ON YOUR MARK 

ON YOUR MARK 

ON YOUR MARK 

ON YOUR MARK 

1. With the 2020 spring track and field season canceled due to coronavirus and resulting school closures, some MTFOA members may have wondered if they qualify for pandemic unemployment assistance. (click link)

2. Best practices, resources, training reorganized on website

The aids on mtfoa.com to keep new and veteran officials well trained have been re-organized and updated to better serve our members.

Files for best practices, resources and training (http://www.mtfoa.com/best-practices-resources-training) have been placed into seven categories to make information easy to find. The links have also been placed higher on the home page sidebar to improve visibility and access.

Updates include links to training videos, thanks to Brian Moody. Brian has also provided self-testing exams and answer sheets on a separate page. James McGloin shares his experience on how best to officiate the combined events in Best Practices.

ON YOUR MARK 

Massachusetts Track & Field Officials Association

Executive Board Telephone Conference

Minutes

April 4, 2020

Officers Present

Steven Keyes, President

Mark Young, Vice President

Donald Kirkland, Secretary-Treasurer

Members Present:

Anne Bernazzani

Kathleen Doherty

Steve Knapp

Peter Meagher

Staff Present

Dennis Berry Recording Secretary

Fred Doyle Equipment Manager

Brian Moody New Member Testing

Note: Due to technical difficulties several members and staff attempted but were unable to connect to the conference, including: Members: Tony DaRocha, Irwin Cohen, Linda George, Deems Hatch, and David Johns; and Staff: Michael Meagher, Jacob Johns and Paul Williams

MTFOA President Steven Keys called the telephone meeting to order at 7:23 PM. He noted those members and staff who are on the phone as well as those who had tried but were unable to connect.

1. The President acknowledged the cancellation of the general meeting in December due to weather difficulties and the general meeting in March due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. He indicated that he would propose a revised meeting for this September as part of his report

2 The President touched on several items as part of his report

(A) He noted one member who may have come down with the virus but from all indications is doing well at this point.

(B) the President discussed at length his conversations with Rick Kates, Executive Director of the MSTCA, regarding the potential for a 2020 spring season. While emphasizing that it was all hypothetical depending on the return to school and the MIAA, there is some possibility of salvaging a spring season. He outlined the hypothetical dates for divisional and state meets as well as regular invitationals and the freshman /sophomore meet. He also noted that Mr.

Kates was appreciative of the officiating in the winter season and wanted to make sure that all officials would be comfortable if in fact a spring season does take place.

(C) He noted follow up from personnel matters at the last meeting that a letter has been sent to one member. In addition, he has spoken directly to the other member who will be following up with the affected coach and will address his matter that way.

(D) In partial response to the cancellation of the December and March clinics he proposed an all-day clinic on Saturday September 19th at the Bolling building In Boston which he has secured for free. He suggested that this will take further discussion but wanted to secure the facility and propose the date for a full day Clinic. It was suggested that the League assigners would a good source to promote participation in this event.

(E) He discussed conversations he has had with several coaches regarding officiating during the Winter season. No action was requested or taken.

3. Vice President Mark Young spoke briefly concerning the banquet, which is tentatively scheduled for Thursday June 7th, at the Old Colony Yacht Club. However, it is doubtful under the current circumstances that the banquet and meeting will take place at that time. After much discussion it was determine that the date and location will be held but that Mr. Young will explorer with Irwin Cohen the possibility of securing a September date as a backup.

4. Recording Secretary Dennis Berry presented the minutes of the meetings of November 14th and the regular session of February 27th. The November minutes had not been accepted at the previous meeting.

After brief discussion both the Minutes of the Meeting of November 14th and the Minutes of the Regular Session of the Meeting of February 27th were approved by acclamation without vote.

5. Secretary-Treasurer Don Kirkland presented his report based on financial statements distributed prior to the meeting. He indicated that there are currently 260 paid members. While that number is usually increased at the March meeting, that increase will not likely happen this year. Mr. Kirkland discussed an issue regarding billing of collegiate clients. It was pointed out that we generally do not have contracts with many of these clients. When rates were increased recently to $125 for the first 4 hours, there was a lack of communication of the new rates which has led to some backlash. On other matters, there were several questions and discussion regarding the financial statements to which Mr. Kirkland responded.

At the conclusion of the Treasurer’s report it was MOVED by Mr. Young and seconded by Ms Doherty

That the Report of the Treasure be accepted as presented.

The motion was unanimously adopted.

6. The President noted that the Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner were among those who had attempted but were not able to join the conference for technical reasons. Therefore, there be no commissioner’s report.

7. The President requested committee reports. The only report was from Brian Moody regarding new member testing. He noted that he was down to 10 rulebooks for the remainder of the year, but he did not think that was a problem as it is unlikely to be many applications due to the status of the spring season. As part of his report there was significant discussion concerning training and clinics that must be attended by new members and Mr. Moody expressed concern that there were not enough practical mentoring sessions and meets for many new officials. It was suggested without action that at least ten members be identified who are willing to provide practical meet related training to new members. In addition, the President noted that it hoped the proposed day-long clinic would address some of these concerns.

8. The President requested Old Business; none was suggested.

9. Two items were discussed under new business:

(A) Several training videos have been identified by Brian Moody and they have been placed on the MTFOA website. It was suggested that the weekly blast reference these videos for general recognition.

(B) The President referenced the member survey which had been identified by Assistant Commissioner Jacob Johns, the link for which had been distributed electronically. the potential use of this survey was discussed. It was felt that at a future meeting there needed to be further discussion regarding the distribution and use of this survey.

The President closed meeting by thanking those present and noting that the scheduled meeting for May 20th will go forward at this time although it is unclear whether it will be electronic or in person depending on relevant health conditions.

There being no further business before the meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted:

Dennis J. Berry

Recording Secretary

Post Meeting Note: Irwin Cohen, among those who attempted but was unable to get into the conference, sent an e-mail suggesting an evaluation system for officials that would be completed by Referees at meets. This will be discussed at a future meeting