MTFOA updates
Note from the president: NE-10
Greetings MTFOA membership - I hope the indoor season is going well with everyone at all the venues that use our services. Regarding one contest that we will not be participating in under the MTFOA flag, that is the collegiate NE-10 Championship meet in February, 2020. Long story short: We tried to negotiate with NE-10 since September, 2019, in order for our association to again start servicing their meet after an accident with one of their athletes and one of our officials at a previous meet. But both parties couldn't come to terms; more specifically, they changed our terms and our e-board elected to terminate any proposed agreement. (Feel free to contact myself or any e-board member to get more specifics on our decision not to participate.) I will state for the record that as an "independent contractor," you could still work this meet, but you would do so without wearing any MTFOA insignia or any materials that display our organization's name. (Contact our our recording secretary Dennis Berry for any other particulars.) For me personally -- aside from my fellow e-board members views -- I would hope folks would not participate and you can contact me for reasons why. But I again hope you would contact other current e-board members before you decide and get their feedback as well. For now, the matter is closed. Here's to a continued successful indoor Track & Field season. Keep those comments, letters and concerns coming my way. Peace. Steven R. Keyes MTFOA President |
Video about throws safety available
One of the more respected USATF throws officials, Mark Heckel, created this training video following a webinar -- "A Simple Guide to Throws Safety." It's a bit long, but worth a watch by all levels of officials. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r1a6D_-JGw&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3Q9wf05BvVo885GYao3x9VeRAzF8qxG8sca4hzcG-FbZP8hlg-R5J4SuY Steve Vaitones Managing Director USA Track & Field - New England Association |
Stoneham coach Kristen Polizzotto passes (updated)
 A wake will be held on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Barile Funeral Home, 482 Main St., Stoneham. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Parish, 71 Central Street, Stoneham. The full notice: Kristen E. (Hoar) Polizzotto, of Stoneham, formerly of Yarmouth, passed away peacefully on Saturday December 21, 2019 at home with her family. Kristen let her heart lead her through life. Her smile and spirit were contagious. Her beautiful blue eyes were windows to her soul, and her feelings were always well known on her wonderfully expressive face. As gentle as she was, she was a fighter and warrior; heroically battling cancer for nearly 5 years. Kristen earned her bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University, where she would meet her husband, and then went on to achieve her master’s degree from Suffolk University. She followed her parents’ footsteps into education and coaching; over the last decade she served as a guidance counselor at Stoneham High School and coached the cross country and track and field sports for many years. Most recently she received certifications in barre, yoga, and mindfulness in an effort to constantly improve herself and the lives of her students. Kristen grew up on the Cape and was a proud Dennis-Yarmouth alum, beach-lover and sailor. Kristen is the beloved wife of Bryan Polizzotto. She is the devoted and cherished mother of Cayden Polizzotto. Loving daughter of James and Dianne (Walsh) Hoar. Dear sister of Megan Yost and her husband Jake and aunt of Patrick and Abigail Yost. She is also survived by many loving cousins, friends, colleagues, students and athletes. Family and friends are kindly invited to gather and share memories with the family on Sunday December 29th, 2019 in the Barile Family Funeral Home at 482 Main St. (RT28) Stoneham from 1 pm to 5 pm. Parking attendants and elevator available. A Funeral Mass Celebrating Kristen’s Eternal Life will be held in St. Patrick Church 71 Central St. Stoneham on Monday December 30th, 2019 at 10 am. Please go directly to church. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in memory of Kristen to: For directions of to send a memorial condolence www.barilefuneral.com or www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome. |
General meeting scheduled for Dec. 30 canceled (updated)
Due to forecast weather conditions, the general membership meeting scheduled for St. John's Prep on Dec. 30 has been canceled and will not be rescheduled. We will be conducting the same agenda that was planned for the previous date of 12/2/19. Rule books and parking passes will be available. Hope to see you there. Steven R. Keyes |
5 MTFOA members selected for Olympic Trials
At last week's USATF Annual Meeting, five MTFOA members were selected to work at next summer's US Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. Nicole Bullock will work the hammer, Tom Meagher will be a starter, and Justin Kuo will be on the technical manager crew. Additionally, Pat Ronan was selected as chief pole vault official for the USA Indoor Championships, and Joe Bullock was picked to work the USA Junior/U20 meet in the shot put. Congratulations to those officials. Steve Vaitones Managing Director USA Track & Field - New England Association |
From the president's desk
1. A decision this week will be announced whether we will reschedule or cancel the December, 2019 general meeting. 2. I hope everyone had an opportunity to test themselves with the sample rules test posted in the last blast and on the website. Without reviewing my rule books for this season I scored a 77 - not my best work but my incorrect answers pertain mostly to the pole vault and high jump. Needless to say, I'll be reporting to principals Ronan and Kirkland offices sooner than later. :) More on rules later... 3 Parking passes for work performed at Reggie Lewis this season can still be obtained by emailing me at: skeyes@hunnemanre.com Please give me your home address and plate number. Remember you must work at least one meet at that site to obtain a pass. Happy Holidays! Best, Steven R. Keyes |
From the president's desk: rules review
Here's a good idea from Jim Morris, especially anticipating next week's general membership meeting at St. John's Prep, Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 7:15pm. St. John's is at 72 Spring Street, Danvers, Building #1 adjacent to the track. Good morning Steve, I wanted to send along a thought I had about your plea to have folks study the rules. I have started a new process with the officials who work with me in my area. I have a copy of the NFHS annual test, which i sent along to all of them prior to the start of the season and asked them to take the test just to freshen up on their working knowledge of the rules. I then forwarded them the answer key so that they could see how they did. I know for myself and some other long-time officials, we took the test without the book just to see how we did and it really pointed out areas we needed to study. I thought it would be a good way to get the folks going on rules this year and most of the people who took it thought it was a good exercise so thought I'd pass it along to you. I'm attaching a copy of the test and the answer key for your review. See you soon... Jim |
| Attachments:
2019 NFHS Answer Key.xlsx
2019 NFHS test.xlsx
From the president's desk
From the president's desk Folks, I'm passing on a letter from the coach Dave Tousignant from Matignon. He has some very positive words about the officiating of Dennis Berry. If the Eboard could recognize him that would be great. The letter is attached below. Subject: commendation Coach Bryan Van Thorpe Archbishop Williams High School Director CCL Country League Sir; I have been a high school coach in both cross country and track and field for the past 18 years. As a result of my collective experience I felt compelled this season to write a letter of Commendation for MTFOA Official DENNIS J. BERRY. I have observed Mr Berry during my career officiating at both cross country and track and field meets and I would say that among Officials throughout the state and outside the state I have never witnessed anyone more Professional his assignment(s) than Mr. Berry. I refer specifically to his pre-meet preparation(s) be it as a starter for cross country or a field events official in track and field. I had occasion this cross country season to work closely with Mr. Berry in two home meets hosted by Matignon High School. Prior to both meets I spoke to Mr Berry regarding his course knowledge and anything particular he may require at the meet. Mr. Berry arrived at both meets in a very timely manner, spoke with the coaches of the schools and prior to the start of the meets addressed the athletes very articulately regarding start and finish as well as pointing out various landmarks on the course to ensure both the safety of the athletes and to ensure they were well versed on the course subsequent to their walk through. He also makes himself available to answer any related questions that arise prior to or subsequent to the competition. Mr. Berry and the recorder worked closely at the finish line to ensure runners bib numbers were properly recorded and that athletes were correctly aligned in their placing position in concert with their finishing time(s). In short Mr. Berry is integral in assisting coaches and meet directors to insure that a meet is run properly and fairly and that all in attendance, athletes, fans, families and coaches have an enjoyable experience In sum, Mr. Berry possesses not only great insight in the sport itself but has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and recall of the rules and regulations be it cross country or track and field and is the epitome of Professionalism for the MTFOA. I close by saying the CCL and the MTFOA are very fortunate to have Mr. Berry as a Meet Official. Respectfully; Dave Tousignant Matignon High School |
Notes from the president's desk
Greetings MTFOA and Happy Fall. Let me just say first, thanks to Peter Meagher my predecessor for all his hard work over the last four years plus, for his work as president and service on the e-board - he did an exceptional job. Also thanks to Bill Jennings for service on the e-board and Mark Young for staying on as vice president of our association. Below is a list items and information for your review that are not just important for this season but also for seasons to follow. Some of these items reflect what I mentioned in my speech at the October general meeting emphasizing what we need to do to be a better organization and how I feel we need to right the ship. Here's to hoping we have a great 2019 - 2020 and beyond: GENERAL MEETINGS The next general membership meeting will be at St. John's prep in Danvers, MA on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 715pm. Vice president Mark young will proctor the meeting and we will have three professional development stations TBA shortly. A link related St. John's will be submitted to you later this month (directions, etc.). The March general meeting will be Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 7pm at Wheaton College. More details on the March meeting at a later date. (Remember you must attend at least ONE general meeting a year -as stated in our by laws) RULES & RULES BOOK The latest version (new) of the high school rule book was given out by Don Kirkland III at the October meeting. Please pick one up at the next meeting or contact Don about obtaining one prior to the season. College rule books are the same this year but access the NCAA website about any college rule changes. As I stated in the October meeting - please read these rules books cover to cover. I can't say enough on how important it is to be knowledgeable of the rules - especially in an event you cover frequently. Look for a "Take the Quiz" section in a future blast - provided by our own Jim Morris - to test your skills. TRACK OFFICIALS CONDUCT I won't spend much time on this topic because I expect our officials to be professional and courteous at all times. This professionalism should be extended to athletes, coaches, school administrators and the like. Please treat these groups like you would want to be treated, with the utmost respect. MSTCA & MIAA It's my hope that our association continues to have a good relationship with these organizations. But I'd like to upgrade that to having a GREAT relationship with them. That's means we have to know our stuff, strive to be on time, provide the necessary personnel and conduct ourselves professionally at all times. I want to be the organization among the three that has no qualms, concerns, issues or road blocks in front us that will keep us from doing our job - every sports association should have that same thinking. ASSIGNORS I have only two requests from you. That you make doubly sure that your officials know the rules - especially if they cover a certain event for you frequently. That you assign officials to positions that suit them best. I'm an assignor as well and I try to strive to make sure the above gets done and more. PARKING PASSES I'm picking up the parking passes for the Reggie Lewis Center only this week. I will personally mail one to you upon request. But let me be clear - I'm only mailing passes to folks who do at least one meet at the Reggie. These are not for folks who are coming to watch a meet - you must be working and I will be checking against assignors lists. (I also happen to work 98% of the leagues at Reggie!) The only exception are lifetime members such Mr. William King - who may attend a meet time to time. Contact me via email for a pass. MISCELLANEOUS Remember membership dues of $80.00 should have already been submitted. Please contact Don Kirkland III asap if you haven't submitted payment... Please make sure you have done your background check as required. Information on this topic is in the weekly email blasts and posted on the MTFOA website... We are always looking for new officials to join our membership. Please contact Brian Moody for more information... The annual banquet is at the Old Colony yacht club on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 6pm. Stayed tuned for more details...Finally new MTFOA directories are out. Please contact Don Kirkland III about obtaining one.. Well pilgrims - thanks for listening and my contact info is below in order of the best way to contact me one on one. Peace, Steven R. Keyes skeyes@hunnemanre.com (goes to my cell as well) (617) 635-6730 work (617) 9971517 mobile |
Information sessions about New Balance track planned
Informational open houses about The Track at New Balance track will be held in Worcester and Brighton. The Track at New Balance will be a multi-sport, multi-level, state of the art complex opening to the public in the fall of 2021. The Track will contain a 200-meter hydraulically banked indoor track on level three with seating for 5,000 spectators. Level two will contain a multi-purpose area with two basketball, volley and/or tennis courts while also serving as the dedicated area for all track and field throwing events. Level one will contain the primary track and field entrance located on the northeast corner of the building and to the west, near the corner of Guest and Life Street, will be the event-day, athlete only entrance. Level four of the building will contain four (4) VIP boxes, a video production room, event timing, press boxes, a dedicated kitchen area and approximately 24,000sf of athlete warm-up area consisting of a 62-meter straight-away and a 133-meter oval. The Track is designed to be the fastest indoor track in the world and with its hydraulic capability the entire track floor can quickly be converted to a regulation soccer and lacrosse field via a large roll of turf imbedded in floor. In addition to track and field, soccer and lacrosse, The Track will incorporate custom sports courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis which will allow the building to be a true destination for all sports. The Worcester open house will be at College of the Holy Cross Hart Center Doran Auditorium on Nov. 6 at 7pm. Parking is available directly in front of the Hart Center. The Brighton open house will be at Warrior Ice Arena, third floor rink concourse, 90 Guest St. on Nov. 13 at 7pm. Parking is available at the Warrior Ice Arena parking garage at 90 Guest St. |
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