NASO and NFHS Combine Efforts

(RACINE, Wis.) – The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have agreed to join forces in staging "Sports Officiating 2002" to be held June 21-25 in Albuquerque, N.M., at the Albuquerque Marriott Hotel. This annual national conference of sports officials has been presented by NASO since 1981. The NFHS, through its National Federation Officials Association, represents high school officials throughout the country.

"We are very happy that the NFHS is teaming with NASO for this important officiating conference," said NASO President Barry Mano. "We look forward to their continued support and participation in the future."

"Our organizations share many common goals when it comes to officiating and this is a natural expansion of the relationship between NASO and the NFHS," added NFHS Executive Director Bob Kanaby.

While NASO will continue to handle the majority of program planning and operational responsibilities, this is a "major step forward" according to Mano, "in fulfilling the organization’s mission by including other officiating groups in the conference activities."

The 2002 conference will focus on officiating evaluations and improving individual performance.

"The past two years NASO has hosted national conferences that addressed training concerns as well as recruiting and retaining officials, so focussing on evaluation is a natural progression in addressing the profession’s needs," said Mano. "So much attention is now given to every call an official makes – no matter what level – and improving evaluation methods is critical to self-improvement and advancement."

In addition to the conference meetings, NASO and the NFHS will present their respective top honor officiating awards. NASO will present its coveted Gold Whistle Award the evening of June 23. The NFHS will salute its honorees during a luncheon the following day.

For more information contact NASO Conference Coordinator Hiedi Petersen at 262/632-5448.