NASO Speaks Up for Officials

(RACINE, Wis.) — Barry Mano, president of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), will appear on the Jim Rome Show tomorrow to respond to a University of Michigan report that says five out of six NCAA division I officials gamble.

Along with Mano, the reports co-author Derrick L. Gragg and CBS sports analyst Billy Packer are scheduled to appear. The program airs on the FOX Sports Network at 6:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. in each time zone.

Since the release of the report last Wednesday, NASO has expressed concerns that there "appears to be a focus on the negative by citing rumors and untruths. Our greatest concern is the impression the public is getting from various reports that make it appear that officials are gambling on the games they work," says Mano. "That’s simply not true."

"Today’s sports officials are scrutinized more than ever before, so if there are any improprieties, they will show up in game films or by other means," added Mano.

"Referees have no tolerance whatsoever for such unscrupulous behavior," noted Mano. "We understand the concern that the public has and the people who organize sports have in the credibility of their sport. Sports officials and NASO wholly endorse that feeling and support proper efforts to ensure the sanctity of games we officiate."

Mano noted that 93% of the respondents advocated sanctions for any official who gambles on the sport he or she officiates.

"That in itself is a strong statement about how officials feel about gambling activities surrounding the sports they work, he said. "If active referees are using a bookie for any reason — they shouldn’t be officiating, period. But, this report does not provide any proof that officials are

actually influencing the game outcome because of personal gambling habits. If any official knew of such activity, the officials working with that official would report him immediately. There is no great conspiracy."

NASO is an organization of nearly 19,000 sports officials working at all levels and all sports. Founded in 1980, the organization promotes education and training for officials as well as promotes an officials’ code of ethics created in 1982. The organization is headquartered in Racine, Wis.

2017 Lathrop Avenue  Racine,WI 53405
phone (262)632-5448  fax (262)5460
www.naso.org