MTFOA updates
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. |
Annual meeting at Reggie Oct. 3
Just a reminder to save the date of Thursday, Oct. 3, for the general membership meeting at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at 7:00PM. Section 3.3A of the Bylaws adopted last year requires that all members attend at least one general membership meeting during the Association’s year. That year begins Oct. 1. Because it was adopted after the 2018-2019 year had begun, it could not take effect for that year. However, the requirement will go into effect for the 2019-2020 year beginning with the upcoming Oct. 3 meeting. All members must attend at least one of the four general membership meetings during the year. |
Cross country availability listed
Here is a list of Cross Country dates for the fall of 2019. Please contact to Mike Meagher if you would want to be considered. Please specify "Yes" or "No" beside each date & only email back to Mike. He will contact you if you have been assigned. coachmeagher@yahoo.com 1. Friday , 9/20 at Franklin Park Boston College 3:00pm 2. Saturday , 9/28 at Wrentham MSTCA 9:30am 3. Saturday , 10/12 at Wrentham MSTCA 10:00am 4. Saturday , 10/12 at Franklin Park New Englands 11:00am 5. Friday , 10/18 at Falmouth MSTCA 5:00pm 6. Saturday , 10/19 at Falmouth MSTCA 5:00pm 7. Saturday , 11/2 at Wrentham MSTCA 9:30am 8. Saturday , 11/9 at Wrentham MIAA 9:30am |
Registration open for NCAA championships
From Steve Viatones, USATF-NE: The 2020 NCAA Championships Officiating Application is now live and will remain open through Monday Sept. 30. If you applied over the past 2 years, you should have received a personalized email reminding you of your confirmation code that you'll use to log in. If you have not applied in the past two years you'll need to click "Register" and you'll be directed through the application process. Assignments will be announced in early December. Officiating opportunities are for the 3 NCAA division championships indoors and outdoors. Registration is open to all officials. |
Dues are, well, due
Membership dues for the 2019/2020 year will be $80, due on October 1st. You can send your payment to Don Kirkland III at PO Box 15, North Salem, N.H. 03073. (Make checks payable to MTFOA). |
Time to update directory listing
The deadline for making any changes to the membership directory is 9/15/19. Please send any changes (name, address, phone #, email address) to don.kirkland@gmail.com by 9/15/19. |
Volunteer officials sought for Bay State Games
Fellow Members of the MTFOA: Please continue reading. It’s difficult to send you a personalized email as we are from so many diverse places and positions. I believe we share some altruism for T&F, hence our MTFOA membership. I am asking you to consider volunteering for at least one session of the Bay State Games at Merrimack College on Friday, July 12 (5:00pm) and or Saturday, July 13 (8:30am and 12:30pm). Each session takes about three hours. A FEW OF YOU HAVE ALREADY SAID “YES”. Thank you. What’s in this for you? There will be no check in the mail. There will be a lunch on Saturday and a BSG jacket at the end of your service.This is a chance to try and to learn something new or different. Friday night is the hammer throw. (only event-all levels) Do you know how to weigh in field event implements? Do you know how to set up the sector? Do you know how to check a sector for correct set up using a 6 foot measuring tape? There will be “experts” on site for hands on tutoring. Saturday morning will be the Juniors and Scholastics--the future of our sport. Saturday afternoon is the Open and Masters--those that have experienced T& F and still want more. Now, for you, some questions. Do you get as many assignments as you want? Do you get the same assignment all the time? Do you want to try a new/learn more about an event? There will also be many event “experts” on Saturday that will be very happy to share information and tutoring. Example: Official says "the Pole Vault scares me". Not a good situation for sure. On Saturday, at both sessions , there will be a very experienced and friendly official working the event. He is more than willing to share. Learning more about the PV doesn’t mean you have to officiate it. Similar activities will take place for all officiating roles. So, you’ve read this far and are considering volunteering on 7/12 and or 13. What do you have to do? If you’ve already signed up, nothing else for you to do. Again, thank you. If you are a new volunteer (haven’t signed up--we need you), please send one email copied to me, Chris Lane: Chris@dmsesports.com, Charlie Butterfield: cbutter51@hotmail.com and Paige LeFrancois (BSG Intern): paige@baystategames.org. Please indicate the session(s) you are willing to officiate/attend, the position in which you want to serve and/or the the position about which you want to learn more and your jacket size. We want to be prepared to serve you and to make this total experience valuable for you. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO AND FOR CONSIDERING THIS REQUEST. Chris Lane |
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