Minutes of the
2023 Annual Business Meeting of the
Mid-Florida Officials’ Association
April 29, 2023
at North Marion High School
Respectfully submitted by Bob Leahy, Secretary 

The meeting agenda was presented to the membership.

Mr. Cummings made a motion to forego the reading and accept the minutes as posted (2nd by Mr. Howard).

The motion passed.


Election Results

PRESIDENT
Al Summers (sole nominee)
Mr. Lee made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Howard).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 1-0, Mr. Summers is reelected as President.

SECRETARY (Currently held by Bob Leahy)
Bob Leahy  (sole nominee)
"Mike" made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Howard).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 1-0, Mr. Leahy is reelected as Secretary.

VICE PRESIDENT
Troy Newsome (sole nominee)
Mr. Howard made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Sergent).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 1-0, Mr. Newsome is elected as Vice President.

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL BOOKING COMMISSIONER
J. Richard Sullivan Jr (sole nominee)
Mr. Towles made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Cummings).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 1-0, Mr. Sullivan is reelected as Baseball/Softball Booking Commissioner.

SOFTBALL DIRECTOR
Jim Law (sole nominee)
Mr. Sullivan made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Cummings).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 1-0, Mr. Law is reelected as Softball Director.

BASKETBALL DIRECTOR NORTH
Freddie Lucas (sole nominee)
Mr. Lee made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Towles).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 1-0, Mr. Lucas is reelected as Flag Football Booking Commissioner.

BASKETBALL DIRECTOR, SOUTH
Ricky Howard
Courtney Patterson (nominated from the floor by Mr. LaRocco).
Mr. LaRocco read a statement from Mr. Patterson who was unable to attend.
Mr. Lucas made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Sergent).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 16-6, Mr. Howard is reelected as South Basketball Director.

FLAG FOOTBALL BOOKING COMMISSIONER
Charlie Krowicki (sole nominee)
Mr. Cummings made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Sergent).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 1-0, Mr. Colquitt is elected as Flag Football Booking Commissioner.

FOOTBALL DIRECTOR, SOUTH
Steve Colquitt (sole nominee)
Mr. Cummings made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Weems).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 1-0, Mr. Colquitt is elected as South Football Director.

FOOTBALL/BASKETBALL BOOKING COMMISSIONER
Wade Clayton (sole nominee)
Mr. LaRocco made a motion that nominations be closed (2nd by Mr. Howard).  The motion passed.
By a vote of 1-0, Mr. Clayton is reelected as Football/Basketball Booking Commissioner.

Proposed Changes

SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill  (2nd by Mr. LaRocco)

CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION:

Remove references to the office of “Immediate Past President”
 Affects

Article IV, Sections 1 and 3
 Article V (Duties of the Immediate Past President)

Change:  Remove references to the office of “Immediate Past President”
Reasoning:  This is no longer needed for operations of the MFOA.
The motion failed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Leahy)

CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION:

Article V (Duties of the Secretary)

Currently Reads:

THE SECRETARY SHALL:

e.  Maintain records of clinic attendance. Report number of varsity games worked to the FHSAA .

Change to read:
e.  Report number of varsity games worked to the FHSAA (if required).

Reasoning:  Updates the duties of the Secretary as currently practiced.

The motion passed.

 

SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Sergent)

CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION:

Article V (Duties of the Treasurer)

Currently Reads:

THE TREASURER SHALL:

a.  Collect, keep and disburse all moneys of the MFOA.

Change to read:
a.  Collect, keep and disburse all moneys of the MFOA. This includes the required authorization as a signatory to the MFOA bank account.

Reasoning:  Updates the duties of the Treasurer as currently practiced.

The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. LaRocco)

CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION:

Article V (Duties of the Booking Commissioner)

Currently Reads:

THE BOOKING COMMISSIONER SHALL:

f.  Football Booking Commissioner (with Football Directors) shall select the Alternate Referees and the JV/9th Grade Referees from a list of Referee applicants submitted prior to the beginning of the football season

Change to read:
f.  Football Booking Commissioner (with Football Directors) shall select the Alternate Varsity Referees and the sub-varsity Referees from a list of Referee applicants submitted prior to the beginning of the football season

Reasoning:  Updates the language and duties of the of the football booking commissioner as currently practiced.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Krowicki)

CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION:

Article VI. Special Assignments

Currently Reads:

There are requirements that make it necessary for the Board to appoint members to perform certain functions. These appointments include the INSPECTOR, the EVALUATIONS, ASSIGNMENTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, GRIEVANCE, RECRUITMENT, and the Training and Education Committees and others deemed necessary by the President and/or Board. The Web master and Inspector will be appointed by the Board annually. Elected officers WILL NOT hold this position. Dues and booking fees will be waived for the Web Master and Inspector during his/her appointment. If he/she fails to fulfill the appointment, all current due and fees shall be paid.

Change to read: There are requirements that make it necessary for the Board to appoint members to perform certain functions. These appointments include the INSPECTOR, WEB MASTER, the EVALUATIONS, ASSIGNMENTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, GRIEVANCE, RECRUITMENT, and the Training and Education Committees and others deemed necessary by the President and/or Board. The Web Master and Inspector will be appointed by the Board, annually. Elected officers WILL NOT hold the position of Inspector. Dues and booking fees will be waived for the Web Master and Inspector during his/her appointment. If he/she fails to fulfill the appointment, all current due and fees shall be paid.

Reasoning:  The Inspector position would be a conflict of interest, but the Web Master position would not be considered a conflict.  A board member may be appointed as the Web Master but may not be appointed as Inspector.

The motion passed.

SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Delaney)

CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION:Article VI. Special Assignments

Currently Reads:

THE INSPECTOR SHALL:

a.  Enforce all MFOA rules which govern conduct of members before, during and immediately after any game assigned them.

Change to read:

a.  Enforce all MFOA rules which govern conduct of members before, during and immediately after any game assigned them and at meetings of the MFOA.

Reasoning:  Appropriate conduct of membership is expected at all MFOA functions.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. LaRocco)

CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION:

Article VII. The Referee and Umpire-in-Chief

Currently Reads:

3.e.  Ensure completion of and/or complete all required correspondence with the FHSAA regarding coaches and players who are disqualified from game participation for UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT, a copy of which will be sent to the MFOA secretary.

Change to read:

3.e.  Ensure completion of and/or complete all required correspondence with the FHSAA regarding coaches and players who are disqualified from game participation for UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT, a copy of which will be sent to the MFOA President.

Reasoning:  Update to current practice.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Clayton)

CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION:

ARTICLE VIII. BUDGET, FEES, AND COMPENSATION

Currently Reads:

5.  Travel fees paid to officials shall be as prescribed in the contract executed between the school (or other entity) and the MFOA. (Currently reads: $15.00 per official per site.) This entitles each official to receive the travel fee whether he/she drives or not. When travel fees apply, the referee/crew-chief shall ensure an equal travel fee be reported for and/or paid to each official unless all officials on the crew agree to a different distribution of the travel fee (Example: Only one driver for the entire crew).

Change to read:

5.  Travel fees paid to officials shall be as prescribed per the FHSAA fee schedule.  This entitles each official to receive the travel fee whether he/she drives or not. When travel fees apply, the referee/crew-chief shall ensure the travel fee be reported for and/or paid to each appropriate official unless all officials on the crew agree to a different distribution of the travel fee (Example: Only one driver for the entire crew).

Reasoning:  Update to current practice.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Lee)

CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION:

New ARTICLE XI. AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN CHECKS WRITTEN ON THE MFOA BANK ACCOUNT

Add the following new Article:

In addition to the Treasurer, the Vice President and Secretary shall be an authorized signatories to sign checks written on the MFOA bank account.

Reasoning:  Allows for monetary business to continue in the absence of the treasurer.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Howard)

CHANGE TO POLICIES & PROCEDURES:

Section 001 Membership

Currently Reads:

5.  MFOA members should register with the FHSAA online via the FHSAA (Arbiter) website. Do not send the FHSAA application to the MFOA.

Change to read:

5.  MFOA members who plan to officiate FHSAA contests must register with the FHSAA online via the FHSAA (Arbiter) website. 

Reasoning:  Officials must register with the FHSAA to officiate FHSAA-sanctioned contests.  Youth-only officials are covered by 001-8.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Howard)

CHANGE TO POLICIES & PROCEDURES:

Section 003 Booking Policy

Currently Reads:

6. The Board of Directors, based on recommendations by the Directors, shall have the authority to temporarily or permanently curtail the booking of a member due to poor evaluations, complaints, etc.

Change to read:

6. The Board shall have the authority to temporarily or permanently curtail the booking of a member due to poor evaluations, complaints, etc.

Reasoning:  Recommendations of directors are not required for the board to act regarding the booking of a member.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. LaRocco)

CHANGE TO POLICIES & PROCEDURES:

Section 003 Booking Policy

Currently Reads:

21. An accepted booking assignment must be honored unless deviations are approved by the Commissioner.

22.If it is necessary to cancel an assignment, members must notify the Commissioner immediately by telephone, e-mail, fax, or in-person. If verbal notification was given, it must be followed-up by written notification. The reason is provided in writing to the Commissioner.

a.The written notice must be received by the Commissioner within 7 days following the cancellation.

b.Any cancellation shall subject the member to the fine schedule in this manual.

c.If a pattern of abusive cancellations, in number or timeliness is demonstrated, a member may be fined and/or suspended.

Change to Read:

21. An accepted booking assignment must be honored unless deviations are approved by the Commissioner.  If it is necessary to cancel an assignment, members must notify the Commissioner immediately by telephone, e-mail, fax, or in-person and provide the reason for the cancellation. Depending on the reason for the cancellation, the cancellation may subject the member to a fine.

If a pattern of abusive cancellations in number or timeliness is demonstrated, a member may be suspended.

Reasoning:  Simplifies the cancellation requirements and consequences.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. LaRocco)

CHANGE TO POLICIES & PROCEDURES:

Section 003 Booking Policy

Currently Reads:

24. Supporting officials shall contact the Referee/Umpire in chief (listed 1st on booking) at least 48 hours prior to game-time to make travel-arrangements. Contact may be by voice to voice contact, email, fax in addition to acceptance through booking web site. A note on the Arbiter is also sufficient notification, but travel-arrangements with the Referee/Umpire-in-Chief must still be made. The Referee/Umpire-in-Chief is responsible to insure the crew is intact at least 36 hours before game time.

a. In addition to fixing place to meet for travel, the Referee/Umpire-in-Chief will predetermine the arrival time at the game site for all crew members during initial contact.

b. If the member makes numerous attempts to contact the Referee/Umpire-in-Chief, to no avail, he/she should notify the Commissioner immediately.

c. If no contact is made by the 36 hour deadline, the Referee/Umpire-in-Chief should also contact the Commissioner.


25. Any member failing to meet the responsibilities of game assignments shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the penalties section.
Change to Read:

Supporting officials shall contact the Referee/Umpire in chief (listed first) at least 48 hours before game time.

a.      If the member makes numerous attempts to contact the Referee/Umpire-in-Chief, to no avail, he/she should notify the Commissioner immediately.

b.      If no contact is made by the 48-hour deadline, the Referee/Umpire-in-Chief should contact the Commissioner.
c.   Any official who fails to officiate a game in which they have accepted will be required to explain their absence and   depending on  the explanation may be subject to disciplinary action.

Reasoning:  Updating the check-in policy.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Krowicki)

CHANGE TO POLICIES & PROCEDURES:

Section 003 Booking Policy

Currently Reads:

26. Contracts shall be mailed to the schools annually and will be worded to the extent that there is no conflict with this policy.

a.Contract administration shall be the responsibility of the Commissioner. In order to ensure prompt handling of contracts and to meet all booking deadlines, each contract will be mailed to and received from the schools by the Commissioner. The Commissioner will give the fees from each school will be given to the Treasurer.

b.Member schools may elect to contract for football, basketball, baseball, softball, or for all the sports worked by the MFOA.

Change to Read:

26. Contracts shall be mailed to the schools annually. 

a.Contract administration shall be the responsibility of the Commissioner. In order to ensure prompt handling of contracts and to meet all booking deadlines, each contract will be mailed to and received from the schools by the Commissioner. The Commissioner will give the fees from each school will be given to the Treasurer.

b.Member schools may elect to contract for football, basketball, baseball, softball, flag football, or for all the sports worked by the MFOA.

Reasoning:  Removing unnecessary wording.  Include flag football regarding sports officiated.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Krowicki)

CHANGE TO POLICIES & PROCEDURES:

Section 003 Booking Policy

Currently Reads:

27.  Members shall complete a Game Report Form (on www.ArbiterSports.com) upon completion of game. The Form must be submitted no more than five (5) days after completion of game.)

Completely remove #27.

Reasoning:  A game report is possible but not required as this has not been regularly practiced.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  Carl Dill (2nd by Mr. Colquitt)

CHANGE TO POLICIES & PROCEDURES:

Section 003 Booking Policy

Currently Reads:

Evaluations Process.

a. Evaluators will be selected by the Evaluation Committee at the beginning of each sport’s season. The number of evaluators in each sport will be determined and approved by the Board.

b. Evaluation Committee will provide Evaluators with Evaluation Forms & criteria for each sport(s).

c. Each Evaluator will be paid per sport season.

d. Evaluations will be conducted by the following methods:

i. Phone/email conversation with each coach (phone evaluations to be completed by Tuesday for the previous weeks contest).

ii. By video if available.

iii. In person by the Evaluator.

e. Results of the evaluations will assist in determining current season’s Play-off selection process and next season’s initial Ranking scores.

Change to Read:

Evaluations Process.

a.      Evaluators will be selected by the Board at the beginning of each sport’s season. The number of evaluators in each sport will be determined and approved by the Board.

b.      Evaluators will use evaluations forms & criteria for each sport(s).

c.       Each Evaluator will be paid per sport season.

d.      Evaluations will be conducted by the following methods:

i.        In person by the Evaluator.

ii.      By video if available.

e.      Results of the evaluations will assist in determining current season’s Play-off selection process and next season’s initial Ranking scores.

Reasoning:  Update the evaluations process.
The motion passed.


SUBMITTED BY:  S. Bryant
Policies & Procedures Section 005 Uniforms

If applicable, Article/Section CURRENTLY reads...Basketball officials shall wear gray/black pinstripe short sleeve shirt with FHSAA
insignia as specified by the FHSAA. For non-FHSAA contests, the black/white striped shirt (no patch) may be specified by the referee.

Proposed change to read/addition...All officials working FHSAA sanctioned games will be required to wear the Smitty’s NCAA black/white 1” striped shirt with black raglan style shoulders, sleeves and side panel with the FHSAA insignia dye sublimated on the left sleeve and the letters FHSAA dye sublimated in blue on the right sleeve. American flag with white border dye sublimated on the back of the shirt.  For non-FHSAA contests, the black/white striped shirt (no patch) may be specified by the referee.

Reasoning for proposing this change:  To update the policy to reflect the FHSAA guidebook 701.02.
(Not considered as this is sport specific.  May be considered at basketball tip-off meeting.)


SUBMITTED BY:  S. Bryant (no second)
Policies & Procedures Section 005 Uniforms

New addition:
5. Restrictions
a. Jewelry. Officials are prohibited from wearing jewelry while officiating a contest. The only exceptions to this policy are a wedding band, game timing device and a medical alert bracelet which, if worn, must be taped to the body with clear tape so that it remains visible.
b. Numbers. The wearing of numbers on shirts by FHSAA officials is strictly prohibited.
c. Local Association Patch. A local association patch may be worn on the upper front of the jacket or left shoulder of shirts, provided a request is made. Patches may not exceed three (3) inches in diameter and must be black and white in color. Other color combinations are prohibited.
d. FHSAA Insignia Prohibited at Non-FHSAA Contests. The FHSAA insignia, including “FHSAA” and the “Florida Shield,” is the property of the FHSAA and may be used by contest officials only as approved by the FHSAA Office. An FHSAA official may not wear any part of his/her uniform containing the FHSAA insignia at any time other than when officiating a contest involving an FHSAA member school. For example, an FHSAA official may not wear the FHSAA insignia on any article of clothing as a spectator or while officiating AAU, American Legion, ASA, city recreational league contests, etc. This requirement does not preclude officials who have just finished officiating a contest from watching part of a succeeding contest while in uniform nor does it preclude officials who have arrived early for a contest from observing the preceding contest while in uniform.

6. Exceptions to Dress Code:  Any exceptions to this dress code must be approved in writing by the MFOA Board or FHSAA Executive Director or his/her designee.
Reasoning for proposing this change:  To reflect FHSAA guidebook and provide more clarity to the membership.
The motion fails.

SUBMITTED BY:  Gerald Wagner (2nd by Mr. LaRocco)
Policies and Procedures Section 4 article 2(b)
Article/Section CURRENTLY reads...
b. Relative Rating will be used as a guide to select Play-Off officials pending the officials availability throughout Playoff contest dates.
Proposed change to read/addition...
Relative rating shall also be visible at any sport MFOA meeting where there is a selection for play-off crews by its members for members to see, whether it be on a sheet of paper or screen.
Reasoning for proposing this change: The membership comes together to select play-off crews at a MFOA meeting they should have this information to select the best crews, whether it be on a sheet paper or on a screen.
The motion passed.