he is responsible for administering day-to-day umpire operations and facilitating communication between MLB's Umpiring Department, MLB Umpires and Minor League Baseball. McKendry also will assist in the scheduling of umpire assignments and maintaining records of information related to the Department's programs and initiatives.

Cliff Keen Reaches Out at Summit

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:58:41 GMT

“Reach out and touch someone” was the famous tagline for AT&T marketing campaigns in the 1980s. It’s also the mantra that drives Cliff Keen to continually support the Sports Officiating Summit and the member associations of NASO-Organizations Network, of which they are the official sponsor.

Chad Clark, Cliff Keen’s vice president, explained it this way. “Cliff Keen Athletic has remained committed to supporting the NASO Summit for many years, as a Summit Supporting Organization (SSO). While the reasons are plentiful for our involvement, we mainly enjoy the opportunity to see good friends and partners in the officiating business,” he said. “In addition, our involvement allows us to stay current with topics and trends in sports officiating that help us continue to provide products that meet the needs of the officiating community as a whole.”

It is only with support from the many SSOs that the Summit continues to be possible. Clark identifies with that accomplishment. “We have been proud to play a key role in assembling the largest gathering of sports officials in one place, anywhere in the country!” he said. “The networking, and discussions that take place each year at the Summit are invaluable on so many levels.”

In addition to supporting the Summit, Cliff Keen provides discounts and services to the nearly 1,000 local officiating organizations that form the NASO-Organizations Network, NASO-ON. “The educational resources available for officiating groups and associations through ON provides a tremendous value and we are happy to add to that through our sponsorship,” Clark said. “Our presence at the Summit only reinforces the value that we as a company can add to the NASO-ON program. For NASO-ON member organizations, not only do they get a vast array of tools through NASO-ON such as unique association insurance, training products and management support, but they also gain access to Cliff Keen's sponsorship program which includes special NASO-ON discounts as well as special customized Officials Wear geared towards those individual associations. Our ability to help NASO-ON groups to look consistent and professional has really turned a lot of heads in recent years.

“We are excited to work hand in hand with these groups and look forward to continuing our relationships with them at the Summit.”

NASO thanks Chad Clark and Cliff Keen for their dedication to officiating and officials everywhere. Visit www.cliffkeen.com to brows their entire product line. You can learn more about NASO-ON at www.naso-on.org

Rugby Referees Renew

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:43:53 GMT

Nearly 100 New England Rugby Referees Society members in the Boston area renewed their group membership with NASO this spring.

NERRS promotes the advancement and enjoyment of the game of rugby by providing qualified volunteer match officials to clubs at all levels within the New England Rugby Football Union and to USA Rugby. NERRS recruits and trains referees with assessment and coaching, promoting exchanges and other networking opportunities, and by supporting territorial and national panel development opportunities, according to its website, nerugbyrefs.org.

Ron Winter, NFL Referee, to be at Summit

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:00:38 GMT

Ron Winter, current NFL Referee, will be a panel member at the 2013 Summit being held in Grand Rapids, Mich. Winter will serve as a panelist on "Let's Go To The Video," where he will break down one of his crew's plays from the 2012 season.

Winter entered the NFL as a line judge in 1995 and was promoted to a referee in 1998. He was formerly a physical education professor at Western Michigan University. He retired after thte 2008 school year after having served for more than 38 years.

To learn more about the 2013 Sports Officiating Summit, please visit http://www.sportsofficiatingsummit.com or call NASO at 262-632-5448.

Rhode Island Umpires Join NASO

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 17:16:29 GMT

The Rhode Island Umpires Association (RIUA) became the latest organization to take advantage of NASO's group membership program. The program entitles an association a break in the cost of an annual membership, plus NASO's unparalleled supplemental liability insurance coverage, Referee magazine, educational materials, discounts with major officiating suppliers and advocacy on behalf of sports officials.

The RIUA, based in Warwick, R.I., requires all its umpires to be professionally trained before working any assignment for the association. The RIUA trainers include 17 major league, minor league and NCAA Division I umpires, which are listed on rhodeislandumpiresassociation.org. All of RIUA's umpires must attend the training sessions and are required to attend a fall clinic as well.

"We believe in constant training to improve our umpires in all the variety of levels that we assign," the RIUA states on its website. The RIUA assigns all levels of baseball from Little League to the Can-Am League of Professional baseball.

For more information on NASO's group membership program, contact Ken Koester at 262-632-5448, ext. 132.

For Vokkero, A Journey of Success at Summit

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:54:35 GMT

Few organizations in officiating have had the kind of success story in the last few years as Vokkero has had. Based in Europe, they began operations in the U.S several years ago with little to no market penetration or brand awareness. Their exceptional communication products and top-level customer service has led to some great accomplishments. As Bob D’ Ostilio, Vokkero's Business Development Manager in North America points out, however, without access to the right people, all that success would have been much harder. “As a specialty officiating product, it was crucial for Vokkero to find the correct venue to launch our North American initiative,” D’ Ostilio said. “As we launched our concept to the greater officiating community, being an exhibitor at the Sports Officiating Summit provided the perfect opportunity for us. We made excellent contacts that directly led to business agreements. We were able to capitalize on the successes that came out of our first Summit that next year.”

The story doesn’t end there. Their achievements led to an even closer relationship with the Summit. “Barry Mano, the NASO President, noticed the interest the system was receiving and asked us to consider becoming a Summit Support Organization for the 2012 Summit in Portland,” D’ Ostilio said. “We felt that the time was right and it would give us a terrific platform to grow the interest in Vokkero and we were proven correct.”

He goes on to detail what it is about the Summit that organizations like his benefit from. He said, “The Summit provides immediate access to officiating administrators and game officials at all levels of sport, including the highest. In my 20-plus years in sports related sales, the attendees at the NASO Summit are the most approachable group I have encountered at any trade show. From professional leagues down to the state associations, they are interested and engaged with the vendors and truly appreciate the extra support that has been provided by the Support Organizations. It has been a great spot for us to meet many regional or statewide delegations which will be critical to our growth in the future.”

D’ Ostilio recommends the Summit to any company looking to enter the officiating industry or expand their presence. About his experience, he said, “The staff at NASO and Referee go out of their way to ensure the vendors are taken care of and supported in the efforts at the event. Vokkero is once again proud to be a Summit Support Organization and are really looking forward to Grand Rapids in July.”

You can explore all of Vokkero’s wireless communication technology at www.vokkero.com/en/solution/10-refereeing. To learn more about the Summit and the opportunities for exhibiting, visit www.sportsofficiatingsummit.com.

It’s All About Connections for Honig’s

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:57:50 GMT

Making the decision to attend a trade show is sometimes a hard one for companies, especially if you’re focusing on just the bottom line. The real value, though, can sometimes be found elsewhere.

Aaron Frame, vice president at Honig’s Whistle Stop, sees their support and attendance of the Summit as an opportunity to make connections above all else. “The NASO Sports Officiating Summit is the foremost event where leaders in the industry come to talk, listen and tackle the issues common to this community,” Frame said. “As a vendor, this Summit is invaluable. We gain more information over the course of a few days than at any other time of the year. The opportunity to meet with representatives from all over the country helps us keep up-to-date on the products and trends shaping the officiating world. In this way we’re able to react and bring to market new items of benefit to the community.”

Beyond the networking, however, Honig’s values the Summit as a showcase for their products. “We’re especially excited to have NASO working with one of our partner organizations, the MHSAA, to present ‘Officiate Michigan Day,’ the event that’s expected to bring together the largest number of sports officials in history!” explained Frame. “This gathering, in addition to the Summit, will give us the opportunity to display our products to the people using them every day. Here we can showcase some of the latest improvements — from our officiating shirts made from tech fabrics designed to keep you cool and comfortable, to the UMPS pads designed to increase umpire safety.”

Honig’s has supported the Sports Officiating Summit for many years. You can view their entire product line at www.honigs.com. To learn more about the Summit, register or discover exhibiting opportunities for your company, visit www.sportsofficiatingsummit.com.

Javie at 2013 Summmit

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:24:43 GMT

Steve Javie, longtime NBA referee and current ESPN NBA analyst, will be a panel member at the 2013 Summit being held in Grand Rapids, Mich. Javie will be on the panel, "Mad About the Media," which will explore the expanding role that the media plays in officiating today.

Whether you love or hate what the media is doing to officiating, there is no denying that the media's presence has expanded at all levels of sports. Javie will share his insight and experiences from a successful 20-year NBA career. Javie's perspective is certainly uniquie, as he now works for ESPN as an officiating analyst. While on the court, Javie officiated the NBA championship series every year from the 1995 Finals up to his retirement in 2011. A former minor league umpire, he successfully transitioned to basketball and quickly became of the most respected officials in the game.

NASO Board Meets In Chicago

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 15:43:12 GMT

NASO’s Board of Directors discussed a number of topics at its spring meeting April 10-11 in Chicago. The Board also took a moment to recognize and celebrate the organization’s membership base topping 19,000 members earlier in the first day of the meetings for the first time since the late 1990s.

The Board reviewed the 2012 financial statement, which will be touched on in the state of the association report from the Board to be published in the June issue of NASO’s It’s Official newsletter. The Board also discussed possible candidates to replace Don Collins, Steve Shaw and Bill Kennedy, whose two two-year terms will end in late July. All three are no longer eligible for re-election to the Board.

The Board also reviewed its membership and group membership prospects, an update on the 2013 Sports Officiating Summit and state day in Grand Rapids, Mich., 2012 highlights and milestones, and its positive relationship with the California Basketball Officials Association.

The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for late July at the NASO Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Stern to Speak at Lehigh Valley Clinic

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:31:23 GMT

Jeffrey Stern, Referee senior editor, will represent NASO and Referee as one of the featured clinicians at the Lehigh Valley Collegiate Football Officials Clinic April 11-13 in Bethlehem, Pa. The clinic, which will be hosting around 150 campers, will include presentations and breakout and position meetings, covering mechanics and game management techniques. Stern will speak tomorrow (April 12) on “Eight Important Lessons Every Official Must Know.”

“I am honored and excited to be invited to such a prestigious camp,” Stern said. “Jim Corpora (ACC and Arena League official) and his fellow organizers have worked hard to put together an event that will challenge and inform the campers. I am also pleased to be able to give them information on NASO and the wide array of football and general-topic books published by Referee.

In addition to Stern, the camp will feature such clinicians as AFL Coordinator Carl Paganelli Sr., ACC referee Brad Allen, Big Ten line judge Dave Chesney and keynote speaker Steve Shaw, SEC coordinator of officials.

For more information about the clinic, go to lvcfoc.com.

NASO Board to Meet

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:08:46 GMT

The NASO Board of Directors is scheduled to conduct its spring meeting Wednesday and Thursday in Chicago. The board plans to review a number of items, including the 2012 financial statement, membership update, 2012 highlights, partnering opportunities and elections.

At its previous meeting in October, the board discussed how it can best serve the industry in different capacities over the next few years, starting with a greater focus on advocacy. The board talked about the impact that NASO is having at the state association level with the Summit and its annual state days, and how it can increase its presence and assist state associations that already conduct annual statewide officials clinics.

All members of the board are scheduled to attend this week's meeting.

NASO Represented Well in Tourneys

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:53:11 GMT

Of the officials assigned to the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments in recent weeks, more than 100 are NASO members. A total of 62 officials assigned to the 64-team women's tournament and 43 to the 68-team men's tournament have taken advantage of NASO's supplemental liability insurance, advocacy on behalf of sports officials, Referee magazine and many other benefits.

Whelchel to Be Honored

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:59:36 GMT

Gary Whelchel, Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) commissioner of officials, will receive the Mel Narol Medallion Award July 30 during the NASO Sports Officiating Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich. The award is given for service to NASO and is given in conjunction with NASO’s Gold Whistle Award.

Whelchel has been a NASO member since 1988 and served on the association’s board of directors from 1998-2001. He was its chairman in 2001. Whelchel began as a basketball official in 1967 and started working with the AIA in 1984 as an area commissioner.

“I am humbled and honored,” Whelchel said. “I didn’t go into this to win awards but to make a difference in officiating.”

The award is named after a former official who was considered the foremost authority on legal issues for officials, Mel Narol.

NBA Referee Greg Willard Dies

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:02:21 GMT

NBA referee Greg Willard died April 1 after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer.

Willard, along with all NBA referees, was an NASO member and very supportive of the mission of NASO.

NASO extends its deepest sympathy to the Willard family and to all NBA referees at this time.

For more information, http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/04/02/greg-willard-nba-referee-dies/2045777/

Mike Conlin on Summit Panel

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:04:03 GMT

Mike Conlin, current Coordinator of Officiating Education at Arbiter Sports and Coordinator of Men's Basketball Officials for the Horizon League, will be a panelist at the 2013 Summit being held in Grand Rapids, Mich. Conlin will be on the panel, "It's All About the Assignments," which will examine the current statistics and trends of officiating assignments.

In addition to being the Coordinator of Men's Basketball Officials for the Horizon League, Conlin also oversees the officials for the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Michigan Community College Athletic Association and several high school leagues in the Lansing, Mich. area. Prior to his supervising duties, he was an NCAA Division I men's basketball officials from 1989 to 2008. He has been an NCAA Division I baseball umpire since 1984, working in the Big Ten, Conference USA, the Big East and the Mid-American Conferences. He has worked numerous conference tournaments and NCAA Division I regionals and super regionals. Conlin has twice worked the College World Series, in 2005 and 2008. He is also a football referee in the Mid-American Conference.

NASO Member Gets Call for NCAA Tourney

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:16:45 GMT

Two Sundays ago, while most people were commencing their research for their NCAA Tournament brackets on Selection Sunday, NASO member Rob Riley was awaiting an e-mail to come through his inbox informing him that he’d been assigned to work a game in this year’s tournament.

For more on Riley's story, click here: http://www.nj.com/times-sports/index.ssf/2013/03/steinert_high_grad_riley_enjoy.html

Triplette, new ArbiterSports CEO, to be at Summit

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:05:57 GMT

Jeff Triplette, current NFL referee and the newly appointed CEO of ArbiterSports, will take part in the 2013 Sports Officiating Summit being held in Grand Rapids, Mich. Triplette will moderate the highly anticiapted session, "The Player Safety Mandate: Its Impact on Officiating." Player safety is currently a hot-button issue in the industry and this session will attempt to answer what exactly the resonable expectations for officials are.

There are few who understand the officiating industry as well as Triplette. He has served as an official at the high school level in football, basketball and baseball, at the collegiate level in football, and has just completed his 17th season as an NFL official, the last 14 as crew chief and referee. He has served as President and COO for FNC, Inc., the industry leading mortgage collateral-management technology company and as a senior executive with Duke Energy Corporation.

Triplette also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for NASO. For the past three years, Triplette has been consulting organizations under his own firm, Triplette Advisors, where he focused on helping teams achieve greater results in highly competitive environments. A retired Colonel with over 32 years of service the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve, he was awarded the Bronze Star while serving in the first Persian Gulf War from 1990 to 1991.

Pfeifer Moving up Officiating Ranks

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:44:36 GMT

College basketball players are still hitting the court and so is Kelly Pfeifer, an NASO member from Mitchell, South Dakota.

Pfeifer recently refereed two NCAA Division I College Insider Tournament games Tuesday and Wednesday in Chicago and Youngstown, Ohio.

He was featured in his local newspaper. For more on the story: http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/event/article/id/77748/group/homepage/

Training Materials Appeal to Umpires

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:19:34 GMT

The Central Coast Collegiate Baseball Umpires Association (CCCBUA) has taken advantage of NASO’s group membership program. NASO’s group membership plan entitles an association a break in the cost of an annual membership and also benefits such as NASO’s unparalleled supplemental liability insurance coverage, Referee magazine, educational materials, discounts with major officiating suppliers and advocacy on behalf of sports officials.

CCCBUA president and longtime umpire Ted Kovach said that the training materials for the association’s 56 active members offered through NASO is one of the main reasons why the association took advantage of the group membership offer. All of the members focus on umpiring college baseball in the San Jose, Calif., area.

“We want to make sure that everybody gets the same training and opportunities,” said Kovach.

Soccer Referees Group Joins NASO

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 21:26:39 GMT

The Pacific Coast Soccer Referees (PCSR) recently have taken advantage of NASO's group membership program. The program entitles an association a break in the cost of an annual membership, plus NASO's unparalleled supplemental liability insurance coverage, Referee magazine, educational materials, discounts with major officiating suppliers and advocacy on behalf of sports officials.

The Board of Directors for the newly formed PCSR made it a priority that all 42 of its members are covered by NASO insurance. The association serves an adult men's and co-ed soccer league in the Redondo Beach, Calif., are near Los Angeles.

"We did it for the coverage for the referes and for us, but also have found out that it's a pretty unique marketing tool," said Bob Foster, president of the PCSR. The league that we're affiliated with is thrilled that it doesn't have any insurance issues with the referees and that we already came with our own insurance. That was a key in the league's decision-making process to go with us vs. other groups."

For more information on NASO's group membership program, contact Ken Koester at 262-632-5448, ext. 132.

David Stern Welcome Video to Open Summit

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:25:22 GMT

David Stern, current NBA commissioner, will provide a video welcome to open the 2013 Summit being held in Grand Rapids, Mich. Stern shares his thoughts and feelings on what an immense responsibility officials have in our sporting world today.

Barry Mano, NASO president, appreciates the importance that Stern places on sports officials. Mano says, “I have watched his video a number of times and every time I am stirred, energized and come away feeling proud for all of us in officiating. This will be a spectacular and uplifting way to open our 2013 Summit.”

For more information on the 2013 Summit, call NASO at 262-632-5448 or visit http://www.sportsofficiatingsummit.com to sign up today!

John Adams to be Summit Panelist

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:31:22 GMT

John Adams, current NCAA national coordinator for men's basketball officiating, will be a panel member at the 2013 Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich. He will be on the panel "Mad About Media" which will examine the ever-increasing role the media plays in the officiating world. Over the next few weeks, Adams will be providing on-air officiating insight on the NCAA basketball tournament.

Prior to becoming national coordinator, Adams was the coordinator for men's basketball officiaitng in the Horizon League (Division I), the Great Lakes Valley (Division II), and the Heartland Collegiate Conference (Division III). Adams is a former high school and collegiate basketball official.

Father-Son Referee Team Reaches Highest Level

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:30:32 GMT

Gary Koschnitzke jokingly calls it a morsel of "worthy trivia," but the Lannon native is a bit of a pioneer when it comes to the WIAA girls basketball state tournament. This year, his son Chris took part in the event's long history as well.

Both Gary and Chris are members of the Wisconsin Basketball Officials Association, an affiliate of the California Basketball Association and as a result, both are members of NASO through the group membership plan.

For more on the Koschnitzkes' experience at the state tournament:

http://www.livinglakecountry.com/sussexsun/sports/local-fatherson-referee-team-reaches-highest-level-c296mh6-198987141.html

For more information on group membership, contact NASO at 262-632-5448.

PUA Renews With NASO

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:06:02 GMT

Members of the Patriot Umpires Association (PUA), based in Raynham, Mass., recently renewed their group membership with NASO. PUA joined the program a year ago to take advantage of NASO insurance and the special group membership rate.

PUA members mainly work softball but a variety of other sports as well, including the semipro Independent Women’s Football League. The officials work games in various communities around Raynham, which is located south of Boston and northeast of Providence, R.I.

Bill Carollo on 2013 Summit Panel

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:50:51 GMT

Bill Carollo is currently the coordinator of football officials for the Collegiate Officiating Consortium that includes the Big Ten, Mid-American and Missouri Valley Football conferences. He will provide his insight on the can't-miss panel, "What Assigners Really Do." On the surface, assigning games doesn’t seem all that complicated. However, the demands of the assigning business coupled with the pressure being applied by coaches, schools and the officials themselves rule out this undertaking for the faint-of-heart or those mired in the old way of doing things. Carollo's experiences as both an assigner and on-field official will be shared at the Summit this July in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Prior to Carollo's coordinator position, he served in various management roles at IBM and Manpower for 35 years. Bill was an NFL official for 20 seasons before retiring in 2009. In addition to officiating eight NFL Championship games, Bill officiated Super Bowl XXX, Super Bowl XXXVII and the 2008 Pro Bowl. Carollo served as a board member and Executive Director of the National Football League Referees Association. Carollo also worked as a BigTen Conference football and basketball official from 1980-88.

Summit is About Supporting 'Family' to the NMOA

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:19:09 GMT

The Sports Officiating Summit wouldn't exist without the support of organizations from all corners of the officiating industry. That includes more than 10 state associations. Unlike a gear retailer, for instance, for a state to support it financially they have to recognize the intangible things that the Summit represents.

One of the state organizations that has pledged support not only this year but for many years previously is the New Mexico Officials Association. New Mexico Activities Association Commissioner of Officials Dana Papas was gracious enough to offer up her take on those "intangibles" that make supporting the Summit such a meaningful thing for her group.

Pappas said, "Being a support organization of the NASO Summit is significant to all officials in the state of New Mexico, as it gives them the opportunity to be part of the greater good of officiating outside of the confines of our borders. Officials are such good ambassadors within their respective communities in the way that they give back to member schools and to student-athletes that it is befitting that they would give back to officiating as a whole as well.

"The link between the New Mexico Officials Association and the NASO Summit makes our officials part of something bigger and is a true indicator of the family that exists within the profession. Supporting the NASO Summit is another way that family can take care of family."

Contra Costa Umpires Renew

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:37:30 GMT

Nearly 80 members of the Contra Costa Umpires Association (CCUA) recently renewed their NASO group membership plan, which entitles them to a break in the cost of an annual membership.

The CCUA serves a number of baseball leagues in the east San Francisco Bay area of Northern California, including EastBay, Contra Costa and Northern Alameda counties. In addition to taking advantage of a special rate in the group membership plan, CCUA members who renewed with NASO also receive such benefits as NASO’s unparalleled liability insurance coverage, Referee magazine, educational materials, discounts with major officiating suppliers and advocacy on behalf of sports officials.

Delaney Visits South Korea

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:01:14 GMT

Bob Delaney, retired NBA referee who now serves as an NBA Cares Ambassador, visited American servicemen and women in South Korea. During his trip Feb. 24-March 3, Delaney spent time with the 8th Army and 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He shared his Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) education and awareness message with soldiers and their families.

Delaney’s message underlines that PTS is a human condition and those who serve are in the higher risk group because they see what the rest of the world does not due to their profession.

One of Delaney’s mantras is, “Post Traumatic Stress is not what is wrong with you; its about the wrong you’ve experienced.”

“Bob reinforced the power of personal conversation,” said Edward Cardon, Commanding General of the Army 2nd Infantry Division. “A growing challenge in the age of chat, Twitter and Facebook. It is only though personal interaction, and the courage to engage at all levels, that we will overcome life’s challenges and stay truly resilient.”

Delaney also visited with the commissioner of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) and his staff at their Seoul headquarters. He attended a KBL game between the Seoul Knights and Seoul Thunder at the 1988 Olympic Center. Delaney met with KBL referees, sharing the finer points of basketball officiating.

“It was a very competitive afternoon game, on a Korean holiday, before a soldout crowd,” Delaney said. “There was a strong NBA-like atmosphere. Great fans.“

Delaney shared NBA-related gifts with soldiers, VIPs and Korean NBA fans during his stay.

“I made lifelong friends with troops from the 8th Army and 2nd Infantry Division, the Korean Basketball League and the amazing Korean people,” Delaney said. “I look forward to returning one day soon.”

Delaney was the 2003 recipient of NASO’s Gold Whistle Award.

Peter Walton to be Summit Panelist

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:02:13 GMT

Peter Walton, current general manager of the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), will be a panelist at the 2013 Summit. Walton brings nearly two decades of professional soccer experience with him and will share that this summer in Grand Rapids, MI. He will participate in a can't-miss session that will explore how professional leagues deal with their game assignments.

Peter Walton was named general manager of soccer's newly formed Professional Referee Organization (PRO) in March of 2012. A native of Long Buckby, Northamptonshire, England, Walton brings a wealth of officiating experience to PRO, having been a head referee for Premier League matches since 2003.

Along with managing games that featured the top teams in England, Walton has shared his officiating knowledge for the betterment of his profession. In January of 2007, Walton and former Premier League referee Ray Olivier led an Advanced Course for Referees’ Instructors in coordination between The Football Association (The FA) and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

Walton started his officiating career in 1986 on a local basis in England, but by 1993 he was an assistant referee in The Football League and an assistant in the Premier League in 1994. In 1998, Walton was promoted to The Football League list of referees, where he served in that capacity until 2003.

Walton returned to the Premier League as a head official with his debut on Oct. 25, 2003, during a Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-3 victory against Leicester City at the Wolves’ home ground, Molineux Stadium.

Walton has refereed some noteworthy fixtures over the years, including the 2003 Football League Trophy final between Bristol City and Carlisle United and the 2008 FA Community Shield between Manchester United and Portsmouth.

Walton is a former player in the United Counties League, playing for his hometown Long Buckby Association FC.

Triplette to Lead ArbiterSports

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:57:29 GMT

NASO Board member Jeff Triplette has taken over as CEO of ArbiterSports effective today. Triplette replaces Claire Roberts, also an NASO Board member, who had been with the sports officiating software company since September 2008 when it was acquired by the NCAA.

"ArbiterSports will benefit tremendously from Jeff’s experience and leadership style as he continues the company’s growth going forward," said Roberts.

Triplette, an NFL official since 1996 and referee/crew chief since 1999, is vice-chare of the NASO Board. For the past three years, he has been consulting organizations under his own firm, Triplette Advisors. A retired colonel with more than 32 years of service the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve, Triplette was awarded the Bronze Star while serving in the first Persian Gulf War from 1990 to 1991.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to bring my customer focused, high performance team leadership style to ArbiterSports to help achieve our strategic goals and objectives,” said Triplette. “I believe it’s the right place for me and the right time to be there.”

Umpires Association Joins NASO

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:47:59 GMT

Many members of the East Coast Independent Umpires Association (ECIUA), based in the Manchester, N.J., area, became the latest to take advantage of NASO's group membership program. The ECIUA membership consists of baseball and softball umpires that thrive on extended training and experience on all field sizes.

ECIUA members have game experience which includes state and regional levels of play. The association is the primary supplier of umpires for Tag-Em youth baseball and softball tournaments from April to October.

Carter To Be Honored by NFHS

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:45:26 GMT

Former NASO Board member Ronnie Carter will be inducted into the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame June 27 in Denver.

Carter, who retired in 2009 after 23 years as executive director of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA), is this year’s inductee in the administrators category. He served on the NASO Board from 2003-06, including two years as board secretary.

Carter will be joining four individuals who excelled as high school athletes, including former Washington Redskins’ quarterback Joe Theismann and current Los Angeles Clippers’ guard Chauncey Billups, along with five high school coaches and two officials, and one in the performing arts, to be inducted.

Carter joined the TSSAA in 1978 and was appointed executive director in 1986. In addition to his leadership at the state level, Carter served on the NFHS Football Rules Committee for 25 years and was chair of the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee for eight years. He was chair of the Football Research Subcommittee for eight years and was a member of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee for four years. Carter was president of the NFHS in 2001-02.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be the closing event of the NFHS summer meeting.

Terry Gregson: 2013 Summit Speaker

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:27:39 GMT

Terry Gregson, currently the NHL's director of officiating, will be a featured speaker at the 2013 Summit being held in Grand Rapids, Mich. He will direct a session on how leagues and associations can best deal with the end of an officiating career. "Riding off into the sunset" can truly be a win-win for all parties involved.

Terry Gregson’s impact on the industry has been significant, both on and off the ice. He officiated the Stanley Cup finals eight times and was assigned to the 1982 World Championship in Finland. Gregson is considered by his NHL peers as “an official’s official.” His respect among other officials is so deep that he served as the executive director of the NHL Officials Association for 20 years. His tenure in that post was so long in part because the members were so pleased with his efforts that he ran unopposed for re-election.

Similarly, he has earned the respect of others in the officiating community and by executives throughout the NHL. He has been deeply involved in the league’s succession program, which is designed to allow veteran officials a graceful exit from the staff over a period of years. He has devoted a great deal of time to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. As a member of the Officiating Development Alliance, Gregson is a “go-to guy,” one whom other supervisors and coordinators use as a resource. Gregson was also the recipient of the 2012 NASO Gold Whistle Award.

Joan Powell to be Summit Panelist

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:16:59 GMT

Joan Powell, the NCAA coordinator of volleyball officials, will be a panel member at the 2013 Summit being held in Grand Rapids, Mich. Powell's session is titled "Right People, Right Place, Right Time." Assigning officials doesn't just happen, it is a skill that is constantly developed.

Powell is the former president of the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials; team leader for the U.S. women’s national team competing at the World Grand Prix and the Olympics in 2008. She has more than 20 years of experience as a USA Volleyball national official and more than 30 years of experience as a collegiate national official; has worked numerous NCAA semifinal and final matches; former head volleyball coach at Coronado (Colo.) High School.

Despite Limitations, Palermo Still an Umpire at Heart

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:50:27 GMT

A gunman took away Steve Palermo’s onfield career. But the bullet that led to his paralysis didn’t touch Palermo’s heart, mind and soul.

That’s why the former MLB umpire continues to share his knowledge through his job as an umpire supervisor.

Palermo, the 1993 recipient of NASO’s Gold Whistle Award for his efforts to raise funds for research, equipment and support for uninsured victims of spinal injuries, is a fixture wherever umpires are working. He reminds umpires of the importance of working hard to be the best they can be.

“Don’t think you’ve gotten exactly where you want to get to,” Palermo told MLB.com, “because there’s always something that you want to try to achieve. You have to be perfect with every call that you make.”

Palermo has been helping umpires since back when he was a member of the AL staff, offering advice even to those who had more seniority.

While working an exhibition game with then-NL umpire Tom Hallion, Palermo suggested a different way for Hallion to rule on plays at second base. Hallion tried it and found it worked so well for him that, a quarter-century later, he still does it that way.

“Steve was trying to make you better when he was out on the field with you,” Hallion said to MLB.com.

In his guise as a supervisor, Palermo trains and evaluates MLB and Class AAA umpires. He tries his best to instruct with actions as well as words, but he is limited by the crutches he must use to compensate for the spinal injury he suffered in that ill-fated rescue attempt.

“The one thing that I’ve proved or learned,” Palermo said, “is that the human spirit and drive and determination, you can’t ever sell that short. ... Had I known then what I know now about how much damage was done to my spinal cord, I probably would’ve said, ‘I’m fighting an uphill battle here that just can’t be won. I might as well stay in this wheelchair.’

“But sometimes I think that’s what drove me, was that, ‘OK, you put this challenge out there for me. You stuck this carrot out on the stick and now I’m going to try to run it down.’“

NASO President Attends ODA

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:12:25 GMT

NASO president and founder Barry Mano is attending Officiating Development Alliance (ODA) meetings today and tomorrow in New York. The ODA consists of a group of officiating leaders who represent many of the organizations that have a significant impact on the officiating industry.

The 12-member ODA's main focus is to discover ways to better train officials. Members of the ODA must have a “national portfolio” in officiating. Generally, the sitting director of officiating for a member organization is that organization’s designee.

The current ODA members include John Adams, NCAA national coordinator for men's basketball officiating; Marcia Alterman, executive director of the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials; Joe Borgia, NBA vice president, referee operations; David Coleman, NFL director of officiating; Terry Gregson, director of officiating and senior vice-president of the NHL; Rich Kaufman, director of officials for the U.S. Tennis Association; Kurt Klier, director of intramural sports at the University of Maryland; Matt McKendry, MLB director, umpire administration; Lucia Perfetti Clark, manager of officials training and education for U.S. Lacrosse; Kevin Ryan, ASA supervisor of umpires; Peter Walton, Professional Referees Organization general manager; and Theresia Wynns, director of sports and officials education at NFHS.

The ODA meets twice a year. Its next scheduled meeting will be at the NASO Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich., in late July.

LeMonnier Selected for 2013 Gold Whistle

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:17:39 GMT

Big Ten football referee Bill LeMonnier will be honored in July by receiving the Gold Whistle Award. The award is presented to a person or organization for contributions to the officiating industry.

The presentation is set for Tuesday, July 30, at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Mich., site of the NASO Sports Officiating Summit. The award ceremony is part of the Officiating Gala that culminates the annual Summit.

LeMonnier, 64, who resides in Tinley Park, Ill., is a former educator. For many years he has used skills learned in that field to become a popular and skilled clinician. He has spoken at camps on every continent on which football is played and officiated. LeMonnier has mentored countless officials and served as an advocate for those who choose to advance. He is a “go-to guy” for fellow officials who have questions regarding rules, mechanics and philosophy. He is also is one of the writers of the annual CFO national football test.

“The selection of Bill LeMonnier as this year’s recipient was an easy one and it was unanimous,” said Barry Mano, NASO president. “Bill’s passion for football and for those who officiate football at any level is without parallel. He has been and remains a beacon for all of us in this industry.”

Borgia Confirmed for Summit

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:16:50 GMT

Joe Borgia, NBA Vice President of Referee Operations, will be a panelist at the 2013 Summit being held in Grand Rapids, Mich. Borgia will take part in one of the highest-rated sessions of the Summit, "Let's Hit the Play Button." Great plays from the past year will be celebrated from various organizations and leagues.

Borgia was a member of the NBA’s Basketball Operations Department from 1999 until the Referee Operations Department was recently formed. He started as Director of Referee Development and for the last four years acted as the league's Director of Officiating Programs and Development. Borgia is responsible for the administration of Referee Operations including recruiting, training programs, team communications and oversight of the D-League and WNBA officiating programs.

Borgia began his professional officiating career in 1978 at age 22, when he joined the staff of the New York Pro-Am league. He spent eight years in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and in 1988 was hired to the NBA staff. He officiated 10 seasons before an injury forced him to retire in 1998. Borgia grew up surrounded by NBA officiating. He is the son of the late Sid Borgia, a legendary referee who officiated in the NBA for 20 years beginning in 1946. Sid Borgia also served as supervisor of officials during the latter years of his career and continued as an observer after retiring.

Borgia currently resides in New Rochelle, N.Y. He is married to Linda and they have a daughter and a son.

Port Makes Point on Instant Replay

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:25:10 GMT

Mike Port, former NASO Board member and MLB vice president of umpiring, recently weighed in on an espn.go.com columnist’s instant-replay debate, contending that MLB should move ahead with replay and use it for frequently missed calls. He also condemned a challenge system, saying it would be too confusing for managers.

“As a basic premise,” he told espn.go, “if the purpose of replay is to get calls correct … then let’s try to get ALL correct within certain categories.”

Port explained that those categories include plays at the plate, tags on steal plays, swipe tag plays, force plays and hit-by-pitch.

“Evaluate the most frequently missed calls and establish what REALLY needs to be subject to replay,” Port wrote in ESPN’s call-out. “Focus on those MOST FREQUENTLY missed. Not something that happens once every 1,000 innings. Make those frequently missed calls subject to automatic review by a replay official stationed in a club's video room.

Port spent six years (2005-11) as baseball’s vice president of umpiring after a career as a general manager and executive for the Angels, Red Sox and Padres. He served on the NASO Board of Directors from 2010-12.

MLB has an evaluation system in place, Port said, that reviews umpires' calls — both correct and incorrect. So it “shouldn’t be a large problem” to figure out fairly quickly which plays are worth honing in on.

And once the powers that be have settled on those plays? Then …

“Let’s go,” Mike Port wrote. “Baseball moves at Neanderthal speed in too in many of its undertakings.”

For more, go to espn.go.com/mlb/blog.

Curtis Shaw to be Summit Panelist

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:12:00 GMT

Curtis Shaw, the coordinator of basketball officials for a number of Division I conferences, will be a speaker at the 2013 Summit being held in Grand Rapids, MIch. He will provide insight on both the pleasure and the pain of being an assigner. With the demands of the assigning business coupled with the pressure being applied by coaches, school and the officials themselves, this undertaking is certainly not for the faint-of-heart!

Shaw is currently the coordinator of men’s officials for Conference USA, the Big 12, Southland and Ohio Valley conferences, and coordinator of women’s basketball officials for the Ohio Valley and Atlantic Sun conferences. He retired from officiating men’s Division I after working his fifth-straight Final Four in 2010 and seventh such assignment over his 21-year career. Shaw also worked at least one NCAA tournament game from 1993 to 2010.

Fetchiet Confirmed for Summit

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:04:31 GMT

NASO Board member Rich Fetchiet will be a panelist for the 31st annual Sports Officiating Summit. Fetchiet will participate in the session “It’s All About the Assignments,” which will feature the most complete and authoritative study about officiating assignments ever compiled. Fetchiet says, “I am honored and excited about being a part of this.”

Fetchiet is currently the Collegiate Baseball Umpire Alliance coordinator. He supervises seven NCAA Division I conferences (Big Ten, Big 12, Missouri Valley, Mid-American, Conference USA, Horizon, Summit); co-supervises the Big East and supervises several Division II and III conferences. Rich worked 33 years of college football, working multiple bowl games. He worked 35 years as a college baseball umpire, working two College World Series (1995, ’99) and one Division III College World Series. He also umpired the 2000 Olympic Games. He is the Director of Alumni Relations and Development in the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan.

Super Bowl Officials Are NASO Members

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:57:52 GMT

All seven officials working Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday are NASO members as part of an NFL group membership. Other major associations such as the NBA and many Division I college football conferences also are group members and are enjoying educational materials, benefits and services of NASO.

Super Bowl XLVII referees, which were announced Wednesday, and their positions include Jerome Boger, referee; Darrell Jenkins, umpire; Steve Stelljes, head linesman; Byron Boston, line judge; Craig Wrolstad, field judge; Joe Larrew, side judge; and Dino Paganelli, back judge.

Boger has worked four divisional playoff games, including the San Francisco 49ers’ victory over Green Bay this year. He entered the league as a line judge in 2004 and was promoted to referee in 2006. He is only the second African-American referee to work the championship game, following Mike Carey five years ago.

By taking advantage of the group membership, the association of officials receives a break in the cost of an annual membership in addition to liability insurance protection, educational materials and special discounts offered by NASO.

NBA Referee Pursues Excellence, Not Perfection

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:54:48 GMT

NBA referee Tre Maddox understands the expectations that he faces in his job.

"I have a motto that I live by, which is, 'I don't referee to be perfect; I referee to be excellent.' " Maddox, 45, said in a story in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "Basically, it means that we're all human, that we are going to make mistakes. Obviously, you try to be the best you can be every night. You try to be consistent in your performance."

Maddox, like all NBA referees, work knowing they have the support and protection of NASO. All NBA referees are members of NASO through the group membership program.

For more information on Maddox and his advancement into the NBA, click here: http://www.lvrj.com/sports/ref-pursues-excellence-not-perfection-188637371.html

For more information on group membership: call 262-632-5448 or click here: http://www.naso.org/WhatWeDo/GroupMembership.aspx

The Umpire School Featured

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:36:47 GMT

The Umpire School, a longtime NASO Educational Partner and Summit Support Organization was featured in a segment on WPTV – West Palm Beach, Fla. The Umpire School was created by Minor League Baseball as an extension of its efforts to expand and enhance umpire training at all levels. Members of the Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. (PBUC) drive the curriculum and instruction.

Watch the segment HERE. You can learn more about The Umpire School at their WEBSITE.

2013 Summit Plans Being Finalized

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:53:50 GMT

Plans are being finalized for the 2013 Sports Officiating Summit. The 31st annual Summit will be held in Grand Rapids, Mich., from July 28-30 at the Amway Grand Plaza. The Summit is presented by NASO in cooperation with the Michigan High School Athletic Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Thirteen educational sessions featuring some of the brightest minds in officiating highlight this industry event of the year. Topics such as “What Assigners Really Do,” and “The Player Safety Mandate and Its Impact on Officiating” will explore some of the tough issues facing officials and assigners today.

NFL Official Retires after Pro Bowl

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:07:47 GMT

After working in Sunday's Pro Bowl, NFL side judge Don Carlsen has decided to retire. At age 66, Carlsen is the league's oldest official. "I could physically go out and do it some more," said Carlsen. "I was just ready to move on, that's all."

Carlsen is a member of NASO through the NFL's group membership plan, which ensures that every member of the NFL staff is a member of NASO.

For more information on group membership, call 262-632-5448.

For more information on Carlsen's retirement, http://www.krcrtv.com/news/local/Chico-NFL-Referee-To-Retire-After-Pro-Bowl/-/14322302/18264122/-/drrboe/-/index.html

Fox 40 Signs Three-Year NASO Sponsorship Agreement

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:39:57 GMT

NASO is proud to announce a new three-year agreement with Fox 40 International. Fox 40 is a valued Educational Partner of NASO and will continue to be the sponsor of the Celebrate Officiating Gala at the Sports Officiating Summit annually.

Fox 40 Founder and CEO Ron Foxcroft is a charter member of NASO and a charter subscriber to Referee magazine, neither of which he has ever allowed to lapse. His reasons for that steadfast support are quite simple if you ask him. “There is not an organization on the planet that provides services to the officiating industry better than NASO,” Foxcroft said.

He had more to say when asked why that longtime partnership with NASO is still vital for his company. “During my 25 years as a NASO sponsor, I have carefully studied how sports officiating has progressed from being a hobby pastime to a very serious and complex industry,” he said. “Becoming a complex industry has created many new and unique opportunities and issues pertaining to the business of sports officiating. Sports officials today need an organization to turn to for advice, leadership, mentoring and direction. NASO fulfills that vital need and will continue to fill that need moving forward.”

Foxcroft also elaborated on why he sponsors the Celebrate Officiating Gala. “It is said that you are judged by the company that you keep,” Foxcroft explained. “Therefore, being associated with the pillars of sports officiating and helping to recognize its highest achievers, is one of the best things we can do as a member of this industry. At Fox 40 we pride ourselves in providing the world's most advanced tools and equipment for sports officials, hence it is an honor being a sponsor of the most prestigious award in the world of sports officiating, that being the NASO Gold Whistle Award and the Celebrate Officiating Gala at which it is presented.”

NASO’s agreement with Fox 40 runs through the year 2016. You can learn more about the Gold Whistle Award HERE. More information on Fox 40 International can be found on their website www.fox40world.com.

WBOA Effort Featured in Local Newspaper

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:32:56 GMT

The Wisconsin Basketball Officials Association, a group member of NASO and affiliate of the CBOA, was featured in a local newspaper for it's efforts to adopt three-person officiating in Wisconsin.

The story, in the Brookfield edition of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, highlighted the WBOA's fight for three-person in the state. The newspaper story relied on the article that appeared in Referee magazine as well.

To see the story, click http://www.brookfieldnow.com/sports/187766261.html

Palermo Remembers Weaver

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:27:18 GMT

No umpire was safe from Earl Weaver’s wrath. The longtime manager of the Baltimore Orioles, who died Jan. 19, was never shy about giving an umpire a piece of his mind when he felt his team had been wronged.

As with all AL umpires of the day, Steve Palermo was no exception.

“He was tough with umpires, but he was a very good manager,” Palermo told MLB.com upon learning of Weaver’s death. “You were always on red alert with him because you never knew what he was going to do next. He was very unconventional.”

Palermo is currently a supervisor of MLB umpires. In 1993, he received NASO’s Gold Whistle Award for his efforts to raise funds for research, equipment and support for uninsured victims of spinal injuries. Palermo’s career ended when he was shot by a robber whose victims Palermo was attempting to aid.

The former umpire recalled an incident in which Weaver had been ejected but returned to the field, leading the umpires to consider forfeiting the game,” Palermo recalled. “He’s already been thrown out. ... I told him to get out of here. And he kicked dirt all the way from third base to second base. And he was standing there on second base.”

Weaver ignored orders to leave. Palermo told fellow umpire Richie Garcia to start a stopwatch, giving Weaver a minute to vacate or forfeit.

“He stood there for about 15 seconds and said, ‘You know, you’re crazy enough just to forfeit this game,’” Palermo said. “And he came running over the mound as I bent over to brush off home plate. He comes up from behind, kicks the dirt under my legs onto the plate and then he takes off running to the dugout. He said, ‘I know I've only got about 15 seconds left so I’m getting out of here.’”

Referee Reaches 5,000 Facebook Fans

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:36:54 GMT

Referee magazine now has more than 5,000 Facebook fans. Are you among those who “like” Referee’s page? Click HERE to check out Referee on Facebook. If you become a fan of the page, you’ll have access to product specials and custom content. You can share your opinions on articles, give feedback on officiating books or post your suggestions for future magazine content.

You can also “like” NASO by clicking HERE. Then you’ll receive the latest updates on NASO benefits and special events, such as the Sports Officiating Summit. Feel free to post what NASO membership means to you on the NASO wall. You can also check out the many associations and businesses that are supporters and sponsors of NASO and its mission.

Minneapolis Association Renews

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:15:17 GMT

Members of the Minneapolis Officials Association (MOA) recently renewed their NASO group membership plan, which entitles them to a break in the cost of an annual membership.

The MOA consists of more than 200 members. In addition to taking advantage of a special rate in the group membership plan, MOA members who renewed with NASO also receive such benefits as NASO’s unparalleled liability insurance coverage, Referee magazine, educational materials, discounts with major officiating suppliers and advocacy on behalf of sports officials.

NASO Member Pleased With MICP Assist

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:58:09 GMT

Chris Nevil, a resident of Culver City Calif., who assigns soccer officials for middle school leagues in his area, wanted to make sure the language in his agreements was proper. As an NASO member, Nevil was able to call upon the Member Information and Consultation Program (MICP) for advice.

“There was some language in our agreement that I wanted to make sure was OK,” Nevil explained. “NASO put me in touch with Don Collins (NASO board member and attorney) and I got the answers I needed.

“It was an easy process and it was handled within a week. MICP is a very welcome benefit.”

NASO annually provides its members with up to three free consultations with one of our qualified advisors for anything related to sports officials and sports officiating. For more information on MICP, click HERE.

Gerald Austin Featured in WCU Newsletter

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:40:30 GMT

Former NFL referee Gerald Austin was featured recently in the alumni magazine for Western Carolina University.

He took on a new role this year, serving as the on-air officiating analyst for ESPN's Monday Night Football games. Austin has been an NASO member for many years and is currently the supervisor of football officials for Conference USA.

To read more about Austin, click the link: http://magazine.wcu.edu/2012/12/a-higher-calling/

‘Become an Official’ Drawing High Numbers

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:56:01 GMT

Nearly 1,000 individuals inquired about becoming a sports official through NASO’s “Become an Official” resource on www.naso.org in the final six months of 2012.

The free service offers information on becoming an official for football, soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball and baseball. New officials can learn about equipment that is needed to officiate the sport(s) that interest them, plus get a grasp on the costs of registration and fees, game fees, various leagues to officiate, state and national association information, contact information and much more.

For more information on NASO’s “Become an Official” resource, click HERE.

NASO Support of Official Mentioned -- 10 Years Later

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:20:37 GMT

It's been 10 years since the Miami played Ohio State in the national championship game, a game decided in overtime. But writers still mention NASO's support of Terry Porter's call.

A story promoting the upcoming national title game mentioned Ohio State's dramatic win 10 years ago. A key play in that game was the pass interference call by Porter, who was blasted in national media.

However, NASO sent Sports Illustrated a letter in support and Referee magazine named it one of the best calls of all time. Both items were mentioned in that story.

To read it, click http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20130103/SPORTS/301030010/OSU-won-national-title-10-years-ago

NASO Members Work BCS Game

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:08:12 GMT

All of the members of the crew that is assigned to the National Championship game between Alabama and Notre Dame are members of NASO.

Although the crew members' names can't be released until gametime, the crew comes from the Pac-12 Conference. All members of the conference are NASO members through the group membership plan.

For more information on the group membership plan, contact NASO at 262-632-5448.

MICP Helps 100-Plus Members in 2012

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 09:13:26 GMT

NASO’s Member Information and Consultation Program (MICP) is one of the many valuable benefits that come with NASO membership. And many NASO members have taken advantage of the program. In 2012, the NASO staff received more than 100 MICP requests/inquiries from members across the country.

MICP topics covered included: assault, assigning, board management, background checks, bylaws, disciplinary actions, membership rejections, dual membership in associations, limited liability, lawsuits, payments, rules, harassment, independent contractor status and blackball problems.

If you’ve got questions, MICP will work to get you the answers. For more information on MICP or if you have an MICP issue, call NASO at 262-632-5448.

Charter NASO Member Retiring

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 10:18:47 GMT

Frank Cardascia, who worked three sports for more than 30 years, is calling it a career.

Cardascia, a charter NASO member, is 75 and still in fairly good shape, but knew it was time to call it a career after his final game in 2012. He served as the president of the Metropolitan Football Association in New York City and Long Island.

"I knew I couldn't do the things I wanted to do the way I wanted to do them," he said. "I didn't want to go out there (on to the field) and not be able to do it correctly."

Cardascia has been a referee for the past seven or eight seasons and was the linesman on his crew for more than 30 years. He's proud of his NASO membership.

"When I heard about NASO getting started, it was something I wanted to be involved with and very pleased to have been a member all these years," he said. "I was able to use a lot of materials to help out our board."

Cardascia also spent 32 years as a member of IAABO Board 52, working high school basketball, and 35 years with the Bronx Umpires Alliance as a baseball umpire.

In retirement, he still plans to be involved.

"I'll give what I can back to our organization," he said. "I'll answer questions and help out in any way that I can."

Cashion Recalls Lambeau Field Memories

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:37:29 GMT

Former NASO Board member Red Cashion, who recently released a new book First Dooowwwnnn . . . And a Life To Go! (AuthorHouse, 180 pp.), worked in the NFL for 40 years, including 25 years as an official and referee and 15 years as a trainer of NFL officials.

Cashion served on the NASO board of directors from 1997-2000 and was treasurer from 1998-2000.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently included an excerpt of Cashion’s memories of working his first NFL game as a referee in Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., on Sept. 12, 1976, and his final game as referee on Dec. 22, 1996, in the same stadium.

In his final regular season game, Cashion writes Packers defensive end Reggie White came up to him before the game started.

“Red, I understand you are quitting,” White said. “Is that true?”

Cashion said twice that yes, he was hanging up his whistle.

“White, an ordained minister, then looked toward the heavens and jokingly said, ‘Praise the Lord.’ Then he smiled, patted me on the back wished me the best. He told me that he would miss me and that he appreciated the relationship we had developed through the years.”

Read more on Cashion's NFL exploits at http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/183258222.html.

NASO at PAVO Convention

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:03:13 GMT

NASO representatives are taking part in the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials' Convention in Louisville, Ky. The annual convention, which began Thursday and ends on Saturday, is in conjunction with the NCAA Division I women's volleyball championship.

Bill Topp, vice president of publishing and managment services for NASO and Referee magazine, gave a presentation on "The 23 Most Powerful Lessions of Officiating" before volleyball officials this morning. Jim Arehart, NASO and Referee marketing director, has manned an NASO exhibit throughout the PAVO convention that features NASO membership and magazine subscription information, and information on the many NASO educational products.

Referee Provides Exclusive NFL Lockout Story

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:19:02 GMT

Referee magazine’s “Locked Out” feature, which provides the story of the NFL lockout, replacements and the settlement, is now available in the January 2013 issue and online here.

The story, written by senior editor Jeffrey Stern, provides inside information about the negotiations, news about the replacement officials and details about the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

NFL referee and NFL Referees Association board member Jeff Triplette spoke exclusively to Referee on behalf of the union. Jeff Pash, NFL executive vice president and chief legal counsel, presented the league’s viewpoint. It was one of few interviews he granted.

Lane Named to International Boxing Hall of Fame

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:58:14 GMT

Mills Lane, the longtime boxing referee who was the recipient of the NASO Gold Whistle Award in 2009, will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013.

For a full article on Lane's upcoming induction, check out this link from the Reno Gazette Journal. http://www.rgj.com/article/20121210/SPORTS/312100045/Mills-Lane-named-International-Boxing-Hall-Fame

Lane was featured in two Referee magazine articles in 2009. Both are available on MyReferee if you search for "Mills Lane" and select "Feature" in the advanced search.

The Umpire School Adds Eight to Staff

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:00:16 GMT

The Umpire School, an NASO Summit Support Organization, announced today the addition of eight staff members to meet the demands of its increasing student enrollment.

In addition to newly hired PBUC evaluator, Tyler Funneman, Minor League Baseball umpires Chase Eade (Appalachian), Blake Felix (California), Brandon Henson (Southern), Tom Honec (Eastern), Javerro January (South Atlantic), Ron Teague (California) and Lew Williams (Midwest) will assist Professional Baseball Umpire Corp (PBUC) supervisors in instructing students at The Umpire School from Jan. 6 to Feb. 3, 2013, in Vero Beach, Fla.

PBUC oversees the training and employment of umpires in the Minor League Baseball system throughout the United States and Canada, and provides lead instructors for The Umpire School.

"The addition of eight new staff members for the 2013 class, all of whom are uniquely qualified to help our students achieve their personal and professional goals, gives The Umpire School a lower student-to-teacher ratio, allowing its attendees to receive even more individual instruction," The Umpire School Executive Director Justin Klemm said.

For more information about The Umpire School, a State of Florida licensed school, visit www.TheRightCall.net, call 877-799-UMPS (8677) or email info@TheRightCall.net.

NASO Member Voted into Illinois Hall of Fame

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:48:03 GMT

NASO member Dave Collins of Bethalto will be enshrined into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame this year.

The 41st ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, April 27, at Illinois State University in Normal. The IBCA headquarters are in Danville.

Collins, formerly, of Jerseyville, has officiated high school basketball games for more than three decades. He also worked the recent IHSA Class 8A football finals in Champaign.

Congratulations, Dave!

Board Adopts Social Media Guidelines

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:48:15 GMT

NASO’s Board of Directors has developed a social media policy for sports officials, which was approved by board members Dec. 4. The board feels that at a time in which tweets and texts have replaced conversations and phone calls amongst sports officials, it is important that officiating organizations and associations urge its officials to follow guidelines to avoid posting ill-advised comments through social media outlets.

The board feels that sports officials should refrain from public postings of their opinions about everything from how a coach handles his or her offense to what they think of the crew that worked a game in the state finals. Comments about a specific play or mechanics are best if made between officials and not through Facebook or Twitter, says the NASO board.

Go to "Resources" on the NASO.org menu bar and click on "Social Media Guidelines" for more.

Crone Wins Spirit of Gainesville Award

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:45:54 GMT

Longtime official and NASO member Ray Crone won one of five "Spirit of Gainesville" awards at a ceremony at the end of November.

The awards are given in five categories by the Gainesville Sun, the newspaper that serves the community. Crone was honored in the Sportsmanship category.

For a complete story on the awards: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20121128/ARTICLES/121129574/-1/news?Title=5-win-Spirit-of-Gainesville-awards&tc=ar

Triplette Featured at REI Dinner

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:56:10 GMT

Jeff Triplette, NASO Board member and NFL referee, served as the keynote speaker for Referee Enterprises Inc.’s (REI) company dinner on Wednesday night in Racine, Wis. Triplette gave a motivational message that stressed the importance of passion, communication, resiliency, respect, focus and fun to apply not only as a sports official but employee within an organization.

More than 70 people attended the dinner, which also included a state of the industry address by Barry Mano, NASO president and publisher of Referee magazine. Mano explained how REI fits in within the industry. Bill Topp, vice president of publishing and management services, and Jim Arehart, marketing director, provided departmental summaries while REI employees Cory Ludwin, director of administration and sales support, and Rob VanKammen, graphic designer, were each honored for 10 years of service.

Soccer Unit Joins as Group

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:38:34 GMT

More than 60 members of the South Bay “G” unit of the Southern California Soccer Officials Association (SCSOA) became the latest NASO group member. By taking advantage of the group membership, the SCSOA South Bay unit receives a break in the cost of an annual membership in addition to liability insurance protection, educational materials and special discounts offered by NASO.

The SCSOA, a non-profit association, recruits, trains, certifies and provides referees for California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS) San Diego Section (CIF-SDS) and/or Los Angeles City (LA) Section sanctioned High School soccer games in Southern California. It is recognized by and functions under the authority of, the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-33) to train, certify, and assign soccer officials for all CIF sanctioned High School competition within the Southern, San Diego and LA City Section areas, according to the association’s constitution and bylaws.

NASO Member Honored by MLS

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:40:07 GMT

Major League Soccer announced its top officiating honors yesterday, and NASO member Ian Anderson was one of the officials recognized. Anderson, Santa Barbara, Calif., was named the 2012 MLS Assistant Referee of the Year. In addition to regular-season games, he worked this year’s MLS All-Star Game. Besides his onfield officiating, Anderson serves as an assigner for the Ventura Chapter of the Southern California Soccer Referees Association.

Silviu Petrescu was selected as the MLS Referee of the Year, the first such honor for a Canadian official in league history. Petrescu, Kitchener, Ontario, is assigned to referee the MLS Cup on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Click HERE to view the MLS awards announcement.

Know a ‘Gold Whistle’ Candidate?

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:49:58 GMT

Gold Whistle Award recipients have many things in common. One is that someone nominated them.

NASO members who wish to nominate an official or group for the 2013 Gold Whistle Award should submit the name of the individual or organization, along with a brief biography, to the Gold Whistle Award Committee, c/o NASO, 2017 Lathrop Ave., Racine, Wis., 53405. You can also nominate an official by emailing editor@naso.org.

The NASO Gold Whistle Award was created by the NASO board of directors to honor an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond in overall integrity and has made significant contributions to the betterment of officiating. The Gold Whistle Award is among the most coveted awards in the world of sports officiating. To be selected as the award recipient by the NASO board of directors, consideration is given for:

• Significant contributions to the betterment of officiating.

• A high degree of integrity and ethics.

• Qualities that are held in high regard by the industry.

• Consistent record of presenting officiating in a positive light.

• Exhibiting a “service above self” attitude. Public service to officiating, having a motivating effect on others and/or strong community involvement are considered.

The award can be made posthumously.

College Officials Renew as Group

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:34:48 GMT

More than 70 members of the College Basketball Officials Association (CBOA) have renewed their memberships to NASO. The group of men’s basketball officials work in conferences throughout the Midwest, including the Big 12, Conference USA, Ohio Valley, Sun Belt and the Missouri Valley.

By renewing as a group, the CBOA receives a break in the cost of an annual membership in addition to the many benefits that NASO has to offer.

The CBOA, which consists of about 200 members and is based in Princeton, La., initially took advantage of the group membership rate about a year ago.

With that rate members receive such benefits as NASO’s unparalleled liability insurance coverage, Referee magazine, educational materials, discounts with major officiating suppliers and advocacy on behalf of sports officials.

SIAC Officials Join NASO

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:18:48 GMT

Basketball officials who work games in the 13-school Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) have taken advantage of NASO’s group membership offer. That includes a discount rate, supplemental liability insurance and many benefits for nearly 50 SIAC referees.

The SIAC, founded in 1913, consists of NCAA Division II colleges in five southeast states (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee). Schools in the conference include: Albany State University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Paine College, Stillman College and Tuskegee University. The SIAC also has a provisional member, Claflin University.

MHSAA Publication Highlights Summit

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:18:25 GMT

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is the host state association for the next NASO Sports Officiating Summit — “Game Assignments: Right People, Right Place, Right Time – The Right Way.” The Summit will be held in Grand Rapid on July 28-30, 2013. The Fall 2012 MHSAA Benchmarks publication recaps information about the 2012 Summit and looks ahead to next year’s event. In addition, the publication contains a variety of other articles related to officiating in Michigan. To access the latest MHSAA Benchmarks publication, click HERE.

Members Recall Veteran’s Day Carrier Classic

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:10:35 GMT

NASO members James Breeding, Louisville, Ky., and Tony Greene, Atlanta, along with fellow official Mike Reed, Mount Shasta, Calif., spent their last Veteran’s Day on the USS Carl Vinson for the Carrier Classic basketball match-up. All three officials have military backgrounds. Read more about their experience in this Referee magazine article.

Port of Calls

It wasn’t just any game for the officials who worked the North Carolina-Michigan State men’s college basketball match-up on the USS Carl Vinson. It was a celebration of freedom and of the men and women who serve our country in the military. Go inside the Carrier Classic played on Veteran’s Day 2011.

By George Hammond

Having done hundreds of college basketball games in their officiating careers, a pregame walk-through usually is no big deal for NCAA Division I men’s basketball officials James Breeding, Tony Greene and Mike Reed. They just like to get the lay of the land before a contest begins — check where the scorer’s table is situated, where the clocks are positioned, etc.

But this time, it was different. Really different.

They were about to be part of history, being involved in a contest so unique that the match-up between perennial powers North Carolina and Michigan State was probably the least-talked about aspect of the entire evening.

The three highly regarded officials — all with military backgrounds — had been chosen to do a game in which the court was positioned on the deck of a 1,092-foot-long aircraft carrier, played outside in late afternoon with mostly military personnel among the 7,000 in attendance. Oh, and the President of the United States was going to be there and speak to all those present.

Other than that, it was just a typical college basketball game.

In retrospect, the contest was a footnote to an experience that no one, particularly the three officials, will soon forget. The record book will show the Tar Heels earned a 67-55 victory in the inaugural Carrier Classic, but the game isn’t what will be remembered.

For what took place on 11/11/11 on the USS Carl Vinson off the coast of San Diego was a celebration of American patriotism and spirit, and the three officials were smack dab in the middle of it.

Yes, they played a basketball game on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, the same ship that had months earlier dumped the body of Osama bin Laden into the sea off its deck. There was a flyover of jets and a lowering of the flag, a daily ritual at military installations, during the first half that gave everyone goose bumps.

“To be surrounded by soldiers and sailors as they lowed the flag and to be standing on that ship that is such an amazing symbol of what America is all about was truly unbelievable,” said Breeding, a former Air Force staff sergeant. “I have to admit, I got the chills.”

Greene agreed.

“The whole experience was surreal,” said Greene, who served in the Air Force for eight years. “I must admit, I thought of my parents (both deceased) when they had the flyover. I thought, ‘Here’s your baby boy.’ It was a good moment, and I felt like a true American.”

The officials got wind of the contest in the spring when John Adams, NCAA national coordinator of men’s basketball officials, sent out an email asking for those people who had military backgrounds to reply. They didn’t know President Barack Obama would be there until later.

“They told us the president is going to come on to the ship and we’d like you to be on the court ready to go when he comes on. So we basically went out onto the court earlier than normal and kind of waited for him,” explained Reed, a retired serviceman who served 23 years as a US Army recruiter for the National Guard. “It was kind of funny because when he came on the floor, immediately he came to us.

“He just kind of said, ‘Hi, guys, how are you doing? Can we stand next to you?’ The president is asking if he can stand next to us,” Reed said. “It’s like, are you serious? You can stand anywhere you want.”

Did the president offer advice to the officials?

“Yeah,” Greene added. “He said, ‘Let ’em play. I don’t want any ticky-tack fouls called.’”

Obviously, security was tight.

“Security was paramount,” Breeding said. “Anything of this nature is going to have a lot of security to begin with, and then you add the president, it becomes more of a target. But I’ve never felt safer in my life. At the same time, we were smart enough to know not to ask a lot of questions.”

The president might have been the headliner, but there was still a game to play. To go along with the occasion, each team wore uniforms with a camouflage design. And instead of their names on their jerseys, the word “U.S.A.” was embroidered on the back.

Tip-off time was at 4:15 p.m. (PST) so the first half was played in natural light before the stadium-positioned lights were needed in the second half.

“Other than playing outside, it was no different,” Breeding said. “In fact, we had more space than we do at a lot of gyms.”

Before the contest, players, coaches and officials expressed concern with the windy conditions, fearing it would play havoc with shooting. But that wasn’t the case. Had the weather been a major problem, however, contingency plans were in place to move the contest to a hangar below.

“If you got outside of the arena they built, the wind was blowing hard on the deck,” Reed explained. “But in the confines of the stadium, it wasn’t.”

The only concern — and it wasn’t really a problem — was the damp court. Occasionally, a player would slip on the surface that became wet because of moisture in the air.

“We had one young man fall down at halfcourt,” Reed said. “I don’t know whether that was because of the wetness on the floor or the sticker they had in the middle of the floor, but that was the only issue that we had during the game. Everything else, everybody just played basketball.”

All three officials said the crowd had a different feel than a normal arena.

“It was like doing a football game,” Greene said. “The noise wasn’t as compressed as it is in some arenas. But the game went very well. During the pregame talk with the captains, I told them that the Navy SEALs would throw them overboard if there were any technical fouls. Their eyes got real big before they realized I was joking.”

“It was a different type of loud,” Reed added. “Usually, when you’re working in an arena, every time you blow your whistle somebody’s got something to say. Not in this game. Usually you feel as a referee sometimes you don’t have a lot of friends. But I felt that every soldier and sailor in that arena was my friend.”

So the three will have stories to tell for a lifetime. And you can bet they won’t get tired of telling them, either.

“I’ve never worked in the Olympics, but this has to be the closest feeling because that night I really felt as if I was refereeing for my country,” Reed said. “It was truly an awesome experience.”

George Hammond is a veteran football official from York, Pa. He works as a copy editor for the Harrisburg (Pa.) Patriot-News.

Copyright© Referee Enterprises, Inc. This article is copyrighted by Referee Enterprises, Inc. (REI), and may not be republished in whole or in part online, in print or in any capacity without expressed written permission from REI. It is available online via REI’s archive and/or its MyReferee web portal as an educational tool for individuals. Visit us at www.referee.com.

Florida Man Charged With Battery on a Sport Official

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:44:08 GMT

Bret Alexander Couvell, 21, of Coral Springs, Fla., was arrested for striking an umpire during an adult baseball game on Sunday. Couvell allegedly threw his catcher mask at umpire Luis Alvarado, 39, after being ejected by the umpire.

Coral Springs Police arrested Couvell and charged him with felony battery on a sports official. Florida passed officials assault and battery legislation in 2004. It is one of 21 states that have specific assault laws to address those who attack sports officials.

NASO tracks the states that specifically address violence against officials. To learn more about the states that have laws on assaults and battery of officials, click HERE. Select a state to read its specific legislation.

Taking Care of Business - 2012 Summit Book Available

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:51:35 GMT

Helping You Take Care of Business is Our Business

Sports officials are required to exercise clear and appropriate control. They are the ones who “take care of business” during each game worked. Yet, what about when you’re the supervisor of officials or an officiating administrator? What does it mean for you to “take care of business?”

For a number of years a more business-like approach to officiating — both in practice and administration — has helped raise officiating to new and positive levels. Today’s sports environment demands a level of performance, accountability and consistency that makes the old ways of doing things obsolete and even harmful.

Built from the 2012 NASO Summit, Taking Care of Business: Reliability and Results in Officiating will deliver fresh perspective and proven techniques to help you and your officials be more effective. The program specifically addressed what is needed on and off the court to improve officiating programs at every level.

You’ll get informative and interesting break downs of the material and knowledge shared in some of the Summit’s most thought provoking sessions, as well as some of the data to back them up. Real world solutions are what you need and you’ll find them throughout this detailed, yet accessible book.

Taking Care of Business: Reliability and Results in Officiating is available for $13.95 or the NASO member price of $11.16. ORDER ONLINE TODAY or call 800-733-6100. Bulk discounts of up to 45% are available and associations are encouraged to call for the best possible price.

NBA Referees Renew

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:49:10 GMT

All 62 NBA referees recently renewed their group membership with NASO. They join other groups, such as the NFL, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and many other local and national associations that are enjoying educational materials, benefits and services of NASO.

How to Become an NFL Referee? Start Early

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 08:06:57 GMT

The Christian Science Monitor did a story about reaching the highest levels of officiating in light of the recent NFL lockout.

NASO President Barry Mano, who was interviewed for the article, said it takes a lot of years and luck.

For more, http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2012/1029/How-to-become-an-NFL-referee-Start-early

Official Saves a Life, Receives Great Call Award

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:25:51 GMT

Pac-12 field judge Jeff Yock, San Ramon, Calif., is the latest recipient of an NASO Great Call Award.

Yock, a paramedic for the Daly City (Calif.) Fire Department, was working as a volunteer at the U.S. Open golf tournament at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. He received word that a spectator was in need of assistance at the 15th tee. Yock rushed to the scene and found a San Francisco police officer administering CPR to Salahuddin Ghori, 61.

While taking over the CPR duties from the policeman, Yock took charge of the situation and arranged for a golf cart to pick up Ghori and take him to a waiting ambulance.

In addition to the Great Call, Yock received a gift from the PGA of America, sponsors of the U.S. Open. He was honored at the California Emergency Medical Services Award ceremonies and was presented with the Lifesaving Medal.

“A lot of people combined to make it happen,” Yock said of saving Ghori’s life. “It was one of those situations where you get there and just help.”

The Great Call Award is presented by NASO to individuals and organizations that make a “great call” on behalf of NASO or sports officials in general.

NASO Member Ends 60-Year Football Career

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 08:55:26 GMT

After working as a high school football referee for 60 years, Al Hackney is calling it a career – sort of.

However, he's not done officiating. The CBOA member is starting his 55th season of basketball soon.

For the complete story: http://www.ocvarsity.com/sports/football-34136-referee-game.html

Board Seeks Greater Advocacy

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:01:56 GMT

The NASO Board of Directors looked ahead at its fall meeting on Wednesday in Racine, Wis., and discussed how it can best serve the industry in different capacities over the next few years, starting with a greater focus on advocacy.

The board talked about the impact that NASO is having at the state association level with the Summit and its annual state days, and how it can increase its presence and assist state associations that already conduct annual statewide officials clinics.

All 10 members of the board, plus NASO President Barry Mano and special advisers, also discussed an opportunity to develop a speakers bureau concept in which high-profile public speakers reach out into the corporate world representing officiating and NASO.

Willard Honored for Cancer Fight

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 08:54:02 GMT

NBA referee Greg Willard received the Spirit of Hope Award during the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s 15th annual Evening with the Stars. The event took place Oct. 20 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills, Calif.

Willard, 53, has been an NBA referee for 24 years. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2012.

The Spirit of Hope Award recognizes an individual or family who displays tremendous courage and fortitude in coping with pancreatic cancer and inspires others to do the same throughout their journeys with the disease.

“Greg’s professionalism and integrity have made him a role model within the NBA community,” said National Basketball Referees Association General Counsel Lee Seham. “We want him and his family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Like all NBA referees, Willard is an NASO member.

Delaney to Speak at Lacrosse Convention

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:20:04 GMT

Retired NBA referee and 2003 Gold Whistle Award recipient Bob Delaney will be the featured speaker at the 2013 US Lacrosse national convention. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

Delaney received the Gold Whistle in 2003 for his work with several charities, among them one that aids disabled children and adults near his Florida home.

Delaney’s NBA officiating career began in 1987 and spanned more than 1,700 regular-season games, 180 playoff contests and nine NBA Finals. He worked two NBA All-Star Games and the 2011 China Games in Beijing and Guangzhou.

“I am honored to be the officials keynote speaker for the 2013 US Lacrosse national convention,” Delaney said. “While we tend to stay within our sport when discussing officiating, the reality is we have a common ground with so many subjects like leadership, teamwork, communication and mental conditioning.”

Beth Porreca, director of special events for US Lacrosse, said the organization is excited about landing Delaney for its convention. “We believe he will appeal to both coaches and officials with his all-encompassing insights into leadership, teamwork, mental conditioning and stress management. We look forward to learning about and from his experiences on and off the court.”

Before becoming an NBA referee, Delaney worked for the New Jersey State Police. His work as an undercover agent is detailed in his book, Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob. Most recently he authored Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope Into Post-Traumatic Stress.

NASO Board Meets Oct. 24

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 08:57:47 GMT

The NASO Board of Directors is scheduled to conduct its fall meeting Oct. 24 in NASO-based Racine, Wis. All of the board members are expected to attend the meeting as it plans to review a number of items, including NASO website traffic, bylaw amendments, charitable contributions, social media policy and strategic planning.

At its previous meeting in late July at the NASO Summit in Portland, Ore., the board broke down an NASO membership demographics survey that more than 2,000 members completed earlier this year and also took a close look at its own identity.

Drew Smith, American Specialty Insurance senior vice president and chief marketing officer, also gave the board an insurance summary as it talked about the future of NASO’s insurance program. The board also discussed group membership efforts and other recruiting initiatives.

Referee Surpasses 4,000 Facebook Fans

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:32:44 GMT

Referee magazine now has more than 4,000 Facebook fans. Are you among those who “like” Referee’s page? Click here to check out Referee on Facebook. If you become a fan of the page, you’ll get the latest news in officiating, product specials and custom content. You can share your opinions on articles, give feedback on officiating books or post your suggestions for future magazine content.

You can also “like” NASO by clicking here. Then you’ll receive the latest updates on NASO benefits and special events, such as the Sports Officiating Summit. Feel free to post what NASO membership means to you on the NASO wall and share information about your favorite benefit. You can also check out the many associations and businesses that are supporters and sponsors of NASO and its mission.

Officiating Law Applies to Florida Attack

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:21:07 GMT

Dion Robinson, 43, a Florida youth football coach, was arrested on Monday after he was caught on camera hitting referee Andrew Keigans (view video) during a Saturday game between the West Park Saints and Miramar Patriots. Keigans told police the attack happened after he called an unsportsmanlike penalty against the Saints because Robinson made a derogatory comment on the sidelines.

Robinson was charged with battery on a sports official. It was reported that Robinson has previously been convicted on charges of assault with a firearm, aggravated assault and cocaine distribution.

Florida passed officials assault and battery legislation in 2004. It is one of 21 states that have specific assault laws to address those who attack sports officials.

Since 1984, when NASO first submitted model legislation regarding assaults against officials, members and legislators have used such models to construct their own legislative bills. If you are interested in pursuing officiating assault legislation in your state, click HERE to check out some steps you can take.

NASO-Backed CBOA Grows

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:30:52 GMT

The California Basketball Officials Association (CBOA) recently welcomed five new member groups to its organization, including the first-ever out-of-state member. The San Diego County Basketball Officials Association, Golden Gate Officials Bureau, San Joaquin Valley Officials Association and West LA Basketball Unit joined CBOA as did the Wisconsin Basketball Officials Association (WBOA), raising the total member organizations within the CBOA to 28.

All officials in the CBOA, which officiate all basketball levels from youth to semipro, are NASO members. The CBOA’s mission includes upholding, encouraging and promoting high ethical standards amongst institutions, spectators, participants, coaches and officials involved in basketball.

The primary reason for the addition of the new groups is the educational materials, such as online tests and instructional video, that CBOA provides its various member associations with the help of NASO.

The newly formed WBOA, based in southeastern Wisconsin, has become the first CBOA member association outside of the state of California.

“We know we have a good product,” said CBOA President Frank Obregon, a member of the South Orange County Unit. “Each group will run autonomously. We’re simply there to augment and provide the materials that you need to run your unit under the umbrella organization.”

Ed Hochuli Unplugged

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 09:13:52 GMT

A Sports Illustrated writer gets an inside look from the man who is probably the NFL's most famous referee.

All NFL referees are members of NASO through the group membership of the NFL Referee's Association. For more information about group membership, contact NASO at 262-632-5448.

For more on the article about Hochui: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/steve_rushin/10/03/ed-hochuli-1/index.html

Pereira and the Media

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:54:51 GMT

As a panelist at the 2012 NASO Sports Officiating Summit in Portland, Ore., Mike Pereira talked about how the media is changing officiating. He has been a trailblazer of sorts in bringing light to the nuances of the rules of football. Sometimes you will see him on camera, sometimes you can just hear his voice after a controversial call but he has been most active on Twitter this season, where he has 99,500 followers. He “tweets” live during NFL games on Fox.

As a former official and the NFL’s former vice president of officiating, Pereira walks a fine line. Many of the officials Pereira is critiquing are former associates and he is an official at heart.

“I think that the one thing you’ve got to do is realize that you have to do it with respect for the officials,” he said. “The thing I liked about Fox — when they first talked to me, they said, ‘We don’t want you to be controversial. That’s not our goal at all. We’d like you to be educational.’ I said, ‘OK, well, there are going to be times where I have to disagree with what was ruled on the field.’ So I established a set of rules for myself that included verbiage that I would use.”

Pereira said he would never use the phrases “blown call” or “bad call.” Instead he would say a call was, in his view, “incorrect.”

“Although I’ve been tempted once or twice I’ve never used anything worse than ‘incorrect,’” he said. “(The officials) ended up appreciating that.”

Check out his Twitter feed here: https://twitter.com/MikePereira

NSOA Becomes Group Member

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:46:26 GMT

The Northern Sports Officials Association (NSOA) from the Traverse City, Mich., area recently joined NASO as a group member. Many of the NSOA members chose to join NASO and take advantage of the group discount rate, supplemental liability insurance and many benefits.

The NSOA (nsoa.org) has officials who work football, basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball. The association is led by President Barb Beckett, Vice President/Secretary Dave Taberski, Treasurer Tom Cosgrove and six other board members who also serve as trainers for each of the sports.

26 Hours With An NFL Crew

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 16:56:32 GMT

The life of an NFL officiating crew: Fly into a city, work a game, go home. Right? Think again. Go behind the scenes with an NFL crew for an exclusive look at what goes into the countless hours of preparation prior to kickoff at storied Lambeau Field.

By Jeffrey Stern

Three tables in the Lambeau Room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Green Bay, Wis., are arranged to form a “U.” Ted Campbell, a video operator on game days, prepares the projector while crew chief Jerome Boger walks around the tables, dropping handfuls of miniature candy bars at each place. “Entices them to stay,” Boger says with a smile.

It is 3:07 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, and it is a workday for Boger’s NFL officiating crew. In addition to Boger and the other onfield officials — umpire Carl Paganelli, linesman John Schleyer, side judge Joe Larrew, line judge Gary Arthur, field judge Doug Rosenbaum and back judge Tony Steratore — the crew includes Campbell and replay official Mark Burns. Also on hand is Jerry Markbreit, the legendary retired referee who now serves as a trainer to white hats such as Boger. The next day Boger’s crew will officiate the game between the host Packers and visiting Detroit Lions. This day they will look at film and review procedures for the days ahead.

One by one, the crew members arrive, greeting each other warmly before taking a seat. Some look at personal communication devices to check the progress of college games. “Notre Dame’s down seven to USC late in the game but they’re driving,” Burns reports. “Did I hear Purdue knocked off Ohio State?” Rosenbaum asks.

Boger collects receipts for previously incurred expenses. He will turn them in for reimbursement. Some of the officials ask their crewmates if they have tickets to spare for upcoming games the crew will work. Each official gets two free tickets per game. Steratore’s teenaged son, Matthew, made the trip with his father and will take advantage of that perk on Sunday.

Well before the scheduled 3:30 start time, everyone is in his place and ready for the pregame meeting to begin. Everyone, that is, except Schleyer, a Pennsylvania resident whose arrival has been delayed due to flight problems. There aren’t a lot of options when it comes to flying into the smallest city in the NFL. Toss in a freak snowstorm that hit the East Coast and a late arrival is understandable.

A travel schedule is projected onto the screen in the front of the room. Steratore handles arrangements for the crew and he seeks confirmation that the information is correct. One schedule indicates departures from Green Bay after the game. None of the outbound flights is before 5 p.m. No official may schedule a flight less than five hours after the scheduled start time of a game. That discourages rushing a game along in order to catch a flight.

A second slide shows when the officials will leave for next week’s game. It won’t be a normal week for the crew — its next game will be in London as part of the NFL’s effort to build a fan base overseas. In a space of seven days, the crew will work in Lambeau Field, one of America’s most iconic stadia, then Wembley Stadium, one of Europe’s most famous sporting venues.

It is week six of the NFL season. The crew received its first four assignments before the season. Subsequent assignments come in four-week blocks through the league office.

Boger runs down the timetable for the next morning: The devotional service will be at 7:30 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8. The shuttle for the stadium leaves at 9.

Each network has its own method of handling TV timeouts so the crew already knows how many media timeouts will occur and roughly when to expect them. Tomorrow’s game will be on Fox. Steratore is pleased to see that former defensive lineman Tony Siragusa will be a sideline reporter on Sunday.“We were at Kansas City and I was on the endline,” Steratore relates. “And this guy in the stands is just riding me like crazy.” During a break in the action, Steratore sidled up to Siragusa and kiddingly asked the announcer to pinpoint the noisy fan and ask him to pipe down.

Others in the room chuckle as Steratore continues.“‘Goose’ walks up to the stands, right toward the guy, and says, ‘Lay off him. That’s my cousin.’ Shut the guy down right there,” Steratore says.

Another slide indicates the positions of the players whose uniforms will be randomly inspected for silicone or other illegal substances. Paganelli’s duties include performing one check on four players per team before the game and another four at halftime. The crew also must check to see which defensive players have green dots on their helmets. Those markings identify the players whose helmets are equipped with speakers that allow coaches to communicate with them. Only one player with the dot may be on the field at one time.

Because a ceremonial coin will be used for the flip, Boger will have to carry a spare with him in case the game goes to overtime. Both the coin used for the pregame flip and the ball used for the opening kickoff will be given to a ball handler and will be auctioned for charity.

A few minutes past 4 p.m., it’s time to watch film. The league officiating department sent to Boger its regular set of plays from the previous week along with one devoted to plays that were reviewed via instant replay. Additionally, there are two films concentrating on pass interference, illegal contact and other pass-related fouls.

The voice of NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira fills the room as the film begins. The first two clips are light-hearted in nature, one showing an official being hugged by a player for a call that went the player’s way and a second showing an official’s flag landing on a player instead of the ground.

Next up is a punt on which a block in the back is highlighted. Paganelli initiates a discussion on coverage because it isn’t obvious which official is best positioned to see such a foul. “On that play, there’s no way you can turn and clear the line that quickly to see it,” Arthur tells Paganelli, “especially if there are still guys tied up at the line that you have to watch.” After further discussion, the crew agrees the short wings, Arthur or Schleyer, would be responsible for coverage on that type of action.

Other plays on the film result in Boger and his crew expressing either admiration of or empathy for the officials involved. The calls are incredibly close; in some cases, even repeated views in slow motion don’t provide a definitive answer. An example: A receiver gets his hands on a pass, is hit while he is turning to move upfield and loses possession as he goes to the ground. The call can go one of three ways: The runner’s down by contact before he lost possession. He fumbled before he was down. Or he never had possession to begin with. The covering official ruled down by contact, a call Pereira supports.

There are two more fumble plays, one of which blows a long-held mantra out of the water and another bringing a reminder from Pereira. In the first case a runner, untouched by an opponent, hit the ground and coughed up the ball. It is a situation in which, under NFL rules and contrary to popular belief, the ground can cause a fumble. In the second, no official blows his whistle because none can see the ball. A player who committed a personal foul in such a case would not be excused because of that. “There will be 30 plays a game on which we won’t have any whistle at all. Remember that the whistle doesn’t kill the play,” Pereira says,“it’s the ruling that kills the play.”

It is during the latter discussion that Schleyer slips into the room. He looks none the worse for wear despite the travel woes and he nods hellos to those in the room who quietly greet him.

In between films, Boger and Larrew check their communication devices and note the arrival of an e-mail from another official. There is bad news on the personal front for several of their peers. One man’s son has been diagnosed with lymphoma and there have been two deaths among officials’ families. Larrew tells the crew about an especially sad case, in which the deceased was a mother with young children. “I know his crew is donating some money,” he says. “Do we want to take up a collection too?” There is universal agreement.

The second film is narrated by Dean Blandino, the league’s instant replay consultant. Neely Dunn, a retired NFL official and now a regional supervisor, narrates the two films dedicated to pass plays.

During the film, a new vocabulary emerges. It is a combination of initialisms and aphorisms, a sort of verbal shorthand. What seems like the smashing together of random letters — DPI, OPI, ICT — is actually code used by officials on foul reports and in communicating to each other, in order, defensive pass interference, offensive pass interference and illegal contact.

Other terms are heard repeatedly. “No smoke” indicates no action by the players to warrant a flag. “Healthy five” is a measurement the league wants officials to abide in determining if a defender has contacted a receiver beyond the allowed five yards off the line of scrimmage. “Line feed”is the view from a camera positioned parallel with the line of scrimmage.

Boger accesses more film on his laptop, using an Xbox-style controller, to call up plays involving Green Bay and Detroit in previous games.

It is noted that Detroit center Dominic Raiola has a penchant for keeping one hand on the football but jabbing the other forward before the snap. At first blush it appears he may be pointing out blocking assignments, but it looks to the crew like an attempt to draw the defense into the neutral zone. “Dominic and I go back a ways,” Paganelli chimes in. “I’ll talk to him about it.”

The deep officials note that Green Bay’s safeties and cornerbacks provide receivers a substantial cushion at the start of a play. That is a huge departure from the past, when the defenders would line up directly across from the opponents. The answer is that Dom Capers, the Packers’new defensive coordinator, has instituted a new scheme. The officials nod in understanding, remembering that strategy from Capers’ days as a head coach.

It is 6:08 p.m. when the film session ends. Paganelli, the crew’s social chairman, announces that the crew will have dinner at a pizza parlor that is walking distance from the hotel.

There are 13 for dinner, which consists of six large pizzas and three baskets of wings. The group is too large for one table in the small dining area, so four occupy one high-top and the rest settle at a larger table. For the majority, the beverage of choice is water. League rules prohibit consumption of alcohol 48 hours before game time.

Markbreit is at the table with Steratore and his son. With a little prodding, Steratore is able to get Markbreit to talk about one of the most notable games of Markbreit’s illustrious career: A Green Bay-Chicago tilt in 1986 when Markbreit ejected the Packers’ Charles Martin for a vicious assault on Bears quarterback Jim McMahon. Most at the table have heard the story before, but no matter; it’s a great story and Markbreit tells it vividly.

After the last of the pizza is consumed, the crew heads back to the hotel. They are on their own until the next morning.

Game Day

Sunday morning dawns sunny but chilly. It will warm up to the mid-50s before the game is over, but the crew has already decided to wear long-sleeved shirts and black pants during the game. Onfield attire is left to each crew, with the proviso that the black pants cannot be worn with short sleeves. Boger’s crew is not one of those that has been chosen to occasionally wear the garish orange shirts some crews are wearing in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the American Football League. However, the crew will wear pink wristbands and pink-trimmed hats as part of the league’s nod to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Back in the Lambeau Room, Burns sits in the front of the room. On the small table in front of him are some notes and a Bible. Burns not only produces the material for the devotional services he leads, he provides it to every crew in the league. In years past, crews would find a church — usually but not always Catholic, regardless of the faith of crewmembers. But when rental cars stopped being a part of the officials’ benefits, church visits were replaced by the devotionals in the hotel.

The theme of Burns’ service is communication. He relates the four ways God communicates with His believers — through His word, through each other, through circumstance and through direct communication — to how officials communicate with each other. Burns notes how a whisper can be more important than a shout and notes the benefits of non-verbal communication. It is the perfect marriage of scripture and mechanics. Campbell brings the service to a close with a prayer.

The breakfast buffet is bustling, and the officials are the only ones in the place not wearing Packer attire. One fan stops by the table and says cheerfully, “Have a good game today.” Boger smiles and says thanks. Having eaten, the officials return to their rooms and prepare to leave the hotel.

As Boger packs his laptop, he notes that the message light on the room phone is not blinking. If it were, it would likely be notification that his crew would be subject to a random drug test upon arrival at the stadium. The crew has already been tested once and can probably expect another before the season is over.

Three hours before kickoff, it’s a short trip on the bus from the hotel to Lambeau. The officials travel light, each employing one black roller
bag. They wear sport coats; five in the party are wearing ties. Most of the officials have computer cases or briefcases and all have their names and uniform numbers stitched into the luggage.

Upon arrival, the officials disembark and stand their cases in a line on the sidewalk. A policeman with his canine partner walks around the bus, then up and down the row of baggage. With no contraband found, the officials are escorted up a ramp and through a series of doorways to their locker room.

The officials’ room is not overly spacious but it is plenty comfortable. A dozen dressing compartments occupy two walls. On a third wall there is a counter, its top covered with plates of snacks and a warming tray. Above the counter is a television, tuned to ESPN.

Even though kickoff is almost three hours away, there is no time to be idle.

• ARTHUR visits the Fox production trailer to confirm the time. From that point on, whatever time Fox says it is, it is.

• BOGER meets with security personnel, who tell him how they will react if a fan runs onto the field or objects are thrown onto the playing surface.

• PAGANELLI and Rosenbaum check the game balls. Three dozen balls to be used for scrimmage plays are inspected and marked with an ink stamp. In addition, a dozen balls shipped directly from Wilson and emblazed with the letter “K” arrive. Those are used only for kicking plays.

• SCHLEYER meets with the chain crew, whose locker room is across the hall.

• STERATORE talks to the men operating the game and play clocks.

• BURNS goes onto the field to inspect the replay booths and talk to those responsible for them.

• BOGER checks in with the sound technician, who provides the microphone he will use during the game. It is the first time that Boger has stepped onto Lambeau Field. He marvels at the names of the past Packers who have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and those whose numbers have been retired.

• LARREW and Schleyer visit the Detroit locker room and Rosenbaum and Arthur talk to Green Bay coaches. The Packer representative tells the officials who the captains will be, gives them a head’s up that the punter is left-footed and that there is no third quarterback (special rules go into effect if a team uses more than two quarterbacks in a game).

The coach also asks the crew to be vigilant about chop blocks and late hits, something the coaches have seen while scouting Detroit on film. Apparently such advisories do not go away when you reach the highest level of football. Nor do trick plays. Larrew describes a somewhat elaborate fake punt the Lions will employ during the game. The crew is prepared for it. (So were the Packers. The play lost a yard.)

In addition to the fouls he calls, each official tracks different information on his game card. Boger, for instance, jots down the times TV timeouts occur. Paganelli records the numbers of players wearing eligible numbers who will take up ineligible’s positions during kick plays. Other data, such as how long injury timeouts lasted, how many game balls were lost in the stands and other minutiae is tracked and reported to the league.

At 11:47 a.m., the Lions are notified they have two minutes to report to the field for introductions. Three minutes later, Green Bay receives similar notice. The national anthem is played at 11:58. And at 12:02 p.m., Detroit kicker Jason Hanson’s foot meets the ball and the game is under way.

Fouls Galore

The game begins in fits and starts. That’s thanks to the teams, who commit fouls on three of the first four plays. That includes a holding penalty that wipes out a 99-yard touchdown return of the opening kick. Markbreit, observing the action live in the press box and viewing a monitor at his station, nods agreement on all of the calls.

By the time the game is over, the crew will assess 19 penalties for 170 yards. Most are obvious and are beyond dispute, although Boger is questioned by Detroit Coach Jim Schwartz as to why a flag is not thrown when one of his receivers sustains a hard hit from a Green Bay defender. It is the complaint of a frustrated coach whose team is decimated by injuries and is already out of playoff contention. It is silly to expect Boger to do anything about it considering he was 40 or more yards away. But such is the life of the man wearing the white hat.

The Packers win handily, 26-0. The crew returns to the locker room to shower and analyze its performance. The warming tray contains hamburgers and that Wisconsin standby, bratwurst.

After showering, the crew dresses and grabs something to eat. A man enters the locker room and hands each official two DVDs of the game (end zone view and line feed). Most of the officials will watch at least part of the game on the plane ride. Arthur will watch it and, by noon the next day, send an e-mail to crewmates with observations and notes on plays that need attention.

Each official takes out a penalty report form and, in between bites, writes as Schleyer calls out the time of each foul, which officials called it and the nature of the infraction. It is a return to officiating’s Morse code: “One forty-six, umpire, FMM, Detroit” translates to a facemask foul called by Paganelli. There are several FSTs (false starts), a couple DOFs (defense offside) and two UNRs (unnecessary roughness; both are on Green Bay, despite the Packer coach’s observation that the Lions had shown a penchant for such rough stuff).

With the Fox coverage over, the TV is switched to CBS and the game between New England and Tennessee. At first it seems the reception is out of whack. But it quickly becomes apparent it is snowing like crazy in Foxboro.

“I feel sorry for those guys,”Arthur says, surveying the scene.

Steratore’s face breaks out in a huge smile. “That’s my brother’s game!” he exclaims, referring to referee Gene Steratore. “And to think he gave me a hard time about having to go to Green Bay in October.”

The crew finishes its paperwork and heads for the bus. A police cruiser provides an escort to the airport, but another motorist is not impressed. She runs a red light and squeezes her car between the police car and the bus, causing the bus driver to slam on his brakes and swerve to the right. A bag hits the floor but everyone is OK.

The bus arrives at Austin Straubel Airport without further incident. The officials get off the bus and head to their respective gates, heading home with the taste of Wisconsin brats and a job well done in their mouths.

Jeffrey Stern is Referee’s senior editor.

SIDEBAR:

Meet the Crew

Who are the men that makeup Jerome Boger’s crew? Meet the crew along with position, hometown, year entered the league and occupation.

Jerome Boger
Referee
Conyers, Ga.
2004
Commercial insurance underwriter

Carl Paganelli
Umpire
Grand Rapids, Mich.
1999
Federal probation officer

John Schleyer
Linesman
Richboro, Pa.
1990
Medical sales

Gary Arthur
Line Judge
Findlay, Ohio
1997
Commercial printing company president

Doug Rosenbaum
Field Judge
Normal, Ill.
2001
Financial consultant

Joe Larrew
Side Judge
Bridgeton, Mo.
2002
Attorney

Tony Steratore
Back Judge
McMurray, Pa.
2000
Supply company co-owner

Copyright© Referee Enterprises, Inc.
This article is copyrighted by Referee Enterprises, Inc. (REI), and may not be republished in whole or in part online, in print or in any capacity without expressed written permission from REI. It is available online via REI’s archive and/or its MyReferee web portal as an educational tool for individuals. Visit us at www.referee.com.

Clarity Was Key in a Crisis

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:37:10 GMT

During the NFL referee lockout, the National Association of Sports Officials had to walk a fine line in representing its members—both the locked-out officials and those replacing them.

NASO President Barry Mano was interviewed by The Center for Association Leadership, a trade organization that deals with association management.

The full interview appears at this link: http://associationsnow.com/2012/10/for-refs-association-clarity-was-key-in-crisis-management/

CAOA Joins NASO

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:31:16 GMT

The Capital Area Officials Association (CAOA) became the latest NASO group member. The DeWitt, Mich.-based association has officials in football, basketball, baseball, softball and lacrosse.

As a group member, the CAOA, which has existed for 10 years, receives liability insurance, educational materials and services of NASO at a discounted rate.

“We are proud to present this outstanding offer to our membership,” said CAOA President Jeff Spedoske.

Interest in Officiating Football Rises

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:59:46 GMT

Every dark cloud has a silver lining.

Immediately following the Monday Night NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers, the National Association of Sports Officials saw a spike in requests for "Be a Ref" information on NASO.org.

Since Tuesday morning, we've captured 100 new emails of people interested in becoming a football official. By way of comparison, we typically receive 3-8 requests daily for football "Be a Ref" information.

The lockout inspired hundreds of people to try their hand at officiating and many of those people are turning to NASO to learn how. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming an official, click here (http://naso.org/Resources/BecomeanOfficial.aspx) for more information!

NFL Referees Agree on New Contract

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:16:02 GMT

The locked-out NFL referees have agreed to an eight-year contract (pending ratification) and will return to work with games starting Thursday, Sept. 27. All NFL referees are NASO members through a group membership plan.

For complete details on the new agreement, click here: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000066739/article/nfl-nflra-reach-eightyear-agreement?module=HP11_headline_stack

NASO President Speaks On NFL Situation

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:12:55 GMT

NASO President Barry Mano has been interviewed several times over the past week concerning the lockout of NFL officials and the performance of the replacement officials.

Here are several of the interviews:

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/171376541.html

Racine (Wis.) Journal Times: http://www.journaltimes.com/sports/football/jackel-blame-owners-not-officials/article_2dc0861e-075f-11e2-bfe2-0019bb2963f4.html

WISN-TV (with video): http://www.wisn.com/sports/Referee-organization-speaks-out-on-NFL-lockout/-/9373414/16741506/-/stomg4/-/index.html

Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com/sports/football/nfl/la-sp-plaschke-nfl-officials-20120928,0,2261583.column

Additionally, Bill Topp, the vice president of publishing for Referee magazine, was interviewed about the situation.

That article can be found: http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2012-09-25/amarillo-referee-ex-buff-part-nfl-call-controversy

NASO Attends Midwest Officials Summit

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:35:54 GMT

Officiating leaders gathered Sept. 16-18 in Bloomington, Ill., for the Midwest Officials Summit. Bill Topp, vice president of publishing and management services, represented NASO as a guest.

Craig Anderson, assistant executive director of the Illinois High School Association, served as host. Other leaders in attendance included Mark Uyl, Michigan; Emry Dilday and Tim Thompson, Missouri; Sandra Walter, Indiana; Kevin Merkle, Minnesota; Joel Oswald and Roger Barr, Iowa; Jo Auch, South Dakota; and Mark Lentz and Fran Martin, Kansas.

Other guests attending were Theresia Wynns, director of sports and officials education for the NFHS, and Dave Yeast, vice president of officiating education for ArbiterSports.

Among the topics discussed were recruitment, incentives for officials, registration fees, mentor programs, reciprocity, local officials associations, background checks and officiating observer programs.

South Sound Football Officials Join NASO

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:37:49 GMT

The South Sound (Wash.) Football Officials Association (SSFOA) recently became the first group of officials from the state of Washington to join NASO under the group membership program. Of the 62 members in the SSFOA, 32 have currently opted to take advantage of the NASO group discount rate, supplemental liability insurance and many educational benefits.

Officials in the SSFOA work games primarily in three counties near Olympia, Wash. from the Pacific Ocean to eastern Thurston County, including Mason and Grays Harbor counties. In all, the SSFOA serves 39 schools, from high school to middle school.

After researching other insurance providers that offer supplemental insurance, the SSFOA board and its members had an easy decision, according to Terry Simmonds, a longtime football official and SSFOA board member.

“It was clear,” said Simmonds. “The board agreed totally that NASO is the best product that we can buy for the value, for the cost to our members, there was no question.”

Gen. Powell's Welcome Speech Online

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 15:48:22 GMT

Powell Video Online

Retired four-star Gen. Colin Powell was the featured speaker in a very special video welcome as part of the 30th annual NASO Sports Officiating Summit’s grand opening this past summer in Portland, Ore. You can now view the video online here: http://www.naso.org/Resources/VideoLibrary/SummitKickoffVideos.aspx

In the welcome, Powell acknowledges that officiating is a “tough job” with many challenges, especially with ever-scrutinizing technology. But the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993) clearly has great admiration for sports officials.

NASO President Barry Mano said, “We provided with our request a packet of materials, including a written summary of NASO and what it does; some potential talking points and a DVD of the video welcomes used to open recent NASO Summits. Those video welcomes were given by: Roger Goodell, Bob Costas, Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Alito, Jr. and most recently, Bill Marriott, Jr. Gen. Powell told me he read and watched all the materials sent to him. He came to the shooting fully prepared. Ready.”

Chad Clark Reflects on 2012 Summit

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:23:01 GMT

More than 70 organizations pledged their support to make the 2012 Sports Officiating Summit one of the best we’ve ever had. Cliff Keen Athletic was one of those Support Organizations. We asked Chad Clark, Vice President at Cliff Keen, what his company gets out of the Summit and what keeps it coming back year after year as a Summit Support Organization.

"Cliff Keen Athletic is very proud to support the NASO Summit, and we have been pleased with our involvement as a Summit Support Organization," he said. "Nowhere else will you find such a congregation of leaders and innovators in the sports officiating industry. As the leading manufacturer of uniforms and apparel for sports officials nationwide, we work both directly and indirectly with quite a few of the associations represented at the annual NASO Summit. The face time we receive is obviously a big benefit. However, in addition to that, it gives us an opportunity to show officials our products and explain to them the differences between our offering and the others they find out in the market."

"We believe in what NASO has to offer. We are proud to be the exclusive officiating gear sponsor for the NASO-ON program, where we offer officials across the country discounts as a benefit of their NASO-ON membership. But perhaps most importantly, the NASO Summit to us represents a time to rekindle old friendships, visit with long-time acquaintances and enjoy the company of fellow officials. We look forward to being present each and every year at the Summit."

You can find out more about Cliff Keen and their products HERE. For more information on the NASO-ON Program and Cliff Keen discounts, you can visit NASO-ON.org

Joyce Receives Great Call Award

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:59:52 GMT

Veteran MLB umpire Jim Joyce is the latest recipient of an NASO Great Call Award.

On Aug. 20, Joyce was on his way to the umpire’s room at Chase Field in Phoenix when he saw Jane Powers, a ballpark food service employee, collapse. Having learned cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when he was in high school, Joyce administered until help arrived. As a result, Powers survived the ordeal.

“It was more instinct than anything else,” said Joyce.

Powers was transported to a local hospital and underwent successful surgery.

The Great Call Award is given to individuals and organizations that make a “great call” on behalf of NASO or sports officials in general. Previous recipients have organized or supported charitable causes, visited sick children in hospitals and, like Joyce, performed life-saving acts.

McElwee Shares Name, Love of Officiating

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:17:02 GMT

NASO member Bob McElwee chuckles when asked if he is related to retired NFL referee Bob McElwee, who officiated in three Super Bowls.

"I get asked that question a lot. Officiating is such a big fraternity," he said. "I tell people I'm no relation, but it hasn't hurt my career."

McElwee, a football official in the Mid-American and Big Ten conferences, relocated to Aurora, Ohio. last November from South Bend, Ind.

For the complete story that was written about McElwee, http://www.auroraadvocate.com/news/article/5214901

Sun Belt Officials Join, CCFOA Renews

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:20:42 GMT

The Sun Belt Conference Football Officials Association became the latest NASO group member while the Channel Coast Football Officials Association (CCFOA) renewed its group membership with NASO.

A total of 91 members of the CCFOA, a member of the California Football Officials Association, recently renewed with NASO. The CCFOA is based in the Ventura, Calif., area. NASO welcomes 46 members of the Sun Belt Conference Football Officials Association. That conference includes Louisiana-Lafayette, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas State, Florida International North Texas, South Alabama, Western Kentucky, Florida Atlantic and Troy.

With a group membership, the Sun Belt officials and CCFOA benefit from liability insurance, educational materials and services of NASO at a discounted rate. NASO will design a benefit program that fits the needs of an association’s members. Leaders of associations with 25 or more members interested in having their chapter or conference staff join NASO as a group should contact Ken Koester at 262-632-5448, ext. 132.

2012 Summit Photos

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:07:46 GMT

Check out the photos from the 2012 Summit on our NASO Facebook page!

Photos can be found at https://www.facebook.com/NASOreferee/photos

Photographer Barry Poole captured many moments over the course of the three-day Summit program. From the opening to the Gala, you can check out the highlights on Facebook. Don’t forget to save the dates for the 2013 Summit. Join us July 28-30, 2013 in Grand Rapids, Mich.!

Officiating Law Results in Tough Sentence

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 17:25:46 GMT

Frankie Gonzaelz, Tulare, Calif., was sentenced yesterday to roughly five months in jail for pushing an umpire against a fence after being ejected from a softball game. Gonzalez, 41, pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of battery against a sports official. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail and two years’ probation, according to the Fresno Bee.

California is one of 21 states that have specific assault/battery laws to address those who attack sports officials.

Since 1984, when NASO first submitted model legislation regarding assaults against officials, members and legislators have used such models to construct their own legislative bills.

If you are interested in pursuing officiating assault legislation in your state, click HERE to check out some steps you can take.

Kaufman Shares How Hawk Eye Came About

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:26:45 GMT

Rich Kaufman, who is the director of officials for the USTA, an ODA member and an NASO member, was instrumental in creating tennis' Hawk Eye replay system.

He's also the chief umpire for the U.S. Open, which is scheduled to conclude Sept. 9.

In a recent interview, he explained his introduction to umpiring and then discussed his involvement in testing several line-calling technologies, one of which became Hawk Eye.

For the complete interview, http://www.tennis.com/gear/2012/09/nuts-and-bolts-93-rich-kaufman-director-officials/39262/#.UEdZn1R4nXU

Six Football Associations Join NASO

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:03:01 GMT

Six different football associations signed on as NASO group members during the past month. They join other groups at the professional, collegiate and local levels that are enjoying educational materials, benefits and services of NASO.

The newest NASO group members include the Southern Conference Football Officials Association, Southwestern Athletic Conference Football Officials Association, Sun Belt Conference Football Officials Association, Contra Costa Football Officials Association, South Sound (Wash.) Football Officials Association and Mid-American Intercollegiate Football Officials (Division II).

NASO Member Nominated for Community Award

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:50:36 GMT

NASO member Ray Crone was recently nominated for a Spirit of Gainesville award for his work as a youth umpire and coach in his Florida hometown.

Sponsored by The Gainesville Sun, Gainesville Magazine and Gainesville.com, the Spirit of Gainesville Awards will be presented in five categories: Community Service, Arts, Medicine, Entrepreneurship and Sportsmanship.

The awards will be presented at a reception at The Sun atrium on Wednesday, Nov. 28, in a ceremony that will honor not only the five winners but each nominee.

For more on Crone's nomination, which was in the Sportsmanship category, http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120830/TOPIC0407/120839943/-1/news?Title=Coach-Ray-Crone-Spirit-of-Gainesville-nominee-&tc=ar

Kostac Steps Down From WASA

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:54:13 GMT

Dennis Kostac, who served on the NASO board of directors from 1995-98, has retired as Wisconsin ASA’s (WASA) modified divisional Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) and is retiring from umpiring, WASA recently announced. He has been a part of WASA since the early 1990s.

“Dennis’s expertise on the modified side will be missed,” says Chad Mitchell, WASA UIC.

Kostac, Green Bay, Wis., served as WASA UIC from 1982 to 1998. He has umpired numerous ASA modified pitch national championships, including seven at the major level.

Kostac was a speaker at four NASO Summits during his time on the board. He also umpired in seven Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) state tourneys and one Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association (WISAA) event. Has also officiated in WIAA and WISAA state basketball tournaments, plus WIAA state volleyball and American Legion state baseball. He was named NFHS Wisconsin Umpire of the Year in 1986 and 1993.

Delaney to Speak at Banquet

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:04:15 GMT

Retired NBA referee and past NASO Gold Whistle Award recipient Bob Delaney is scheduled to speak at a banquet for Manatee and Miramar high school football teams on Saturday, Sept. 1. The banquet will be held a day before the Florida teams face off Sept. 2 in their opening game of the regular season live on ESPN2. The game’s proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity that Delaney supports.

Delaney received the Gold Whistle in 2003 for his work with several charities, among them one that aids disabled children and adults near his Florida home.

Referee Gets 3,000 Facebook Fans

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:55:03 GMT

Referee magazine now has more than 3,000 likes on its Facebook page. Are you among the many fans of Referee’s page? Click here to check out Referee on Facebook. If you become a fan of the page, you’ll get the latest news in officiating, product specials and custom content. You can share your opinions on articles, give feedback on officiating books or post your suggestions for future magazine content.

MVC to Honor Bain

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:20:34 GMT

Former NASO board member Jim Bain will be one of the honorees on March 8, 2013, during the Missouri Valley Conference’s (MVC) annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony in St. Louis. Bain was a longtime basketball official and coordinator of men’s basketball officials for the conference. He also was on NASO’s board of directors from 1986-89, serving as secretary in ’86 and chair in ’87.

Bain began his officiating career in 1958 and received his first major college assignment with the MVC in 1964. He officiated for more than 25 years and served as MVC coordinator of men’s basketball officials for 18 seasons.

Nicknamed “Boomer,’” Bain worked in 18 NCAA tournaments (1971-1990), including five Final Fours (1971, 1973, 1976, 1978 and 1990).

A retired mortgage banker and an avid golfer, he lives in Mattoon, Ill.

MICP: Here to Help Members

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:27:30 GMT

Paul Koba is a longtime NASO member and the president of the Lehigh Valley Soccer Officials Association for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).

Koba’s association is facing a big problem this season since the PIAA moved the girls soccer season from spring to fall — a potential shortage of officials.

To help deal with any issue, such as recruiting new officials, an NASO member can contact NASO through the Members Information and Consultation Program for advice. NASO can send materials from its vast library that will assist in dealing with the problem.

Members can contact MICP for information an unlimited number of times per year. If NASO staff determines that an outside consultation with a professional is needed, that consultation is provided up to three times per year at no cost to the member.

Additionally, if your association is a member of NASO-ON, the organizations network of NASO, you have access to more than 1,100 member associations and articles on how they have dealt with their issues regarding: administration, assigning, finances, group policies, membership, education and training, evaluation and rating, recruiting, meetings, communication and discipline and rewards.

For more information about MICP, refer to your copy of the Membership Benefit Guidebook, which is also available on this website. For more information about NASO-ON, go to http://www.naso-on.org

OOQ Highlights Officiating

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:01:51 GMT

Comments from NASO President Barry Mano appear in an article in the Summer 2012 edition of Occupational Outlook Quarterly (OOQ). The article highlights different careers in sports, including sports officiating. “You have to love the officiating process more than the sport,” Mano says in the article. “You have to love it when they boo you.”

The article includes information about officiating wages, qualifications and how to get started in officiating. Contact information for NASO is also provided for those interested in getting more details about the industry.

OOQ is published four times a year by the Office of Occupational Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

Stewart Accepts New Job

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:01:00 GMT

Paul Stewart has been named a consultant and advisor for the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Stewart, a former NHL referee and the 2001 Gold Whistle Award recipient, is coordinator of men’s and women’s hockey officials for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference. He will continue to in that role while adding his KHL duties.

The Kontinental Hockey League is an International League, set up in March 2008, to promote the successful development of hockey in Russia and other countries in Europe and Asia. On March 27, 2008, the Hockey Federation of Russia officially handed over all rights to stage the national championship to the KHL.

Golf for Greg

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 14:31:08 GMT

A golf fundraiser to benefit pancreatic cancer research and support NBA referee and NASO member Greg Willard will take place on Aug. 30 at El Dorado Park Golf Course in Long Beach, Calif., beginning at 10 a.m. Willard, an NBA official for 24 years, has been battling pancreatic cancer.

"One of “ours” is in need of our support," said NBA referee Kevin Cutler, who is organizing the event. "Here’s a chance to support our brother in battle."

Entry fee for the "Golf For Greg" outing is $150, which includes greens fees, range balls and a cart. If you cannot make the event, but want support pancreatic research and Willard, please contact NASO at 262-632-5448 for more information on how to proceed.

MAC Officials Renew

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 10:15:35 GMT

Football officials who work in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) recently renewed their group membership with NASO. They join other groups, such as the NBA, NFL and many other local and national associations that are enjoying educational materials, benefits and services of NASO.

The MAC is comprised of 13 universities in two divisions — East and West.

NASO Member Umpiring LLWS

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:28:37 GMT

The 66th annual Little League World Series begins on Aug. 16 in Williamsport, Pa., and NASO will be represented.

Dan Campagnolo, from Los Gatos, Calif., has been selected as one of only 16 umpires to work Little League's most prestigious event, which begins on Friday.

He's doing a blog from the event, so keep up with his experiences at http://dan-llws-2012.blogspot.com

Outgoing Board Members Recognized

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:27:03 GMT

Two outgoing NASO board members were named recipients of Great Call Awards from the association.

Patty Broderick, coordinator of officials for the women’s Basketball Officiating Consortium, and Mike Port, former MLB vice president of umpiring, received the awards in recognition of their service to the board.

Port received his award during the Celebrate Officiating Gala at the NASO Summit. Broderick was unable to attend the Summit and will receive hers by mail.

Before taking the job in the MLB office, Port was a general manager for the Boston Red Sox and California Angels. He’d had no real contact with umpires. He said taking the position as vice president of umpiring “was something that was of great interest to me, a real eye-opener.”

That led to his post in the NASO board. “It’s been my privilege to be associated with NASO and to meet so many fine people,” Port said. “I somehow look forward to continuing involvement in officiating, and appreciate all of the friendships I’ve made very, very much.”

New Hampshire Passes Concussion Bill

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:33:55 GMT

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch signed a bill on Monday designed to protect high school athletes from concussions. Sports officials are among those impacted by the legislation. The measure aligns with NFHS concussion rules already in place. New Hampshire is reported to be the 39nd state to pass such legislation.

The legislation states: “A school employee coach, official, licensed athletic trainer or health care provider who suspects that a student-athlete has sustained a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall remove the student-athlete from play immediately.” The athlete may not return to play unless cleared by a health-care provider.

The law also requires school districts to develop policies for the management of concussion and head injury in student sports and limits a school district’s liability for injuries occurring on school district property.

More Group Renewals

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:30:49 GMT

A handful of officials groups renewed their memberships with NASO in recent weeks. Those groups, which benefit from liability insurance, educational materials and services of NASO at a discounted rate, include Conference USA football officials, USA Cycling, Southern Wisconsin Officials Association and Contra Costa (Calif.) Football Officials Association.

Nearly 200 sports officials from those combined associations are covered by NASO. They join other groups, such as the NBA, NFL and many other local and national associations.

GSC Officials Renew

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:28:17 GMT

A total of 48 football officials who work the Gulf South Conference (GSC) recently renewed their group membership with NASO. Those members receive the group rate, which is less than individual rates, plus the same great liability insurance, Referee magazine subscription, discounts on officiating gear, hotels, car rentals and more.

Schools in the GSC include Delta State, North Alabama, West Alabama, West Georgia and Valdosta State.

NASO is able to provide individual memberships to groups of 25 or more.

2013 Summit Theme Announced

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:41:25 GMT

Game assignments. They are the very essence of what drives a sports official to be at their best. The theme for next year’s Summit, which will be held on July 28-30, 2013, will address all the elements surrounding game assignments. The location will be Grand Rapids, Mich.

“The MHSAA is pleased and grateful to be hosting the 2013 Summit in Grand Rapids, which visitors from across the country will find to be a welcoming and engaging site,” said Michigan High School Athletic Association Executive Director Jack Roberts. “West Michigan, and especially the Lake Michigan coast line, is one of the most pleasant places on earth.”

The full theme for the event is “Game Assignments: Right People, Right Place, Right Time — The Right Way.”

Officiating Celebrated at Gala

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:54:47 GMT

Terry Gregson, NHL director of officiating, received the top honor, the Gold Whistle Award, during the Celebrate Officiating Gala July 31. The annual banquet served as the conclusion of the NASO Sports Officiating Summit in Portland, Ore.

A humble Gregson thanked those who have helped him during his life, in and away from officiating. “The enduring memories are the ones about the people and the roles they have played in your life giving you opportunity and support along the way.”

Among those Gregson thanked were his parents, friends and fellow officials. “The captain of my support team,” Gregson said, “is my wife, Laurie.”

Marriott Corporation, the lodging chain which has been a longtime supporter and business partner of NASO, received the Medallion. Accepting were Stephen Hahn, market sales leader for the Western/Southwestern region; Cabrin Kelly-Hale, catering area sales leader for Arizona and Nevada; and Kathrine Wallender, senior account executive.

Also recognized during the Gala were Howard Mayo, commissioner of the Portland Basketball Officials Association and state rule interpreter, who was honored by the Oregon School Activities Association and the Oregon Athletic Officials Association; and Art McNally, an official, supervisor, trainer and consultant to the NFL for more than 60 years. In addition to receiving a Tiffany crystal, the league announced that the control center in the NFL officiating department will be named for McNally.

NASO Summit Gets Started

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:49:19 GMT

The NASO Summit has kicked off in grand fashion with a keynote address from NFL referee Jeff Triplette that focused on getting the most return out of your officiating investment.

More than 350 attendees from all levels of officiating are in the Pacific Northwest for the two-day Summit, which unofficially started Sunday night with an opening ceremony and concludes Tuesday night with the Celebrate Officiating Gala.

NASO Board Eyes Survey Results, Identity

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 22:47:14 GMT

The NASO Board of Directors met today in Portland, hours before the start of the NASO Sports Officiating Summit, breaking down a recent NASO membership demographics survey, evaluating its insurance program and also taking a close look at its own identity.

"What we did today covered a lot about the business future and the structural future of where NASO is going to go," said board member Don Collins, executive director of the San Francisco section of the California Interscholastic Federation. "We talked about who we are in general."

NASO recently conducted a survey that more than 2,000 members completed. The board examined that data, which provided detailed information on member satisfaction, products/services, membership/benefits, publications, the website and basic demographics.

"We now know what members look like to a greater extent. Very valuable data," Collins said.

Drew Smith, American Specialty Insurance senior vice president and chief marketing officer, gave the board an insurance summary as the board talked about the future of NASO's insurance program. The board also discussed group membership efforts and other recruiting initiatives as it relates to Officiate Oregon Day, which took place on Saturday in Portland, the Summit and other group membership results. The board also discussed NASO's position as it relates to other state associations and national governing bodies during the meeting.

"The state of NASO is strong and it gets stronger with the growth of group memberships," said Collins. "We're at 18,500 members, which is an all-time high for us, so we know we're strong, we know we're growing. The real issue for us is how to continue to grow and knowing what we know about the demographics and who we are, we know what we can do to reach younger people, reach more women and sports that we might expand into."

GAC Football Officials Renew

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 12:43:30 GMT

Football officials that work the NCAA Division II Great American Conference (GAC) recently renewed their group membership with NASO. A total of 74 football officials that work the GAC receive the group rate, which is less than individual rates, and receive the same great liability insurance, discounts on officiating gear, hotels, car rentals and more.

Schools in the GAC include Arkansas Tech, Arkansas-Monticello, East Central, Harding, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Southeastern Oklahoma, Southern Arkansas and Southwestern Oklahoma.

NASO is able to provide individual memberships to groups of 25 or more.

Officiate Oregon Day a Hit

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 19:37:24 GMT

More than 700 sports officials attended Officiate Oregon Day Saturday at the Downtown Marriott in Portland, Ore. The Oregon Athletic Officials Association (OAOA) and Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA), with assistance from NASO, combined to organize the largest gathering of sports officials in the Northwest.

"I think it went great," said Jack Folliard, OAOA executive director. "I always worry with a conference about the technical glitches, maybe the A/V (audio/visual) doesn't work, but everything went just fine. I'm getting good feedback about our speakers as far as people enjoying them, keeping it relevant and fun. I'm very pleased."

Officiate Oregon Day was a first of a kind in Oregon and patterned after similar one-day conferences in recent years in Atlanta, Minneapolis, Cleveland and Tucson, Ariz. Many top professional, collegiate and outstanding Oregon high school officials and officiating leaders gave presentations throughout the day in seven different sports. Four-time Super Bowl referee Jerry Markbreit capped the event with a presentation "Be All That You Can Be!"

"To hear from people who have officiated at a high level outside the state of Oregon has been great," said Kathy Gillette, Portland, Ore., a longtime basketball and volleyball official. "I've enjoyed it."

NASO Staff Off to Portland

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:16:16 GMT

The NASO Summit is upon us! NASO staff members are on their way to Portland, Ore. for the 2012 NASO summit. Officiate Oregon day will take place on Saturday, July 28. The NASO program kicks off with the opening at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 29. Speakers such as Fox analyst Mike Pereira; NFL director of officiating David Coleman; NBA referee Monty McCutchen; NHL director of officials Terry Gregson; and many more will take to the stage for panel sessions over the next couple days. The program will conclude with the "Celebrate Officiating Gala" on Tuesday, July 31, starting at 6:30 where Gregson will receive the Gold Whistle Award. If you were unable to attend this year, it's not too late to start planning for next year in Grand Rapids, Mich.! Next year's Summit will begin on July 28, 2013.

NASO Member Works 40th State Tournament

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:23:44 GMT

NASO member Gary Paulsen is retiring after working his 40th state baseball tournament in Iowa.

For more on the story, check out this link: http://www.radioiowa.com/2012/07/24/umpire-retires-after-40-state-tournaments/

NASO at Illinois Conference

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:32:09 GMT

NASO was honored to participate in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state conference in Peoria, Ill., on July 21 on the invitation of Assistant Executive Director Craig Anderson.

More that 600 Illinois sports officials gathered in Peoria to participate in two days of educational sessions, networking events and award ceremonies.

NASO was on hand giving away promotional materials and speaking with officials about the organization. Nine officials joined NASO at a special IHSA rate and more than 150 officials joined the NASO promotional email database.

Illinois officials Kenneth Rutherford, Omar Rahim and Rogher Bainbridge were all selected to receive a free NASO polo at the event.

Participating in state officiating conferences is a key way NASO gains exposure and furthers its mission.

NASO will consider any invitation to participate, present or assist in an event or conference. If you have an event and wish to involve NASO, please contact Cory Ludwin at 262-632-8855 x124 or by email at cludwin@naso.org.

Art McNally Named Pioneer Award Recipient

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 07:54:43 GMT

Art McNally, recipient of the first Gold Whistle Award in 1998, has been named the recipient of the 2012 Daniel F. Reeves Pioneer Award. The award, sponsored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will be presented during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in Canton, Ohio, on Friday Aug. 3.

Established in 1972 and named after the late Hall of Fame owner Daniel F. Reeves, the Pioneer Award is given periodically to an individual who has made significant innovative contributions to professional football. McNally is just the eighth person to receive the prestigious award.

McNally was selected for the inaugural Gold Whistle in part for his consistency and completely professional approach to officiating administration as well as his long career in public education.

McNally, 87, has dedicated his entire professional life to officiating. He served as an NFL official for nine years (field judge, 1959; referee 1960-67) before he was hired as the NFL’s supervisor of officials in 1968. Upon his appointment he instantly installed the first formal film study program for training and evaluation of football officials in professional sports.

He eventually headed a department of five individuals who coordinated and directed a staff of 112 game officials. He was responsible for the scouting, screening, hiring and grading of the crews that work each NFL game. McNally is credited with bringing technology to NFL officiating and introduced the highest level of training for the officials by using video and techniques that NFL teams used with players.

Known as the “Father of Instant Replay,” McNally introduced the system to the NFL. Through his leadership, instant replay has become an accepted part of the game and has spread to all major sports in America.

He presently works with the NFL game officials on a weekly basis in the capacity of a league observer.

In 2002, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue created the Art McNally Award to annually honor an NFL game official who exhibits exemplary professionalism, leadership and commitment to sportsmanship on and off the field.

NASO Presence at Georgia Day

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:12:29 GMT

NASO, in an ongoing effort to reach out to sports officials throughout the nation, made a visit Saturday to the 2012 Georgia Athletic Officials' Association (GAOA) "Officiate Georgia Day Summit": Image in Officiating: "Doing the Right Thing" at The Gwinnett Center near Atlanta.

Judy Ball, NASO's data analyst/fulfillment manager, was onhand at the Georgia Day Summit to sign up new NASO members as well as renew memberships for current NASO members. Ball also had an opportunity to sell sports officiating books and other printed materials to more than 650 sports officials in attendance during the day-long Summit.

"We're very thankful for the hospitality and invitation to be at the Officiate Georgia Day Summit," said Ball. "The GAOA was absolutely fantastic and very helpful throughout the day."

The GAOA had a number of sessions and speakers for sports officials at the Summit. Georgia High School Association executive director and NASO board member Dr. Ralph Swearngin addressed officials on "How to Get and Stay at the Next Level."

NFHS Elects Officers, Board Members

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:22:34 GMT

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), a longtime educational partner of NASO and Referee and presenting support organization for the NASO Summit, announced its new president, president-elect and board members.

Kevin Charles, executive director of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association and former wrestling official, is the new NFHS president for 2012-13. Charles, the 53rd president of the NFHS, began his one-year term July 12 following the NFHS Summer Meeting in Nashville. Harold Slemmer, executive director of the Arizona Interscholastic Association, was elected by the NFHS Board of Directors to the position of president-elect for the upcoming year.

In addition, three new NFHS Board of Directors members were approved for four-year terms. Marty Hickman, executive director of the Illinois High School Association; Tom Welter, executive director of the Oregon School Activities Association; and Michael Rubin, principal of East Boston (Massachusetts) High School, at large, will begin their terms this year.

NASO Staff at Officiating Conferences

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 09:39:34 GMT

Three NASO staff members will hit the road July 21 to man information booths at a pair of officiating conferences.

Data Analyst/Fulfillment Manager Judy Ball will travel to Gwinnett, Ga., for Officiate Georgia Day. Marketing Director Jim Arehart and Marketing Manager Dan Olson will be in Peoria, Ill., for the annual statewide officiating conference sponsored by the Illinois High School Association.

Attendees at those conferences will be able to stop by the NASO booth to purchase books or other printed materials and become NASO members.

Fetchiet Honored by Hall

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:12:40 GMT

Rich Fetchiet, who is scheduled to begin his first term on the NASO Board of Directors later this month, was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame June 30. That honor came after he received the College Baseball Hall of Fame’s National Collegiate Umpire Award in March. That award, sponsored by Honig’s Whistle Stop, a provider of officiating gear, honors a lifetime of excellence in umpiring.

An umpire for 35 years, Fetchiet has worked three College World Series, the 1991 Pan Am Games in Cuba, the 1993 World Cup Qualifier in Nicaragua, the 1997 Intercontinental Cup in Spain, the 1998 World Championships in Italy, the 1999 Cuban National Team’s game with the Baltimore Orioles, and the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia.

Unable to travel to participate in the induction ceremony that weekend in Lubbock, Texas, Fetchiet said in a video acceptance speech, “Umpiring has been a passion of mine since the age of 15. It has allowed me to remain a part of the game of college baseball and has taken me around the world and across the country for college games.”

Fetchiet, 56, is only the second recipient of the award, following the inaugural selection of Dick Runchey in 2011. Fetchiet, director of Alumni Relations, Development, and Continuing Dental Education for the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, is currently supervisor of the Collegiate Baseball Umpires Alliance and is coordinator of umpires for eight conferences, including the Big Ten and Big 12.

NCAA Commitment Shines Through

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 08:35:39 GMT

For many officials, working college sports is the pinnacle of their officiating careers. Regardless of the Division, officiating college sports requires a level of skill, experience and proficiency only people dedicated to their craft can achieve. NCAA officials have long used their knowledge to help those at lower levels through camps, clinics and mentoring. In a recent article on NCAA.com, D-I basketball official Les Jones commented after working the 2012 tournament: “The season is over, but it starts right over again. We’re right back in the summer trying to tune our skills and try to help young officials and ourselves get better. To me that’s what it’s all about, helping others get to our level and have fun.”

This year the NCAA itself is joining with NASO to put on the Sports Officiating Summit in Portland, Ore., July 29-31.

The NCAA’s commitment to officiating has always been there, but becoming a Summit Support Organization takes that commitment to another level. For years, top NCAA-level officials and coordinators have had close relationships with NASO, even serving on its board. Several members of NASO’s staff are current college officials. The organization joins other governing bodies such as the NFHS, USTA, PAVO, USA Hockey, USLacrosse and US Soccer in putting on the Summit, the nation’s largest and only gathering of leaders and officials from all sports and levels. As NCAA National Coordinator of Basketball Officials John Adams put it in another article from NCAA.com, “We always strive to get all of them right in every game, and we'll keep trying to do that.” The NCAA support of the 2012 Summit shows the seriousness of that commitment.

Learn more about the Summit HERE.

Palermo Honored at All-Star Game

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:45:50 GMT

Former MLB umpire Steve Palermo didn’t go unremembered when the 2012 All-Star Game was played in Kansas City, Mo., near his home of Overland Park, Kan. Palermo was publicly recognized before the annual clash between the American and National leagues.

Palermo, who now serves as a Major League supervisor of umpires, was saluted by the crowd for his bravery, perseverance and continuing contributions to the game.

After working a game in Arlington, Texas, in 1991, Palermo was enjoying a postgame meal when he ran out of the restaurant to assist two waitresses who were being assaulted in the parking lot. Palermo was shot in the back and suffered a bullet wound to his spinal cord, resulting in complete paralysis of his lower extremities.

Doctors performed delicate surgery on the AL umpire and told him he would never walk again. But Palermo beat the odds and is able to walk with a cane.

As a result of his experience, Palermo founded the Steve Palermo Foundation for Spinal Cord Injuries to fund research to discover a cure for paralysis. It also provides hope and support to those with spinal cord injuries and their families.

For his efforts in that area, Palermo received the Gold Whistle Award from NASO in 1993.

OSAA and OAOA to Honor Mayo

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:56:57 GMT

Howard Mayo, an International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) life member and resident of Portland, Ore., will be honored at the NASO Summit Celebrate Officiating Gala on July 31 in Portland.

The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) and the Oregon Athletic Officials Association (OAOA) will recognize Mayo for more than 50 years of service. Mayo has served as commissioner of the Portland Basketball Officials Association, is a past president and regularly assigns officials for more than 115 schools in the greater Portland area.

NASO Member Fulfills 25-Year Promise to Son

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 08:23:26 GMT

Longtime Helena umpire Jim Knight fulfilled a promise he made to his son 25 years ago.

In 1987, Jim, an NASO member, was selected to umpire the state American Legion tournament and didn’t make it to watch his son Brian compete in the Babe Ruth national tournament.

At the time, Jim told Brian that “when he made the majors, I would be there when he made the All-Star Game. Of course, back then I figured he was going to be a player, not an umpire.”

Brian is now an MLB umpire and Jim was one of seven close relatives who went to Kansas City for the 2012 MLB All-Star Game on July 10.

“He reminded me of that promise when he called to say he was chosen.”

SOURCE: Helena (Mont.) Independent Record

NASO Members Respond to Survey

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 16:09:37 GMT

More than 2,000 NASO members have responded to a recent Membership Demographics survey sent by NASO in late June. The survey covered officiating information, member satisfaction, products/services, membership/benefits, publications, the website and basic demographics. The data from the survey will be used to help NASO better serve its members. Select information will also be published in an upcoming issue of It’s Official.

If you are a member of NASO and haven’t had a chance to take the survey, there is still time. Just click on the survey link you received via email. If you have questions about the survey, contact editor@naso.org.

Ex-Board Member Featured

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:23:00 GMT

Former NASO board member Gary Gullett is featured in the July issue of Quintessential Barrington magazine (see http://www.qbarrington.com/pdf/ja12-interview.pdf). The question and answer interview features Gullett’s Photo Safari Network, an organization that connects people, cameras and nature in a meaningful way, with many of his clients being from the greater Chicago area.

Gullett, Byron, Ill., was on the NASO board of directors from 1999-2002, serving as secretary of the board in 2001-02.

SOURCE: QUINTESSENTIAL BARRINGTON

NASO Visits OHSAA Secretaries

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 10:49:02 GMT

Jim Arehart, NASO marketing director, traveled to Columbus, Ohio, on June 26 to address nearly 300 Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) secretaries at their annual meeting about how to best utilize NASO-ON and its benefits. The OHSAA purchases NASO-ON memberships for its local associations each year.

In an ongoing effort to reach out to associations and individuals, Arehart also talked about the values of NASO’s group membership program.

Summit Support Milestone Reached

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:59:22 GMT

The Sports Officiating Summit has reached a milestone of support with 72 confirmed Support Organizations for this year’s event in Portland, Ore., July 29-31.

The Summit has always been the only national gathering for officials in all sports from all levels. However, it has not always been the spotlight event it is today. The Summit began as the National Convention of Sports Officials in 1981, in Chicago. It continued in that format through the 1990s, but near the turn of the century, it was clear a change was in order.

Rebranded The Sports Officiating Summit in 2000, great strides have been made to create the industry event of the year. Those strides would not have been possible without increased funding. Part of the rebranding of the Summit involved finding organizations that share NASO’s commitment to officiating and were willing to contribute to creating and sustaining an annual national forum for the improvement of it.

Initially, partnering with the NFHS and having longtime NASO supporters such as Fox 40 and Honig’s step up allowed the Summit to produce an educational program unequaled at other events. As the years passed, more organizations caught wind of what was happening and realized it was something special. Each year, additional groups supported the Summit and continued their support going forward.

You can learn more about every Summit Support Organization HERE

Find out more about the 2012 Summit Here

Portland Marks Site of 30th Summit

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:37:22 GMT

Officials and officiating leaders have attended Sports Officiating Summits (previously called conventions) for three decades. The 30th Summit will be held this year in Portland, Ore., July 29-31. The NASO Summit is the premier event in officiating. The annual event brings officials, officiating leaders, assigners, state association leaders and more together to talk about officiating and the issues that affect officials.

“The Summit has become the ‘Industry Event of the Year’ for those of us in officiating. It has been hugely gratifying to witness the growth in attendance, sponsorship and impact of the Summit,” said NASO President Barry Mano. “Yes, it started with NASO being the champion of such an event but today there are more than 70 organizations and companies that are Summit champions.”

The first Convention was held in Chicago in June 1981, and NASO has held a national event every year since with the exception of 1996 and 1999.

How many of the 30 Sports Officiating Summits have you attended? What is your favorite Summit experience? Share your Summit story at editor@naso.org. Select responses will be published in an upcoming issue of It’s Official.

NCAA Seeking Regional Advisors

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:03:07 GMT

The NCAA is seeking to fill two open positions for Regional Advisors to National Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officials John W. Adams. Applications are being accepted until July 18.

Among the responsibilities of the regional advisors are monitoring and evaluating officials to ensure proper application of the points of emphasis as defined by the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee. The advisors will also serve as consultants to the national coordinator for selection, assignment and advancement of game officials during the Division I men’s basketball championship.

The full job description and information about how to apply is available HERE.

NASO Insurance Covers You in the Summer

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:56:53 GMT

Most of the high school associations have finished their spring sports seasons and are on hiatus until football kicks off in August or September.

That doesn't mean that games aren't being played. And it also doesn't mean you aren't covered as an NASO member.

Your liability insurance covers you for any game at any level for any sport you work throughout the year. As long as the game is not a "pickup" game, but is part of a regular league schedule, you are covered.

So that 7-on-7 football summer league? You're covered!

That summer basketball league with two courts running side-by-side and whistles on both courts confusing everyone? You're covered!

NASO's coverage doesn't stop when the school year ends.

Make sure your NASO membership remains current!

Cress to Talk Illegal Bats

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:01:56 GMT

Craig Cress, ASA director of membership services and a member of the Officiating Development Alliance, will provide unique insights on how composite bats for fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball are made and how they are altered to improve performance. Bat monitoring by umpires and associations has been an emphasis in recent years throughout various associations.

Cress is scheduled to conduct the bat presentation, which includes a video and examples of altered bats, during the softball interactive clinic session on July 30 between 2-3:15 p.m. at the NASO Summit in Portland, Ore.

Officiate Oregon Day Declared

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:42:16 GMT

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber declares July 28th as Officiate Oregon Day. Read the proclamation here.

Hayes Takes Football Camp on the Road

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:12:39 GMT

Laird Hayes, the NFL official who correctly called the key sideline catch in the 2012 Super Bowl, has helped run a quarterback/receiver camp for many years.

Now, he has taken that camp on the road and recently, the camp was in Georgia.

Hayes is scheduled to talk about the game-changing play from the Super Bowl at this year's NASO Summit.

For more about the play and his camp: http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=249795

Corrente Credits Motrin With Saving His Life

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 09:05:55 GMT

NFL referee Tony Corrente, an NASO member, can thank the two linemen who knocked him down for saving his life.

Corrente, who is scheduled to speak at the 2012 NASO Summit in Portland, is recovering from cancer that was discovered when the painkiller he took created a reaction that sent him to a doctor.

For more on the story, read the full article in the Los Angeles Times here: http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jun/24/sports/la-sp-nfl-notebook-20120624

US Lacrosse Sees Benefits for All

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:33:05 GMT

Every organization that decides to support the Summit does so with their own motivations. Sometimes those motivations are purely self-serving, which is understandable for the investment. Others, however, take a wider view of their role and the role of the Summit in officiating. US Lacrosse is one of those organizations.

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in America, with high school age participants more than doubling since 2001 according to US Lacrosse’s own numbers. Despite that surge in popularity, the organization’s view of the Summit is far more egalitarian. “US Lacrosse supports the NASO Summit because officiating is the key to safety, fairness and fun in all sports,” said US Lacrosse’s Nancy Patrick.

That outlook on the Summit’s importance echoes that of NASO itself. Without quality officiating, sport itself suffers, and there is no place where more good is done for officiating as a whole, than the Summit.

Patrick also said, “The partnership with NASO helps US Lacrosse make connections in the officiating industry and share information and programs which furthers all sports efforts in raising the standards for officiating.”

If you would like to learn more about US Lacrosse officiating programs, visit the US Lacrosse Homepage.

You can find out more about the 2012 NASO Summit in Portland, Ore., July 29-31 HERE.

MICP in Action: Working Alone

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:45:41 GMT

NASO member Ric Perry, from Warren, R.I., recently contacted the Members Information and Consultation Program because he wanted to confirm his insurance applies when he is working alone.

He wanted to be sure his NASO insurance covered him for those games.

“There are a lot of plays, such as the force-play slide rule, which are difficult to cover with only one umpire,” he said. “At times, there’s too much going on for one umpire to see everything.”

Perry found out his NASO insurance does cover him for games scheduled for one umpire and appreciated the quick response from NASO.

As an NASO member, you are entitled to ask questions through MICP throughout your membership term. If, in NASO’s opinion, you need to be referred to an outside professional, such as an attorney, the initial consultation with that professional is at no cost.

For more information on MICP, check out the NASO website.

Summit Draws Tech Companies

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:19:24 GMT

Every day we see technology having a greater role in our daily lives, and technology has always been a part of officiating, but never more so than now. That trend shows with more technology-related Summit support organizations than ever before.

Longtime Summit supporters ArbiterSports are back this year showcasing their wide selection of products and services for associations of all sizes. Their assigning software, payment systems and central hub technology continue to revolutionize the way officials groups work. Returning for another Summit is Vokkero Sports Audio Systems, which is ramping up deployment of their onfield communications systems after successful tests with several D1 college football conferences.

First-time technology supporters Productive Knowledge, Hudl and Vizual Official have also stepped up, showing the value the Summit provides as a showcase for their brands.

Productive Knowledge is a website development firm that helps companies efficiently reach targeted audiences through online marketing communications strategies as well as traditional marketing and public relations.

Hudl, in their own words, are “a young gang of nerds, marketers, designers and former jocks who love sports and tech. Where the two meet is our playground.” Their work has primarily been with coaches, but they are looking to branch out in to officiating by making video, diagrams and training presentations securely available to individuals and groups over the Internet.

Vizual Official has develped the Vizual Edge system, which is a computer based 3-D visual performance assessment and enhancement tool that improves officials’ timing, visual perception, decision-making and overall visual system.

Technology and the Summit have always been a logical fit, ever since “Officiating & Technology” was the Summit’s theme in 2006. The influx of tech companies as support organizations for the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore., is just another sign of that connection.

Learn more about the Summit HERE

NASO Reaches Out

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 10:29:27 GMT

NASO is making a concerted effort to be in front of groups of officials and officiating leaders to promote the benefits of the association.

NASO’s Bill Topp, vice president of publishing and management services, met with about 75 association leaders at the offices of the Missouri State High School Activities Association last Saturday in Columbia, Mo. Topp discussed the benefits of NASO-ON, including resources that are associated with the program, like the articles and educational information available on www.naso.org and www.referee.com/MyReferee. Topp also conducted a presentation on “The 23 Most Powerful Lessons of Officiating” in front of the leaders.

Kennedy to Work Game 4

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:20:18 GMT

NASO Board member Bill Kennedy is scheduled to officiate Game 4 tonight of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder in Miami. It will mark Kennedy’s fourth NBA Finals appearance and first this season.

Kennedy, Phoenix, began serving on NASO’s board of directors in 2009. He is currently vice-chair and will begin as chair after the NASO Summit in late July. His term expires in 2013.

In his 14th NBA season, Kennedy will be working with Scott Foster and Mike Callahan. Ed Malloy is the alternate official.

NASO Surpasses 1,000 Likes

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:33:26 GMT

NASO now has more than 1,000 likes on its Facebook page. Are you among the many fans of NASO’s page? Click here to check out NASO on Facebook. If you become a fan of the page, you’ll receive the latest updates on NASO benefits and special events, such as the Sports Officiating Summit, which will be held this summer in Portland, Ore. Feel free to post what NASO membership means to you on the NASO wall and share information about your favorite benefit. You can also check out the many associations and businesses that are supporters and sponsors of NASO and its mission.

You can also “like” Referee magazine by clicking here. Then you’ll get the latest news in officiating, product specials and custom content. You can share your opinions on articles from the magazine, give feedback on officiating books you have purchased or post your suggestions for future magazine content.

NBA Referees Support Willard

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 08:41:04 GMT

NBA referees officiating the Finals are wearing number 57 on their jerseys to recognize NBA referee Greg Willard who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The gesture of support for Greg and his family was arranged in cooperation with the NBA, whose referees are NASO members.

Dan Crawford, Tony Brothers and Tom Washington worked game two of the Finals Thursday night. Monty McCutchen, Derrick Stafford and Ed Malloy officiated game one.

Willard has been an NBA referee for 24 seasons and has officiated more than 1,500 regular season games, 120 playoff games and has been officiating in the NBA Finals since the 2009-2010 season.

“Greg’s professionalism and integrity have made him a role model within the NBA community,” said National Basketball Referees Association general counsel Lee Seham. “We want him and his family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

McCutchen to Present Video

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:57:54 GMT

NBA referee Monty McCutchen will present a video clip during the session "Break the Play Down" at the 2012 Sports Officiating Summit in Portland, Ore. on July 30 at 3:30 p.m. Getting the play right is job one for any official!

McCutchen along with fellow panelists NHL referee Dennis LaRue, NFL official Laird Hayes and NCAA football referee Sarah Thomas, will break down tape: real plays, real rulings, real analysis. You will feel the pressure, the dynamic of actual game situations being evaluated right in front of your eyes. You will get the “insider” analysis of what actually happened — and the aftermath. Real officiating in real time.

Stewart Talks Officiating

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:19:02 GMT

With the Stanley Cup Finals approaching their conclusion, the Boston Globe contacted former NHL referee Paul Stewart to get his views on how the game has changed since he retired in 2003.

Stewart was the 2001 recipient of the NASO Gold Whistle Award.

According to Stewart, the biggest changes in the game are the speed and the expectation the officials be perfect.

“The whole dynamic has changed. It’s a foreign land for me,” said Stewart. “I used to have the attitude of, ‘I hope I’m right. I’m going to give myself every chance to be right. I’m going to do the best I can to minimize the chances of me being wrong.’’’

“All of a sudden, officials are being questioned as to whether they’re good enough or not.’’

The former referee, who also played pro hockey, said he encourages people to at least give officiating a try before making judgments on the people in stripes. “I give speeches at USA Hockey about how you should referee a scrimmage just to see what it’s like. You keep your head on a pivot. You’re constantly moving.

“Now, you’re skating three, four, nine miles a game. When the game’s over, I can promise you that I’ve walked out of rinks so physically drained. I’d have headaches, I was concentrating so hard.’’

As for the expectation of fans, coaches, players and media, Stewart added, “The whole dynamic of television has made scrutiny much more intense. It takes what would ordinarily have been a close play at the blue line, then micromanages it to an event that changed the game. It’s now a big call.”

NASO Member Talks About Getting New Officials

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 10:56:37 GMT

NASO member Roger Weigel, who officiates four high school sports and serves as president of the California Basketball Officials Association of Redding, is responsible for recruiting new officials in his area of the state.

And officials in California are required to have liability insurance.

The group membership plan that the CBOA has takes care of that need. All CBOA members are covered with NASO's liability insurance package, so any official who joins an affiliated CBOA group is covered by insurance.

That's one less worry or additional expense that a new official faces when taking up the profession.

For more on the story of what Weigel and other officials in the area are doing in terms of recruiting, check out this story from a local newspaper: http://www.redding.com/news/2012/jun/09/life-of-a-sports-official-requires-travel-and/

Leaders to Speak at Luncheon

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:12:19 GMT

Sports officiating has become an industry. The annual Officiating Industry Luncheon is an opportunity for leaders in the industry to present a “state of the union” address about the issues, challenges and accomplishments the industry has experienced during the most recent year. Theresia Wynns, the incoming director of sports and officials education for the NFHS, will be the master of ceremonies for the event, which will be held on July 30 at the 2012 Sport Officiating Summit in Portland, Ore. This year's luncheon will feature NFHS Executive Director Bob Gardner, NASO President Barry Mano and Oregon School Activities Association Executive Director Tom Welter. The OIL is always one of the program highlights at the Summit.

Uyl to Work Super Regional

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 09:19:49 GMT

Mark Uyl, who is on NASO’s Board of Directors, has been assigned to umpire an NCAA Division I Super Regional this Friday through Sunday at UCLA. Uyl is an assistant director for the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

"It is a honor for any official to be selected to work during the postseason," Uyl said via email. "I am excited and humbled by the assignment."

It will be Uyl's second Super Regional assignment. He will be working with Tony Walsh (crew chief), Darrell Arnold and Jim Schaly as the Bruins take on TCU.

‘UMPS Strikes Out Cancer’ Receives Great Call Award

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:29:46 GMT

NASO has given a Great Call Award to the UMPS Strikes Out Cancer Foundation. Illinois High School Association umpires Jeff Siegel and Bob Ciulla created the foundation order to help fellow umpire Dave Pluda and other amateur sports officials diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses. Pluda was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in July 2011 and died April 27. The non-profit organization was set up in November 2011.

The Great Call Award is given to individuals and organizations that make a "great call" on behalf of NASO or sports officials in general. Siegel’s and Ciulla’s effort to raise money for those with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses certainly merit such an award.

Young Speaks to Graduates

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:41:14 GMT

Larry Young got booed when he spoke to the graduates and guests at Oregon (Ill.) High School commencement ceremonies May 27. But that was OK. The retired major league umpire not only is used to being booed; he encouraged the crowd to do so.

The Ogle County News reported that Young, the 2005 recipient of the NASO Gold Whistle Award, told the assemblage, “I’m not used to applause. Please boo me.”

Young told the graduates that it’s important to maintain a good reputation, especially if you live in a small town like Oregon.

“The good part of living in a small town is everyone knows you,” he said. “The bad part is everyone knows your business. That’s why a good reputation is so important.”

When asked if they couldn’t wait to leave Oregon for larger surroundings, several graduates raised their hands. Young said he felt much the same way when he graduated in 1972.

“Then we find out we can’t wait to get back,” he said. “My advice is walk out these doors today and get on with your life. If you choose to leave us, we’ll welcome you back.”

Commitment Culture at C-USA

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:13:40 GMT

Attending the NASO Summit requires a certain level of commitment to the craft of officiating. It is one of the ultimate expressions of your dedication to being the best official or leader of officials you can possibly be.

Conference USA has taken their level of commitment to levels few other national conferences have. Announced just today, C-USA has become the 72nd Summit Support Organization for the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore., July 29-31. They join the Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Missouri Valley, Sun Belt, Western Athletic, Big West, Pac-12 and West Coast conferences as collegiate conference support organizations.

C-USA Coordinator of Football Officials Gerald Austin has been attending the Summit for years and considers it a must-attend event. “Each year there is a new theme, and each year there are new opportunities to learn and advance your knowledge,” said Austin.

The C-USA involvement doesn’t stop with Summit support. In fact, it began with NASO Group Membership. Since July of 2011, every member of the C-USA football staff have been full NASO members. To Austin, the rationale for that relationship is clear. “The officials of C-USA have found that by being 100 percent participants in NASO they have had opportunities for further personal development that would not have been available,” he explained. He feels that any official committed to their skills should be not only a full NASO member but attend the Summit on a yearly basis. His reasoning is simple. “NASO and the Summit enhance the learning curve for any official that desires to improve themselves,” he said.

NASO Group Membership is available to any association or officiating group that seeks to bring on a majority of their members at special rates. Another perk of Group Membership is complimentary NASO-Organizations Network membership providing valuable resources for the leaders, supervisors and administrative personnel.

Find out more about NASO Group Membership or discover the full 2012 Summit educational program

Crawford Will Give Keynote Address

Thu, 31 May 2012 09:31:06 GMT

NBA referee Joey Crawford will be the keynote speaker at the opening for the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore. He has officiated nearly 2,500 NBA games including regular season, playoff games and NBA Finals. He officiated the 1986, 1992 and 2000 NBA All-Star Games as well as the 1993 McDonald’s Championship in Munich, Germany.

The theme ‘Taking Caring of Business: Reliability and Results in Officiating” will be reiterated through Crawford’s own experiences with officiating and the National Association of Sports Officials.

“Joey has long been a staunch supporter of NASO as well as a member. He is one of the most respected professional officials on the planet, in any sport. He is a thoughtful guy, one who fully understands the touch points between officiating and life. Those things make him a slam-dunk opening speaker for the 2012 Summit,” said NASO president Barry Mano.

Shaw Enjoys ‘Furious Ride’

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:14:49 GMT

Steve Shaw, coordinator of football officials for the Southeastern Conference, will complete his term as chair of the NASO Board of Directors in late July when the board meets at the NASO Summit in Portland, Ore. Shaw will continue to serve as a member of the board for another year.

“It has been a fast, fun and furious ride,” Shaw said in his final “From the Chair” article that will appear in the 8/12 issue of NASO’s It’s Official. “Serving on your board and as chairman has been incredibly informative. Being able to see issues that impact our industry from the inside has helped mold me into a better advocate for officials in all sports.”

NBA referee Bill Kennedy was elected to succeed Shaw as chair. Kennedy is currently vice chair of the board. He will be succeeded by NFL referee Jeff Triplette. Don Collins will remain as secretary of the board and Bill Carollo as treasurer.

For Vokkero Company, Networking is the Name of the Game

Wed, 30 May 2012 16:08:56 GMT

Bob D’Ostilio, business development manager for Adeunis NA, needed a way to make connections and open doors for his company’s Vokkero products. “Due to the nature of our system, it is crucial to meet some the most influential people in the business,” he explains. “NASO provided that platform to us.”

A first-time exhibitor last year, D’Ostilio didn’t know what to expect. “We exhibited our Vokkero officiating communication system at last year’s Summit in Atlanta and were thrilled with the quality of high level officiating contacts we were able to make,” he said. “It (exhibiting) allowed us an opportunity to work with the NHL, Big Ten, Southeastern Conference in performing trials with our system.”

This year, Adeunis NA has stepped up to being a Summit Support Organization because, in addition to its successful business connections, the information exchanged at the Summit is vital to anyone looking to understand and engage in the officiating industry. D’Ostillio summarized that additional benefit by saying, “Meeting with state, college and professional representatives helps to keep us up to date on the trends and technology in officiating.”

You will be able to find the Vokkero booth and meet D’Ostilio in person in the Summit Exhibition area in Portland, Ore., July 29-31. To learn more about Vokkero officiating products, visit http://www.vokkero.com/en/solution/10-refereeing. To learn more about the Summit, click HERE.

NASO Member to Work College World Series

Tue, 29 May 2012 10:59:45 GMT

Longtime NASO member Frank Sylvester will be one of the eight umpires working the NCAA Division I College World Series starting June 15.

Sylvester, Philadelphia, has been an NASO member for "easily more than 20 years."

He will be working his third College World Series, but first in the new TD Ameritrade Stadium.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be selected," he said. "You are proud of the work you’ve done to get you there. It’s not the same as the first time. Just to be recognized by your peers and the committee that you are doing a good job is rewarding."

Vizual Official Sets Sights on Summit

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:35:21 GMT

Just like any other, and maybe more so, the officiating industry is hard to break into if you’re a new company. The key to a successful launch is making connections and building awareness. Both of those can be accomplished by sponsoring the Sports Officiating Summit. The Summit boasts the who’s-who of leaders and influencers in the industry and provides a great venue for networking. The Summit also gives its support organizations ample exposure and the opportunity to showcase themselves in the exhibition area.

One company looking to capitalize on all the Summit has to offer is Vizual Official. Vizual Official has developed a program that can help officials enhance their visual abilities and train their visual skills, allowing them to be more successful. Sean Ciemiewicz of Vizual Official recognizes the benefits of the Summit and felt that becoming a Summit Support Organization was a “prudent business decision.” “We are committed to marketing aggressively,” Ciemiewicz said, “and the Summit is the best place to meet decision makers and shape industry awareness for our program.”

You will be able to find Vizual Official in the Summit Exhibition area July 29-31 in Portland. To learn more about the company, visit w ww.vizualofficial.com. You can learn more about the Summit HERE.

Javie Will Lead Workshop

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:02:17 GMT

Being a crew chief is no easy task. It is an acquired skill that requires various traits to achieve. Those same traits are invaluable and can then be carried over into your daily life. How do you become a crew chief in life? Former NBA referee Steve Javie along with fellow NBA referees will break down what it takes to be a crew chief not only in sports but in your daily life. The session will take place over the lunch hour on July 31 at the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore.

Rush Named Pac-12 Coordinator

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:31:05 GMT

Ed Rush, a former NASO Board member, has been named coordinator of men's basketball officiating for the Pac-12 Conference. Rush, who served on the NASO Board of Directors from 1996-99, is currently one of the NBA’s recruiting and development directors for officials.

“I am delighted that we have been able to attract someone of Ed’s experience and expertise to lead our officiating program,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said. “He has been an expert and leader at all levels of basketball officiating, and the training program he developed for us is considered state-of-the-art."

Rush has served as a consultant to the Pac-12 men’s basketball officiating program since 2007 with a focus on the training and development of the officiating staff.

Since 2003, Rush has been responsible for the ongoing recruitment, training and career development of the officiating staff of the NBA, WNBA and NBA-D League. From 1998-2003, he was the Director of Officiating for the NBA and oversaw the development of the WNBA officiating program. Prior to joining the NBA league office, Rush spent 32 seasons on the court, officiating more than 2,000 regular season games, 247 playoff and 32 NBA Finals games from 1966-67 through 1996-97.

“I am honored that the Pac-12 has selected me to lead their men's basketball officiating program,” said Rush, who served as the NASO Board Chair in 1999. “I see the conference as a special basketball environment with a foundation of excellent officials and coaches.”

In 2009, Rush was named by Referee as one of the 50 most influential people in sports officiating history.
Rush’s appointment is effective immediately. He replaces Bill McCabe, who retired after six years as coordinator.

Winter Appointed to Michigan Fitness Council

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:13:07 GMT

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder appointed NFL referee Ron Winter to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, Snyder's office announced.

Winter, who lives in Kalamazoo, is an NASO member, as are all NFL officials.

For complete details on Winter's appointment, go to http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/05/kalamazoo_nfl_referree_appoint.html

Hunt Will Talk Business

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:46:20 GMT

The theme for the 2012 Summit will be tackled in its truest form during the final panel session, “Are We ‘Taking Care of Business’?” That’s the question that leaders in the industry will aim to answer during the afternoon session on July 31 at the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore. During the session, attendees will hear from John Adams, NCAA coordinator of men’s basketball officiating; Jack Folliard, executive director of the Oregon School Athletic Association; Joe Borgia, NBA vice president of referee operations; Ernie Yarbrough, associate director of the Georgia High School Association; and Sandy Hunt, coordinator of women’s soccer officials for the Pac-12 and men’s and women’s for the West Coast Conference. The session will be moderated by Mark Uyl, associate director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

Hunt will bring the perspective of a collegiate coordinator to the panel. “In my work, video is now a required, essential tool in assessing performance, teaching and developing educational tools for all levels of officiating,” she said. “The ability to sit with officials after a game or in a classroom and offer a different, clear perspective of what happened is quite possibly the best tool for improving performances.

“I have seen video used as both a weapon and a tool. Affecting change to improve an official’s performance is my goal with the use of video in teaching. Over time I have found the use of clips to ‘gently’ educate is a skill which not every mentor possesses so it may be a good idea for people considering this method to take enough time to develop this proficiency before adopting this approach. The ability to evaluate every nuance of officiating is at hand. Wise use of that ability now has special importance, for officials and those judging them.”

For more details on “taking care of business” and the NASO Summit, go to www.naso.org/Summit.

Summit Impact Significant on PAVO

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:31:14 GMT

One of the goals of the Sports Officiating Summit since its inception, has been to improve officiating by improving the leaders and organizations that administer officials. The industry has gotten the message. With more than 70 Support Organizations representing nearly every major player from High School to the Professional level, the Summit is truly the industry event of the year.

Support those organizations is crucial, but not all of them send representatives who attend all the sessions. That is not true of the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials. Executive Director of PAVO, Marcia Alterman, explained her views of the Summit by saying "For officials, attending the Summit is something like a pilgrimage. It gathers officials of all sports for an exchange of ideas, creativity and support that is unparalleled. PAVO has been sending representatives to the Summit for a decade."

Sending representatives is not just an outgrowth of their summit support role either, PAVO is convinced of the value its people get from attending. "Our representatives and I virtually always return energized and inspired, ready to use the ‘pearls’ that we garner at the Summit to improve the policies and programs of PAVO. The impact on volleyball officials' training and performance has been significant."

The amount of knowledge and expertise shared at the Sports Officiating Summit makes it the single best investment any official, local association or national governing body for that matter, can make when it comes to professional development of skills and methodology. the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore., from July 29-31 will be no different. Learn more about PAVO at www.PAVO.org and find out the details of this year's Summit program HERE.

Pac-12 Officials Renew

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:26:16 GMT

Football officials from the Pac-12 recently renewed their group membership with NASO. They join other groups, such as the NBA, NFL and many other local and national associations that are enjoying educational materials, benefits and services of NASO.

“The 51 members of the Pac-12 Football Officials Association have renewed our group membership in NASO after a very successful first year,” said Jack Folliard, a longtime referee in the conference and executive director of the Oregon Athletic Officials Association. “We enjoyed the various rules discussions and summaries especially given the major changes in the last two years.

“Many of our members have now become more informed of national trends in officiating and the activities and accomplishments of our colleagues across the country. We support NASO as our representative national organization and hope to continue our relationship for many years to come.”

Salvatore Will Be Roasted

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:17:20 GMT

NBA referee Bennett Salvatore will be the “guest of honor” at a celebrity roast in his hometown of Stamford, Conn., to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Salvatore, like all NBA referees, is an NASO member.

Salvatore, who has officiated more than 2,000 NBA games, including 25 NBA Finals games, will be roasted by friends and colleagues at the American Cancer Society’s second annual “Local Philanthropist Roast” on June 14 at the Italian Center of Stamford.

The roast will benefit the American Cancer Society Regional Center C. Anthony and Jean Whittingham Family Building, supporting cancer patients in lower Fairfield County. Tickets are $150 per person or $2,500 for a table, which includes an ad that is available by calling 203-563-1517 or via email at susan.quaranta@cancer.org.

Officiating Assault Law Applies to Recent Attack

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:58:42 GMT

Darryl Keeton, 55, was arrested after authorities say he punched the umpire who worked a May 8 children’s softball game in Mount Olive, Ala. The victim, whose name hasn’t been released, told deputies Keeton was upset with his calls, and had been complaining and yelling about them. Keeton was there to watch his granddaughter play.

Keeton was charged with third-degree assault of a sports official. “A bloody nose most of the time will get you a misdemeanor, and that’s wrong, but yeah, there’s a law on the books that if you assault an official it’s a Class C felony,” Jefferson County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Randy Christian told Birmingham Fox affiliate WBRC. “That’s a serious crime, and it should be.”

Alabama passed officials assault legislation in 2001. It is one of 21 states that have specific assault laws to address those who attack sports officials.

Since 1984, when NASO first submitted model legislation regarding assaults against officials, members and legislators have used such models to construct their own legislative bills.

If you are interested in pursuing officiating assault legislation in your state, click HERE to check out some steps you can take.

Delaney to be Honored

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:46:28 GMT

Retired NBA referee and past Gold Whistle Award recipient Bob Delaney will receive another honor when he is presented the Outstanding Civilian Service Award. The presentation is scheduled to take place Wednesday, May 23, at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Va.

Delaney is one of five persons receiving the award. It is the third-highest public service honorary award. The Secretary of the Army or a major commander (Major General or above) may grant the award to a private citizen who has demonstrated outstanding service that makes a substantial contribution or is of significance to the Major Army Command concerned.

Any individual is eligible for the award, except for those Army civilian employees who are eligible for Army honorary awards, military personnel, or civilians who work for Army contractors.

Delaney is being recognized for offering American combat troops comfort and counsel about the hazards of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In 2009, Delaney spent 10 days with U.S. troops on the front lines of battle in Iraq. Delaney related his own experiences in which he infiltrated an organized crime family while serving as an undercover agent for the New Jersey State Patrol. That was before he became one of the most respected NBA referees. Delaney left the court after the 2010-11 season.

Delaney received the Gold Whistle in 2003 for his work with several charities, among them one that aids disabled children and adults near his Florida home.

MICP In Action: Liability

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:06:00 GMT

One call. And that’s all it took for Kenny Casselman to resolve a concern that he had over a potential liability issue while working as a softball umpire for South Carolina High School League games. Casselman, Andrews, S.C., contacted NASO’s Member Information and Consultation Program (MICP) regarding a “state adoption” for a rule in softball, which the longtime umpire disagrees with, but needed to know if umpires would be under greater liability if a player was injured during a game and if NASO insurance covers that type of case.

MICP followed up Casselman’s original email with an email confirming that NASO coverage would be in place, although his and other umpires’ liability may be increased in that type of situation. (NASO did not pass judgment on the nature of the state adoption, which is within the purview of state associations. NASO assessed the situation from an insurance perspective.) “I was well pleased with the response I received,” says Casselman, who has been an umpire for NFHS games in South Carolina since 1990. “I received a response within hours saying my question was forwarded to someone that could answer it. That in itself was good to know. That someone really looked into it for me. My question was answered fully in a couple of days.”MICP’s officiating-related information and services are provided at no charge to NASO and NASO-ON members.

Current members of NASO and NASO-ON can make up to three MICP consultation inquiries per year and have unlimited use of the information portion of the program. The information is handled by the NASO staff while the consultation program is handled by both the NASO staff and consultants to whom the staff may direct you.Casselman has been an NASO member since 2005. “I have not used the MICP before and have had questions, but didn’t think about NASO to get an answer,” Casselman said. “I will use the MICP if I have any other questions and will tell others about the program.”

In the meantime, MICP will continue to assist NASO members with officiating-related information that they and their associations need to perform at their best. For information on MICP or if you have an MICP issue for which you need assistance, call NASO at 262-632-5448.

Kennedy to Work Olympic Games

Mon, 14 May 2012 07:31:56 GMT

NASO’s Kennedy Will Officiate in Olympics

NASO board member and NBA referee Bill Kennedy has been selected as one of the officials who will work the basketball tournament at the 2012 London Olympic Games this July.

Kennedy, who lives in Phoenix, is completing his 14th season in the league. He has been involved with the International Basketball Federation as an official for six years and previously worked the world championships in Turkey (2010).

International basketball is played under different rules than NCAA or NBA competition. Kennedy will not be allowed to officiate any games in which the United States is playing.

“Wow! I can’t begin to express the emotions of being selected to represent the United States in the Olympics of 2012,” Kennedy said. “After being a participant in the world championships two years ago, I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“The fact that the Olympic Games are in London is an added bonus to due the fact I have never been there. This opportunity is truly something special that I will cherish.”

Along with being on the board for NASO, Kennedy, like all NBA referees, is a member of NASO.

Pro Leagues All-In for 2012 Summit

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:30:19 GMT

Every year, its sessions and the discussions that they spawn send out waves that can be felt in officiating programs across the country. The decision-makers in the industry recognize the dialogues that take place are vital to keeping America’s officials and officiating programs at every level performing at their highest levels.

To date, the Summit has support commitments from the NFL, Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NHL, Major League Soccer, Ultimate Fighting Championship and Pro Rodeo.

For the professional leagues to all support the Summit means that they see the value in improving officiating as a whole. They recognize that better officiating at every level makes sport itself better and more enjoyable for all fans. Their vehicle to drive that is the Sports Officiating Summit.

Find out more about our sponsors and what they find so significant about the Summit HERE.

Fetchiet, Roberts Elected to Board

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:19:37 GMT

Rich Fetchiet and Claire Roberts were recently elected to Board positions on the NASO Board of Directors, NASO President and Founder Barry Mano announced. The board also approved officers, including Bill Kennedy as chair and Jeff Triplette as vice-chair. Don Collins will remain as secretary of the board and Bill Carollo as treasurer.

Fetchiet is coordinator of the College Baseball Umpires Alliance, which includes seven NCAA Division I baseball conferences. Fetchiet is also officiated Division I football and baseball for more than 30 years.

Roberts is CEO of ArbiterSports, a sports officiating software company based in Sandy, Utah, that was acquired by the NCAA in 2008.

Fetchiet and Roberts will attend their first NASO Board of Directors meeting as guests in late July when the Board meets at the NASO Summit in Portland, Ore.

Mano will continue in his role as president of NASO. Leaving the board following the July meeting will be Patty Broderick, coordinator of officials for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Officiating Consortium, and Mike Port, former MLB vice president of umpiring.

Greenwood Will Talk About the Money

Thu, 10 May 2012 06:35:00 GMT

During "It's About the Money" Bryan Greenwood, president of the Louisiana High School Officials Association, will discuss game fees, expense reimbursement, negotiation tactics, tiered pricing and payment system at the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore. Who is paying what, using what to do and liking the results they are getting. Let's erase the myth that money isn't important in officiating! It is. This session squares up with that reality.

Folliard to Talk Business

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:55:30 GMT

The theme for the 2012 Summit will be tackled in its truest form during the final panel session "Are We Taking Care of Business?" That's the question that leaders in the industry will aim to answer during the afternoon session on July 31 at the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore. During the session, attendees will hear from (see photos, from left) John Adams, NCAA coordinator of men's basketball officiating; Jack Folliard, executive director of the Oregon School Athletic Association; Joe Borgia, NBA vice president of referee operations; Ernie Yarbrough, associate director of the Georgia High School Association; and Sandy Hunt, coordinator of women's soccer officials for the Pac-12 and men's and women's for the West Coast Conference. The session will be moderated by Mark Uyl, associate director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

The session's panelists will work to answer if we truly are "taking care of business"by focusing on provocative topics. Are officials managing the game or manipulating the game based on what they know will be seen upon review? Has video changed the way officials carry out their responsibilities? What's the real goal of weekly training videos?

"At the high school level, video has become a major component in the process of the training and development of officials," Yarbrough said. "Every game CD provides action that can be analyzed and presented for educational purposes."

"Can officials become afflicted with a "play it again" overload?"

"Video is by far the best training tool for officials!" Folliard said. "Not only does it tell us if we got the call correct or not most of the time, but provides the most accurate feedback of our mechanics on the play. With that said, however, we should not over emphasize video for evaluation purposes. It plays a major role but does have its limitations."

For more details on “taking care of business” and the NASO Summit, go to www.naso.org/Summit.

Ortega Receives Honor

Tue, 08 May 2012 03:00:00 GMT

Former NASO Board member Anita Ortega was recently honored by Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) as the 46th Assembly District’s Woman of the Year. The ceremony took place at the California state capitol in Sacramento on March 28 to celebrate Women’s History Month and is sponsored by the California Legislative Women’s Caucus.

Ortega, a captain in the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Hollenbeck Division, served on the NASO board from 2003-06.

“A native Angeleno, she has devoted her career to giving back to her community, serving with the Los Angeles Police Department for over 25 years,” said Perez. “Captain Ortega is an inspirational leader for young women and men alike, and I am so honored to recognize her and salute her many years of tireless service.”

Ortega served as vice-chair of the NASO Board Of Directors in 2005. She is a longtime NCAA Division I women’s basketball official. She played basketball at UCLA and received All-American recognition, represented Puerto Rico in the 1979 Pan American Games and played professionally in the Women’s Basketball League. Ortega is in the UCLA and LAPD Halls of Fame.

SOURCE: THE ARROYO SECO JOURNAL

NBA Referee Crawford Featured in NYT

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:58:07 GMT

The New York Times did a feature on 35-year NBA referee Joey Crawford, an active NASO member and frequent NASO Sports Officiating Summit attendee and presenter. Read how he feels about his career and some of his more celebrated moments.

The link to the story is: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/sports/basketball/joey-crawford-sounds-off-on-35-years-as-an-nba-referee.html

Summit is Centerpiece of NFL Outreach

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:28:35 GMT

Professional football is currently one of the most popular spectator sport in the United States. The officials who work these high profile contests are some of the most well-known members of our industry both among officials and the public in general, even among those who do not consider themselves football fans. Despite that status, few people know what it really means to be an arbiter of one of the nation’s most popular sports.

The NFL Officiating Department has made it a goal to reach out to the industry as a whole and to inform and educate officials and the general public on what NFL officials do and what it takes to be an NFL official. As part of that goal, the NFL Officiating Department, the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) and the NFL Youth Football Fund are once again on board as Summit Support Organizations.

“The NFL Officiating Department is proud to be a support organization of the NASO Summit," said David Coleman, NFL Director of Officiating. "This is the premier annual event for officials in all sports and at all levels in the USA.”

This year the NFL is even more involved than previous years as it prepares to honor longtime NFL Director of Officiating Art McNally during the Celebrate Officiating Gala during the Summit.

“The Summit is important to the outreach efforts of the NFL Officiating Department. It gives us the opportunity to meet, interact with, and hopefully positively influence officials from throughout the country," added Coleman. "This year we look forward to sharing information on the NFL Football Officiating Academy (FOA), providing an inside look at the Officiating Command Center, and honoring Art McNally for his more than 50 years of service to the league.”

You can learn more about the NFL Officiating Department’s outreach efforts at www.nflofficiating.com. Find out about the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore. July 29-31 and register to attend HERE.

The Marriott NASO Connection

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:50:33 GMT

NASO received a phone call last week from Steve Marriott, second oldest son of Bill Marriott, Jr., who works for the Marriott Corporation as vice president working with corporate travelers and event planners.

Marriott called to say thank you on behalf of the Marriott chain of hotels for NASO recognizing the supportive relationship between Marriott, NASO and sports officials in general.

NASO President Barry Mano reminded Marriott of the long-standing connection between the Marriott corporation and NASO: "I told him that this relationship with sports officials stretches back almost 50 years," said Mano. "Steve almost could not believe it! I shared with him how the Marriott Athletic VIP program was extended beyond teams to the officials under the guidance of Sam Huff, legendary member of the NY Giants."

As a benefit of membership every NASO member, each year, is enrolled into the Marriott Athletic VIP program. Members receive substantial discounts at the Marriott family of hotels. To learn more about your Marriott VIP discount card, please click HERE.

Rota Officials Join NASO

Thu, 03 May 2012 07:58:46 GMT

A number of American military personnel at Naval Station Rota located on the coast of Spain near the town of El Puerto de Santa María and the Straits of Gibraltar have recently joined NASO as a group member, receiving a break in the cost of an annual membership.

At least 17 members of the Rota Officials Association (ROA) and another 12 who are currently receiving sports officiating training have committed to NASO, says Jeff Shelton, lead official and trainer of ROA. Officials are covered by NASO for games played on the 6,100-acre military base.

“Our officials are full-time military members or students with busy school schedules, officiating is something they give this community so our kids have a safe and controlled sporting environment,” Shelton said.

Naval Station Rota is the largest American military community in Spain and houses U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel. There are also small U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force contingents on the base.

Rondo Bumps Referee — How are YOU Covered for Assaults?

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:20:28 GMT

You’ve probably heard about Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics attempting to physically intimidate NBA referee Marc Davis during the Apr. 29 game between the Celtics and the Hawks. (If you haven’t, check out a clip of the incident HERE.) Rondo was eventually suspended one game without pay for making contact with a game official. Feel free to debate how appropriate the punishment was, but also think about such incidents in your own games.

If you’re an NASO member like Marc Davis and the entire staff of NBA referees are (and if you’re not, why aren’t you?), you are automatically enrolled in NASO’s Assault Protection Program, which provides coverage for certain expenses and loss of game fees resulting from injuries suffered when an official is the victim of an assault and/or battery by a spectator, fan or participant while the official is performing officiating duties or as a direct result of performing officiating duties at an organized sporting event.

Not only that, but NASO puts you in contact with appropriate legal counsel and provides up to $3,000 reimbursement of attorney fees incurred by the member in bringing a claim against the perpetrator on a 60/40 percent co-pay basis with the member paying 40 percent. Additionally, NASO’s Assault Protection benefit pays up to $100 for each game lost within 21 days after the injury with a maximum total of $500.

That’s Why the Lady Is an Ump

Wed, 02 May 2012 09:08:59 GMT

Longtime NASO member Perry Barber has had a celebrated career as a baseball umpire, including being a part of a four-woman crew to work a New York Mets exhibition game.

Her story was told recently in an article on the website Women's Voices for Change: Redefining Life after 40.

You can read the article at http://womensvoicesforchange.org/thats-why-the-lady-is-an-ump.htm

Missouri Valley Gets Behind Summit

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:19:42 GMT

“These summits keep getting harder and harder to top, but somehow NASO manages to do that year after year” says Patty Viverito, Commissioner of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. She should know. Not only has the MVFC been a multi-year supporter, Patty herself has attended for many years and has spent the last two as an NASO board member.

After so much experience with the event, her opinion of it couldn’t be clearer. When asked, she responded, “The NASO Summit is the most important gathering of stakeholders in the officiating industry and the Missouri Valley Football Conference is proud to support it!” The MVFC is joining over 70 other Summit Support Organizations in backing the 2012 event taking place in Portland, Ore. on July 29-31.

To learn more about the Summit, or to download the full program brochure, Go Here.

‘Engaged Board’ Addresses a Number of Topics

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:58:24 GMT

The NASO Board of Directors gathered for its spring meeting April 12-13 in Indianapolis. During the two-day span, the board discussed a number of topics and reviewed such items as the budget, audit, the revamped NASO.org website, technology and the social media, group membership efforts, the 2012 NASO Summit, sponsorship review and a need for researching data as far as what NASO is and what it does for sports officiating.

“It is a very engaged board,” said Steve Shaw, NASO chairman of the board and coordinator of football officials for the Southeastern Conference. “There is always very lively and opinionated conversation. That’s a great thing because we need to get those things out on the table.”

Shaw said that the state of NASO is “very strong” and moving in the right direction. He added that it is the board’s goal to cater to the “right audience” of sports officials who will benefit the most from what NASO has to offer.

The board will meet next at the NASO Summit in late July in Portland, Ore.

Corrente's Health Improving

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:45:09 GMT

Tony Corrente, an NFL referee and one of the speakers at this year's NASO Summit, has been battling cancer. A recent story on Sports Illustrated's website provides a positive update on Corrente's health.

For a full update on Corrente, read Peter King's update from Sports Illustrated here.

Dalco's Motto Echos Summit

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:50:36 GMT

Vice President of Dalco Athletic Mike Carter does not beat around the bush. When we asked him why he and his company continue to be long-time supporters of the Sports Officiating Summit, he responded this way, “At Dalco, our motto is “If It’s Official, It’s Dalco.” This is the same sentiment I have about the Summit. If it matters in officiating, you’ll learn about it at the Summit. It is THE place to meet and discuss with officials… it’s the best place to find out what is happening in our industry.”

In addition to supporting the Summit, Dalco will be on hand to display their top-of-the-line officiating gear, which you can learn about at www.dalcoathletic.com. To find out more about the Summit, visit the Summit homepage.

SMOA Gets ‘Best of Both Worlds’ With Group Membership

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:01 GMT

April 11, 2012 — The Southeastern Michigan Officials Association (SMOA) has become one of the latest to take advantage of NASO’s group membership program. Many of the SMOA’s more than 200 members have already signed up at a discounted rate to not only receive liability insurance protection but also educational materials and special discounts offered by NASO.

“You’ve got the best of both worlds — education and protection,” says Mario Soresi, president of the SMOA.

Soresi, along with Dave Baumgart, vice president; Dave Muylaert, secretary; Dennis Clark, treasurer; and advisory board members Tom Lieckfelt, Herman Pierce and Joe Denomme lead the SMOA. Many of the members officiate football, basketball, baseball and softball in the Detroit area.

NFL to Honor McNally at NASO Summit

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:57:53 GMT

April 5, 2012 — The NFL will be honoring Art McNally at the Celebrate Officiating Gala, which will be held July 31 at the NASO Summit in Portland, Ore. McNally was an NFL referee from 1959-67. Following his retirement from the field, he was named the league’s director of officiating, a post he held from 1968-1990. McNally, the first NASO Gold Whistle recipient and a former board member, ushered in the NFL’s first instant replay system used as an officiating aid and is responsible for the creation and implementation of numerous rules and mechanics still used today.

During his career in both positions, he earned respect from officials, players, coaches and executives. Carl Johnson, the current vice president of officiating, calls McNally, “one of the finest men the NFL has ever seen.” The annual award given to an NFL official who exhibits exemplary professionalism, leadership and sportsmanship is named the Art McNally Award.

NASO Board Set to Meet in Indianapolis

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:54:26 GMT

April 5, 2012 — The NASO Board of Directors is scheduled to conduct its spring meeting April 11-12 in Indianapolis. The board plans to review a number of items, including the 2011 financial statement, membership summary, 2011 highlights and elections.

At its previous meeting in October, the board discussed NASO outreach for improved presence, support and sales opportunities. It also examined Summit IT improvements, including opportunities and priorities with the redesigned NASO website.

Wisconsin Passes Concussion Bill

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:52:10 GMT

April 4, 2012 — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill on Monday designed to protect high school athletes from concussions. Sports officials are among those impacted by the legislation. The measure aligns with NFHS concussion rules already in place. Wisconsin is reported to be the 32nd state to pass such legislation.

The legislation states: “An athletic coach, or official involved in a youth athletic activity, or health-care provider shall remove a person from the youth athletic activity if the coach, official or health-care provider determines that the person exhibits signs, symptoms or behavior consistent with a concussion or head injury or the coach, official or health-care provider suspects the person has sustained a concussion or head injury.”

An important portion of the law that protects officials and coaches states they are immune from civil liability for any injury resulting from not removing a child from the activity, unless not doing so constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Shaw to talk about the Money

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:49:02 GMT

March 29, 2012 — After an exciting first day at the NASO Summit in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, July 31, starts with a discussion on money. During “It’s About the Money,” Curtis Shaw, coordinator of officials for the Big 12 will discuss game fees, expense reimbursement, negotiation tactics, tiered pricing and payment system. Who is paying what, using what to do it and liking the results they are getting. Shaw, along with his fellow panelists, will help erase the myth that money isn’t important in officiating. It is. This session squares up with that reality.

Powell Featured in Summit Welcome

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:46:44 GMT

March 29, 2012 — Retired four-star Gen. Colin Powell is the featured speaker in a very special video welcome as part of the 30th annual NASO Summit’s grand opening this year in Portland, Ore.

NASO President Barry Mano said, “We are thrilled to have Gen. Powell connect to our members and our industry. We provided with our request a packet of materials, including a written summary of NASO and what it does; some potential talking points and a DVD of the video welcomes used to open recent NASO Summits. Those video welcomes were given by: Roger Goodell, Bob Costas, Supreme Court Justice, Samuel Alito, Jr. and most recently, Bill Marriott, Jr. Gen. Powell told me he read and watched all the materials sent to him. He came to the shooting fully prepared. Ready.”

In the video, which was completed in one take with Mano and Ron Johnson, NBA senior vice president, referee operations, in attendance, Powell offers his perspective on officiating and offers encouragement for sports officials at all levels.

Swearngin, GHSA Move to Make Football Practices Safer

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:43:46 GMT

March 23, 2012 — NASO Board member Ralph Swearngin, who is the executive director of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), was instrumental in a unprecedented change made Monday to make football practices safer. In its monthly meeting in Macon, Ga., the GHSA imposed safety restrictions that will take effect this year.

Under the new rules, each player must participate in five days of practices in only helmets, t-shirts and shorts before going to pads in August. The practices without pads, which may begin no sooner than July 25, are limited to two hours. Practice in pads, which may begin Aug. 1, are limited to three hours.

“We want to make sure that all the kids are out in the sun with moderate levels of practices without the heavy equipment so they get used to outdoors,” said Swearngin. “Research has shown there are times when players are most vulnerable.”

The changes stemmed from a three-year study commissioned by the GHSA and completed by the University of Georgia that revealed Georgia leads the nation in heat-related deaths of football players over the past 15 years. The study found that heat-related deaths among football players tripled nationwide between 1994 and 2009 and that Georgia suffered more deaths at all levels of the sport, not just high school, than any other state.

The restrictions on football practice are the first of their kind in state history.

Three-a-day preseason practices are banned, and two-a-day practices cannot take place on consecutive days or exceed a total of five hours in a single day.

SOURCE: ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

Group Membership ‘Perfect’ for PUA Members

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:30:43 GMT

March 19, 2012 — All 37 members of the Patriot Umpires Association (PUA), based in Raynham, Mass., became the latest to take advantage of NASO’s group membership program. The PUA members mainly work softball but a variety of other sports as well, including the semipro Independent Women’s Football League.

The members felt that the NASO insurance and the special rate was too good to pass up, considering most of the members are multisport officials. The officials work games in various communities around Raynham, which is located south of Boston and northeast of Providence, R.I.

“It just worked,” said Ray Byron, president of the three-year-old PUA. “It’s the perfect insurance for guys and women that work various sports. It really is. One day you might be working a softball game and then the next day a baseball game or soccer match or whatever. It just makes sense. It’s the right way to go.”

Yeast and Powell to Host

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:28:06 GMT

March 16, 2012 — A new role has been created for the 2012 Summit in Portland Ore. Dave Yeast, vice president of officiating education at ArbiterSports, and NASO board member Joan Powell, who is the NCAA national coordinator of volleyball officials, will be hosts during the program at the Summit. During the mornings July 30 - 31, Yeast will introduce the sessions, make announcements and provide general information regarding the Summit. He will come back up front following the sessions to remind attendees when the next session will be. Powell will take over that role during the afternoons on both days.

Honig Says Summit Speaks for Itself

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:19:02 GMT

March 16, 2012 - Dick Honig knows what sports officials all over this country go through. As a long–time sports official himself and as founder of industry staple Honig's Whistle Stop, Honig has had the opportunity to speak with thousands of officials in the past few decades.

Honig's, the organization, is also a long time Summit Support Organization. Honig, the man, says that is because it's vital for officials and officiating organizations to attend the Summit and network with everyone in the industry. "All you have to do is attend a Summit to understand its value," says Honig. "What is provided the attendee is an opportunity to learn new and better ways to officiate and better methods to administer his or her state or local association. The addition of a State Day on Saturday has added to an already excellent Summit."

The proof is in the pudding, so to speak. If you have always wondered if the NASO Summit it right for you, you owe it to yourself to attend this summer in Portland, Ore., on July 19-31. There's no adequate way to fully express what it means to attend except to actually attend. Do it this year, do it for your association and most of all, do it for yourself.

You can learn more about the 2012 Sports Officiating Summit HERE

NISOA Emphasizes Professionalism at Summit

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:33:17 GMT

March 9, 2012 - Most sports officials do not officiate at the professional level, yet we are held to professional standards by competitors, coaches, the public and ourselves. In order to improve the professionalism of sports officials, numerous organizations exist for the advancement of officiating.

One of those is the National Association of Sports Officials, host of the Sports Officiating Summit. Another is the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA). NISOA has been a Summit Support Organization for many years and returns again in 2012 in support of the Summit in Portland, Ore., on July 29-31.

John Van de Vaarst, Director of Operations for NISOA, had this to say about his organization's continued support of the Summit: "Supporting an activity, such as the NASO Summit, that improves the professionalism of sports officiating, especially soccer, helps make interscholastic, intercollegiate, amateur and professional sports more enjoyable for all."

Officiating is made better by the dedication of groups like NISOA and NASO. They hold to the mantra that whatever we do, we are doing it as professionals and we should move up to professional standards in it. The NASO Summit is intended to help the entire officiating industry do just that.

Hall of Fame Honors Rich Fetchiet

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:29:40 GMT

March 8, 2012 — The College Baseball Hall of Fame announced Wednesday this year’s recipient of the National Collegiate Umpire Award -- honoring a lifetime of excellence in umpiring. The award -- sponsored by Honig’s Whistle Stop, a provider of umpire gear -- will be presented as part of the College Baseball Night of Champions on June 30 in Lubbock, Texas.

The recipient of the 2012 award is Rich Fetchiet, a longtime NASO member who has umpired college baseball for 35 years. He has worked three College World Series at two levels of NCAA baseball. His resumé also includes serving as a coordinator for eight NCAA Division I collegiate conferences, service on numerous NCAA committees and assignment to five major international competitions, culminating in the Olympic Games.

“Knowing who some of the other nominees were made the notification of selection overwhelming to me,” Fetchiet said. “I remain beyond humbled. Perhaps what makes this recognition so special is knowing that it comes from my friends and colleagues in college baseball umpiring. I am deeply grateful and appreciative of this award and look forward to the celebration in Lubbock.”

Fetchiet’s selection was the result of a nomination and screening process by past and current NCAA national coordinators of umpires, NCAA regional advisers, umpire conference coordinators and four collegiate head coaches.

“The final ballot included three names, and the entire vote count was separated by a mere three votes,” said Mike Gustafson, executive director of the College Baseball Hall of Fame. “That Rich won such a close vote speaks to his work on and off the baseball diamond.

ODA Meets in Toronto

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:25:45 GMT

March 8, 2012 — The Officiating Development Alliance (ODA), a select group of officiating leaders representing professional leagues and amateur sports organizations, came together in late February in Toronto for its biannual meeting to discuss a variety of officiating issues that impact the industry.

The ODA meetings serve as a forum for an exchange of ideas within the world of officiating at all levels of sport. There were representatives in attendance from NASO, the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials, NBA, NHL, NFL, United States Tennis Association, Canadian Football League, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, U.S. Soccer, US Lacrosse, NFHS and Major League Baseball.

Among the hot topics discussed by the ODA at its latest meeting were: reorganization of various officiating departments, use of social media, officiating evaluations and behavioral studies. While in Toronto, ODA members also received a behind-the-scenes look at the NHL Command Center where replay reviews are conducted.

Summit is Key to Officiating Industry According to IAABO

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:22:00 GMT

March 1, 2012 - There are few organizations in our industry as long-lived or well-respected as the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO). Founded in 1923, IAABO continues to be a leader in basketball officiating nationwide. They have also been longtime supporters of the Sports Officiating Summit and will return again this year as a Summit Support Organization.

NASO and IAABO share a common mission – to improve sports officiating and the lives of officials. Tom Lopes, ExecutiveDirector of IAABO, puts his support of the Summit in these words: “IAABO is proud to be a partner in the NASO Summit. As the leader in our industry, NASO sets the standard for the organizational component that is the model for local associations. The Summit provides the vehicle for the sharing of innovative ideas, best practices, and the trends that impact on our industry at the local, state and national levels.”

Lopes will be a speaker when the 2012 Summit comes to Portland, Ore., July 29-31. Discover more about IAABO by visiting its website at http://www.iaabo.org/ and find out how you can attend the Summit, including Lopes’ session, HERE.

NFL and NHL Go Behind the Scenes

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:10:49 GMT

March 1, 2012 — Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in officiating at the professional level? If sports officiating had a mission control center, it would look like and feel like the ones currently being used by some of the top organizations in the industry. This year, leaders from the NFL and NHL will take attendees behind the scenes for a never-before-seen look at the internal workings of their “Command Centers” at the NASO Summit in Portland, Ore. The lessons for administrators at every level will be unmistakable.

Goldberger to Talk Contracts

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:59:37 GMT

Feb. 29, 2012 — Noted sports law attorney Alan Goldberger will address “The Seven Things You Need to Know About Game Contracts” during the 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore. Have you thought about the contracts you sign and the ones signed by your officials? Who is accountable to who, and for what? What are the pitfalls, the inconsistencies and the provisions that would laughed out of a court of law? In today’s litigious world, contracts need to be done right. Goldberger, doesn’t spare the candor as he uncovers the key elements necessary in any contract, with the effect of minimizing your risk.

“If you’ve never attended an NASO Summit before, get ready for a unique and incomparable experience! At no place and at no other time will you find under one roof so many officiating leaders from so many sports — all eager to share their knowledge and experience with you,” said Goldberger. “It will help you broaden your horizons and become a better official!”

State Associations Committed to Support Summit

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:05:31 GMT

Feb. 28, 2012 – State Associations have long seen the value in supporting the Sports Officiating Summit and sending their best and brightest officials and leaders on a yearly basis. The 2012 Summit in Portland, Ore., is no different. Currently 17 states have pledged their backing including: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

Having experienced the power of the Summit as host of the 2011 Summit, returning supporter Dr. Ralph Swearngin, ExecutiveDirector of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) explained, "The GHSA knows that the quality of our athletic events are influenced by officiating issues. It is in our best interest to support officials and their training opportunities. The NASO Summit is the pinnacle of officiating education in the United States.”

“I know of no other event that brings together the best of officiating in a variety of sports and on a variety of levels to share their knowledge and their experiences with other officials. There are great benefits to officials when they are able to interact informally with other officials. I believe they can discover that they have many more things in common with officials from other sports or other parts of the country than they imagined."

Other state leaders who have hosted past Summits still hold intense feelings about its benefits. Harold Slemmer, Executive Director of the Arizona Interscholastic Association, host of the 2009 Summit said, “Our officials have greatly benefitted through the material and resources produced at NASO Summits. Arizona officials are better due (NASO’s) efforts.”

Summit supporters are not limited to states in which the Summit has or is scheduled to visit either. State leaders from across the nation are increasingly seeing the Summit as a “must attend” event for their staff.

Executive Director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Rick Wulkow understands the value in being a Support Organization. “The Summit is the epitome of all officiating conferences. It is our way to impress on our officiating leaders the importance of this industry and how to market it in our state and local associations. Officiating is an important part of sport and the Summit defines how to do it right and how to take care of business.”

Echoing those sentiments, Illinois High School Association Executive Director Marty Hickman stated that “the Illinois High School Association is pleased to support the 30th NASO Sports Officiating Summit. We recognize the important role NASO plays in developing and educating officials, and we look forward to meeting with officiating leaders from around the country at the 2012 Summit.”

Not only do those organizations, which represent the highest level of authority in their respective states, see the Summit as essential for their officials and leaders, they also see being a Summit Support Organization as a vital way they can further officiating nationwide, to the benefit of all involved with sport at every level.

Learn more about the 2012 Sports Officiating Summit HERE.

Kennedy Works First NBA All-Star Game

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:53:30 GMT

Feb. 27, 2012 — NASO board member Bill Kennedy officiated the NBA All-Star game in Orlando, Fla., Sunday. Kennedy joined referees Scott Wall and Leroy Richardson to work their first NBA All-Star game. The Western Conference All-Stars edged the Eastern Conference, 152-149.

Kennedy, in his 14th season as an NBA official, began serving on NASO’s board of directors in 2009. His term expires in 2013. Kennedy, Phoenix, has worked 42 NBA playoff games and three NBA Finals games.

Superstars to Break Down Video

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:50:39 GMT

Feb. 24, 2012 — In a popular video session at the upcoming NASO Summit, you’ll hear from NHL referee Dennis LaRue, Collegiate Football referee Sarah Thomas and NFL referee Laird Hayes in “Break the Play Down.” They will discuss their thought process behind specific plays and scenarios.

Hayes will reiterate the importance of video review during his video breakdown. "Film review is an essential component of becoming a better official. What we all aspire for as officials is making the right calls and being consistent as a whole staff of officials. We can't just go out and practice our craft of football officiating outside of pre-season scrimmages. Once the regular season is underway we need to watch as much film as we can," said Hayes.

Getting the play right is job one for any official. Each presenter breaks down tape: real plays, real rulings, real analysis. You will feel the pressure, the dynamic of actual game situations being evaluated right in front of your eyes at the Portland, Ore. Marriott. You get “insider” analysis of what actually happened. Real officiating in real time.

PRCA Unites With NASO as a Group Member

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:05:13 GMT

Feb. 23, 2012 — The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) recently joined NASO as a group member. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the PRCA is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world.

PRCA Supervisor of Officials Tommy Keith serves on NASO’s Officiating Development Alliance and has been instrumental in the PRCA’s decision to take advantage of NASO’s group membership plan. Under the plan, PRCA members receive a discount in the cost of an annual membership for the association joining as a group.

PRCA is the recognized leader in professional rodeo and committed to maintaining the highest standards in the industry in every area, from improving working conditions for contestants and monitoring livestock welfare to boosting entertainment value and promoting sponsors.