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Niagara Frontier Officials Association

Interpretations Meeting Minutes – November 2, 2009

Sweet Home High School Wrestling Room

1. Meeting called to order at 6:46pm by Dan Hanley (President)

  2. Discussion/Points of Emphasis – D. Hanley

a. Review of issues discussed at state association meeting in Syracuse - Directors and Officers insurance – plan to collect $5 per official throughout            the state to cover $15,000 deductible was rejected at the OCF meeting.

b. Minor rules changes discussed – starting procedure

            c. Contact made with the coaches association (Israel Martinez and Brian Swatland) to suggest increasing coaches’ knowledge of rules. All coaches invited to next interpretations meeting on Nov. 9. Should coaches take officials test?

            d. State selection and evaluation committee now requires officials to be ranked by the coaches.

            e. More time at NFWOA meetings will be spent on the wrestling room

  3. Treasurers Report – B. Dowdall

            a. Dues will remain at $60 despite another increase in dues to the state assoc.

            b. Tournament – All teams enter 15 wrestlers and up to two per weight class – Capped at 32 teams – All officials must work one day of tournament

            c. We are now incorporated in NYS and have EIN#

  4. Secretaries Report – G. Day

            a. Rule books, case books, and meeting folders passed out

            b. Anyone with change in contact info. Should indicate changes for this years roster

            c. Again we may submit a nomination for the state association award. Please submit names ASAP.

            d. State Representative nomination forms must be completed and turned in by Dec. 1^st. Nominees should complete forms by next meeting.

  5. Assignments – B. Ossont

            a. Assignments including tournaments have been assigned by the Arbiter. Must accept. Not accepting will cause a block for that date.

  6. Interpretations/Rules Changes – G. Stoos

            a. See “Wrestling Meeting Folder 2009”

  Meeting Adjourned: 8:33

Niagara Frontier Officials Association

Interpretations Meeting #2 Minutes – November 9, 2009

Sweet Home High School Wrestling Room

1. Meeting called to order at 6:39pm by Dan Hanley (President)

  2. Discussion of minutes from Nov. 2 meeting – D. Hanley

a. Rules stated for test and make-ups (Exec. Committee)

            -Dues must be paid by test date

            -Test date: Nov. 30

            -Make-up date: Dec. 14

            -Those with a conflict on both dates must complete and turn in test by January 4

            -Those required to do corrections (grade less than 85%) must be completed 2 weeks after receiving grade

            -Failure to complete the above stated (Dues, Test, Corrections) by the indicated deadlines will result in meetings not 

                      counted and in “bad standing” until completed

            b. Motion to accept minutes – G. Feltz, D. Sanderson – Motion passed

            c. Section 5 officials seeking dual membership introduced:

                        -Rodney Richenberg

                        -Scott Wessel

  3. Assigning Agent – B. Ossont – There is a need for varsity officials to take modified matches this season.

  4. Secretaries Report – G. Day

            a. Rule books, case books, and meeting folders passed out

            b. State Representative nomination forms must be completed and turned in by Dec. 1^st. Nominees should G. Day at conclusion of meeting.

  5. Novice Trainer – P. Roetzer

            a. Discussion of new officials training – “A good group this year”

            b. Thanks to N. Tucker for her help this year

            c. Novice tournaments date given:

                        Both on Nov. 28

                        Locations: Albion @ 9:00am, Kenmore East @ 9:00am

  6.  N. Tucker brought up security issue of submitting SS #’s on vouchers. D. Evans response noted that Tom Cowan indicated in years past that 

               ID #’s were sufficient and schools should contact section 6 office for SS #’s.

  7. Interpretations/Rules Changes – G. Stoos

            a. See “Wrestling Meeting Folder 2009”

  Meeting Adjourned: 8:46

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Niagara Frontier Officials Association

Test Meeting Minutes – November 30, 2009

Sweet Home High School Room 601

  1. Meeting called to order at 6:38pm by Dan Hanley (President)

  2. Jim Conley introduced to answer questions regarding the Arbiter

a. Check the Arbiter and email daily – Changes can be made and must be accepted as with a new assignment or assignment will be lost.

            b. D. Hanley suggests a longer grace period for those out of town etc. to accept changes when possible.

            c. Two assignments can be posted for the same day. When accepting one, the other must be declined.

  3. Secretaries Report – G. Day

            a. Nomination forms have been submitted to the state

            b. Sign in sheet will now be used for attendance. Please INITIAL next to name when arriving at each meeting

  5. Fee schedule posted – See section 6 website – www.section6.e1b.org – link to officials and Contract

  6. Lockport needs 12 officials to work kids tournament on Sunday Jan 17 at 9 AM

  7. Test administered

  Meeting Adjourned: Conclusion of test

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Niagara Frontier Officials Association

Tournament Meeting Minutes – December 14, 2009

Sweet Home High School Room 601

  1. Meeting called to order at 6:50pm by M. Baumann (Vice-President)

2. Secretaries Report – G. Day

            a. Names of working officials have been submitted to the state association along with dues for each member

  3. B. Dowdall – Treasurer/Tournament Director

            a. Please pay missing dues. (deadline was Nov. 30)

            b. $4200 in tournament entry fees collected as of 12/14/09

            c. Discussion of duties of individuals (list emailed to those involved).

            d. Insurance and sponsorship of tournament are in place. A donation of $250 will be made to Niagara Wheatfield for their sponsorship.

            e. Comfort Inn contacted – Rooms for $65/night

            f. Certified coaches lists needed: G. Day will forward small school list from Debarberi and contact Martinez for large school list

            g. P. Roetzer suggest a rule that all coaches must have two certified coaches on hand

            h. T. Fike asked to organize the after party – not in attendance

            i. All officials are expected to attend all sessions for which they are available

            j. Nancy Tucker working on media program and seeking sponsors. Cost to produce is $3.21 each

            k. H. Wooten to contact media and T-shirt guy

  4. P. Roetzer – Discussed how B-officials will work tournament. Will be done similar to previous years. Must be assisted by an A-official. No forward rounds worked except as an assistant. A-official has final call on all matches worked.

  5. D. Hanley – Clarified new rule for disk flip in dual meets for choice of odd/even matches. Change will take effect next season (2010-2011). Also discussed what is the end of match in NYS.

  Meeting Adjourned: 8:31

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Niagara Frontier Officials Association

General Meeting Minutes – January 4, 2010

Sweet Home High School Room 601

1. Meeting called to order at 6:52pm by D. Hanley (President)

2. By-Law Proposal – D. Hanley

            a. The Executive Committee met prior to the general meeting on 1/4/10 to discuss issues of dual membership and social membership.

            b. In addition to the requirement that members of other associations meet our five point plan, the following are proposed rules for eligibility   as a dual member in the NFWOA (Read to the body by G. Day, re-worded below for clarity):

  Incoming dual members will enter a three year probation period for which they would be ineligible to work post-season competition as a representative of the NFWOA. In a point system which counts a dual meet as 1 point and a tournament as 2 points, dual members shall gain a total of 24 points prior to the conclusion of the fourth season in order to work the post season as a representative of the NFWOA.

  Upon completion of the three year probation period, dual officials must declare by December 1^st of each season thereafter, for which association they will submit their name to work in the post-season. Following two years of pos- season experience (total of five) the dual member may submit their name as a possible representative to work the state tournament.

                          Motion to approve as stated: M. Baumann

                        Second: B. Dowdall

                        Vote: Motion Passed (32-1)

         c. Discussion of social membership following the request of such by former member Sandy Schechter

  Motion: Proposal to create a social membership for former members of at least five years in good standing who pay 50% of annual dues.                         –Made by M. Baumann

                        Second: K. Gallagher

                        Vote: Motion Fails

              d. Discussion to re-vote with required membership of only one year in good standing and 50% dues paid.

                          Motion: To re-vote as proposed (1yr as member and 50% dues paid)

                        Second: K. Gallagher

                        Vote: Motion passed (31-2)

  3. B. Dowdall – Treasurer/Tournament Director

            a. Volunteer needed to obtain coaches gifts – Accepted by K. Gallagher

            b. Volunteer needed to organize the after tournament party – Accepted by D. Chatten with proposal to have party at “The Office.”

            c. Volunteer needed to facilitate the pre-finals meeting – Accepted by M. Baumann

  4. P. Roetzer – Discussed once again how B-officials will work tournament.

  5. N. Tucker - Official tournament program went to printers today. Few ads were sold but enough to cover most of printing cost. Copies were       passed around. Ordered 200 copies to be sold at the door for $1 each.

  6. D. Hanley noted that all remaining meetings will be held in the wrestling room.

  7. T. Cinelli needs reminder of who is committed to work Lockport kids tournament and needs two more officials.

  8. All those interested in submitting their name to work the post-season tournaments must contact G. Day. For reference, the dates are: Sectional     Tournaments – Feb 5/6, State Qualifier – Feb. 12/13, NYS Championships – Feb. 26/27

  9. Interpretations – G. Stoos

            a. Officials must get in the habit of making sure the wrestlers report to the score table in the correct order during dual meets. Do not allow       the non-obligated wrestler to approach the table until their opponent has reported.

            b. If a coach takes you to the score table, you must go.

                        - Keep wrestlers in the 10ft circle. Inform them there will be a 1 point penalty for USC if they do not follow your instructions,  and enforce.

                        - If questioning is improper, you shall penalize coach for misconduct.

            c. Etc., Etc., Etc.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:34 pm

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2008-2009 Minutes

Interpretations Meeting Minutes – November 3, 2008

Sweet Home High School Room 601

1. Meeting called to order at 6:37pm by Herman Wooten (President)

  2. Assignments are posted on The Arbiter.

a. You have 4 days to accept or decline

b. Check the site daily to see new assignments

3. Fee schedule for 08-09 posted:

              WRESTLING 08-09

Varsity                                                                         80.00

Junior Varsity                                                              57.00

Varsity/Junior Varsity                                                    117.00

Modified and 9th grade                                                    49.50

Tournaments: Varsity                                                   5.25 per bout

Tournaments: Junior Varsity                                      3.75 per bout

Tournaments: Modified & 9th grade                               3.35 per bout

Sectionals & Qualifiers (per bout)                                  5.80

Mat Assistant (semi-finals & finals)                            42.50

                      * The number of officials is to be determined by the tournament chairperson.

1. For regular season, varsity and junior varsity exhibition matches:

Up to 7 bouts: add 3.75

2. Modified wrestling with three or more teams:

One official, add 18.00 per extra team to base fee

Two officials, pay base rate to each official

Add 25% of the base fee for every half-hour the meet is extended past two hours.

  4. Vice President – Damon Evans

            a. Officials jackets will be ordered this year!

b. Those who currently do not have a jacket (excluding new officials for this season) will receive a jacket free of charge. Remaining officials my purchase a new one for $35

            c. See Damon at next meeting or email him to try on and give your size

  5. Treasurer – Brian Dowdall

            a. We are now officially incorporated

            b. Proposal to increase dues to $60 due to a $14 per person increase in state due 

                    Motion: Increase dues to $60 per member – T. Cinelli

                    Second: Damon Evans, Paul Kopalek

                                Vote: Approved unanimously by the body

6. Secretaries Report – Greg Day

            a. Evaluator needed for State tournament – Brian Dowdall volunteered

b. Forms for state Reps distributed to those present (Singleton replaces Klein who is inactive)

c. Test date is December 1^st and will not be a take home unless circumstances require it. All members will take the test on test date and make-ups at following meeting. Necessary corrections due to failure must be submitted within 1 month of grade received.

            d. Roster/contact info updates made – please email and changes

7. Interpretations – Greg Stoos

a. All rules changes were explained and discussed as per the “Wrestling Meeting Folder 2008-2009”

9. Adjourned 8:30PM – Next meeting Nov. 17 @ 6:30P

Test Meeting Minutes – December 1, 2008

Sweet Home High School Room 601

1. Meeting called to order at 6:43pm by Herman Wooten (President)

2. Assigning Agent – B. Ossont

a. Assignments needed to be filled:

            - JV Tourn. @ Niagara Falls 1/24/09

            - JV Tourn. @ Ken-East 1/31/09

3. Forms: Bring both form X and Injury Reports to all assignments

4. Secretary – Greg Day

a. Green NYS Books passed out

b. Patches available for $1 each (Flag, NYS, Assoc.)

5. Annual Test Administered

6. Adjourned upon completion of test  

Tournament Meeting Minutes – December 15, 2008

Sweet Home High School Room 601

1. Meeting called to order at 6:45pm by Herman Wooten (President)

2. Discussion/Points of Emphasis – Wooten and Body

a. JV officials at dual meets – The Arbiter cannot schedule two officials for the same time. Varsity official should get to the site early in case the JV match is short. Herman will contact Tom Cowan and Assigning agents about the confusion

b. Sequenced starting position – as a group we will allow two verbal warnings prior to cautioning for incorrect start, similar to other improper positioning. Officials should be pro-active by stating “sequence” as the offensive wrestler begins to assume his position

c. Hair covers – must make hair legal, no hair should hang below the cover

d. Mouth Piece – Must cover both top and bottom braces if the exist

e. Hands to face (raking eyes) is illegal in neutral position. If force is excessive it will be called unnecessary roughness

3. Treasurers Report – B. Dowdall

            a. Those who need to pay for jackets must do so ASAP

            b. STWOA Tournament this weekend (Fri/Sat, 12/19-20) at new site (hockey arena)

4. Tournament – B. Dowdall

            a. We are not yet sanctioned by a school district – working with Sweney Sr. at Niagara Wheatfield

            b. Tournament is insured through Marsh USA, inc.

            c. K. Gallagher will take care of production and distribution of evaluation forms – suggestion: ask I. Martinez to encourage coaches to FILL THEM OUT!

            d. Wrist bands will be given to certified coaches only and need to be worn at mat side

            e. Party! – Saturday only at “Papa Joe’s” organized by T. Fike (Friday is BYO)

            f. Schedule:

                        Friday… Weigh-ins @ 11:00-12:30, wrestling @ 1:00

                        Saturday… Weigh-ins @ 7:30- 9:00

            g. Volunteers are needed for weigh-ins on both days. If you can make it, please contact Don Sanderson

5. Adjourned @ 8:05pm

Meeting Minutes – January 5, 2009

Sweet Home High School Room 601

1. Meeting called to order at 6:36pm by Herman Wooten (President)

2. Discussion/Points of Emphasis – H. Wooten

a. When disqualifying a coach (or wrestler), be sure to call the OCF Hotline and fill out the Appendix-F disqualification form. Link at top of page to print form: 

b. Injury reports should be sent to G. Day immediately

c. If you miss an assignment, a Form X will be filed against the association. We would be charged the fee for the event not worked, which will have to pay.

d. When turning back an assignment, give ample notice for the assigner to find a replacement

e. Contract/Fee schedule discussed

f. At tournaments, be sure that corners are taped off for coaches and enforce two in the corner. USC for crossing the taped line while clock runs.

3. Treasurers Report – B. Dowdall

a. Dues and jacket money must be paid ASAP. Names were given. If you are one of them, please pay.

4. Tournament – B. Dowdall

a. Help may be needed to collect money at the door as our usual help is unavailable. If necessary, Wooten, Gallagher, and Lyndaker will cover Friday in that order. More volunteers needed for Saturday. Rao will print a sign. Anyone who owns a cash box, please bring it.

b. Coaches gifts are mugs

c. New officials (all B-officials) will work at the tournament assisted. See Pete Roetzer for instructions.

d. Wrist bands will be given to certified coaches only and need to be worn at mat side

e. Volunteers for weigh-ins on both days have been filled

f. Party! – Saturday only at "Papa Joe’s" organized by T. Fike (Friday is BYO)

g. Schedule:

Friday… Weigh-ins @ 11:00-12:30, wrestling @ 1:00

Saturday… Weigh-ins @ 7:30- 9:00

5. Adjourned @ 7:44pm

Post Tournament Meeting Minutes – January 26, 2009

Sweet Home High School Room 601

1. Meeting called to order at 6:39pm by Damon Evans (Vice President)

2. Discussion/Points of Emphasis – D. Evans

a. Post season assignments posted

b. Class tournaments assigned by region as section wanted to save money on travel expenses

c. Nominees sought for coach and contributor awards

            -Jeff Mye (contributor) – B. Dowdall

            -Jim Lamb (contributor) – D. Evans

d. Election – Please contact G. Day if you want to run for office in 2009

-Vice President office will be vacant

            e. Prospective officials for next season – should we invite them (5) to our banquet?

                        - Roetzer – Yes. We all need to promote officiating and try to bring in people we know.

                         - Hanley – Says we should get them to the meetings immediately to keep them interested/involved prior to summer where they lose interest and never show up at training.

                        - Roetzer – Proposed a second session for new officials mid-season

                        - Tucker – willing to take on role of recruiting. Has ideas such as business cards with contact info.

3. Treasurers/Post Tournament Report – B. Dowdall

            a. Help was low on Friday. Attendance was taken throughout the event. In future it is important that we all show up to help whenever we can.

            b. All but two schools have paid entry fee. Admission (gate) collected approx. $3,700

            c. We now have a tax ID number but not yet tax exempt

            d. A Kenmore East parent (Joe Demsky) offered to help develop a program for future tournaments. Ads can be sold to increase revenue

            e. T. Cinelli and N. Tucker volunteered to work on program for next year.

4. Interpretations – G. Stoos

            a. Behavior of coaches – Can be calmed with proper use of rules. We must enforce misconduct/unsportsmanlike conduct consistently. Set the tone of the match and be assertive. We all need to make the calls so that the coaches are aware that these calls will be made in the future.

            b. When called to the table to meet with a coach, you must instruct the wrestlers to remain in the ten foot circle or be penalized. Meet in front of table, not at side of mat. Speak professionally.

5. Adjourned @ 8:10pm

Post Season Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2009

Sweet Home High School Room 601

1. Meeting called to order at 6:50pm by H. Wooten (President)

  2. Old Business:

a. Post season assignments – Discussion of selection process

b. Selections to work states: Stoos, Hanley, Gallagher

3. Kids/Youth tournaments discussed

            a. Section 6 Championships at Lancaster on Sunday, February 22nd at 9:00am – Pay: $17/hr. (if interested, call Keith Maute 715-1775)

            b. Lockport Tourney was serviced by Section 5 officials

            c. We need to increase our participation in youth wrestling when called upon – good for new officials, we need to “give back” to the sport

  4. Secretaries Report – G. Day

            a. Officials are still needed to work the Ken-Ton tournament this Saturday. They are desperate for 5 more officials. Please contact G. Day if you can be available

            b. Volunteers for table help at states: Roetzer, Wooten, Ossont. Contact G. Day if you want to be added

            c. Banquet date: Monday, March 2^nd, 6:00 cocktail hour – 7:00 dinner

            d. Prospective new officials will be invited to attend last meeting and/or banquet

            e. Next meeting is “Meet the Candidate” yet we have no candidates other than incumbents. Now is the time to step up and get involved. A new vice president is needed. Contact G. Day if interested in any office.

  5. Rules Discussion

            a. Can a 96lb wrestler bump to 112 in a dual meet? – Stoos will get clarification

            b. Should misconduct be called every time you are called to the table without a reversal? – Wooten will contact Stoos.

  6. Adjourned @ 8:00pm

Meet Candidates Meeting Minutes – February 17, 2009

Sweet Home High School Room 601

1. Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by Herman Wooten (President)

2. Meet the Candidates – no one expressed interest in positions.

                    a) Present Executive Committee

                                President ---- Herman Wooten

                                Vice President --Damon Evans (OPEN for 2009-2010)

                                Secretary ------ Greg Day

                                Treasurer ----- Brian Dowdall

                                Member at Large ----- Pete Rao

                    ---- Dave DeYoung

                   -----Adam Hamm (added post meeting)  

Past President ---- Kevin Gallagher

State Interpreter ---- Greg Stoos

Novice Trainer ----- Pete Roetzer

Assigning Agent ---- Bill Ossont

a. Current Committee Members addressed membership regarding their continued roles (Wooten, Dowdall, DeYoung)

          b. Established pre-requisites that candidates must have completed & submitted their test, as well as be current on dues.

                              c. Discussion regarding coach and contributor awards

Motion to table the coach & contributor award for this year – Greg Stoos, 2^nd Steve Klein, 14 for, 3 opposed

3. Welcome to Potential New Officials – Donald Lilly & Jim Craw in attendance, and will be invited to year end banquet

        4. Herm Wooten – Division has asked for donation, (verbally) Motion to authorize same amount as previous year ($150.00) – Dan Hanley,                                2nd -Dave Schnittker

        5. Herm Wooten – Brief discussion/comment regarding contract negotiations & need for NFWOA to be involved.

        6. Confirmed times/rounds for NCCC Friday/Saturday 2/20 & 2/21

        7. Tournament – requirement for all officials to participate on both days. Herman to ask leagues to not schedule other tournaments for that weekend.     Communicate expectation & tournament date at first meeting. Also schedule everyone via Arbiter.

        8. Recruitment

            a. document created, distributed at Section VI & CHSAA tournaments

                                b. document available on website    

c. N. Tucker to work with Harvey to create a website form for those interesting in becoming officials

        9. Commitment – detailed discussion regarding how to hold members accountable

                            a. Motion to table discussion – Greg Stoos, 2^nd Rob Higgins.

        10. Adjourned @ 7:52 pm Dan Hanley, 2^nd Greg Stoos

                Attendees 2.17/09 Meeting           

Banquet Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2009

Old Red Mill

1. Meeting called to order at 7:18 pm by H. Wooten (President)

a. Congrats on a fine job to those who worked the states (Stoos, Hanley, Gallagher) 

2. H. Lyndaker

            a. Needs updates on officials resumes – Form passed out 

            b. Needs pictures from the states

3. State Association Meeting – G. Stoos

            a. Lawsuits have become a growing problem throughout officials organizations throughout the state. Insurance carries a $15,000 deductible

            b. Lou Petinelli suggests a one time collection of $5.00 per official from all sports to build a pool of $75,000 to cover deductibles

            c. There was high praise from coaches throughout the state for our officials

4. Elections – G. Day

            a. New candidates were given a chance to address the body regarding their candidacy (Hanley, Wooten – Pres., Cinelli, Baumann – VP, Hamm – M@L)

            b. Ballots distributed and collected – counted by Gallagher and Stoos

5. Dinner Served

6. Election Results:

            President:         Dan Hanley

            Vice Pres:     Mike Baumann

            Secretary:        Greg Day

            Treasurer:        Brian Dowdall

            Members:         Adam Hamm, Dave DeYoung

7. Presidential address – D. Hanley

            a. Appointees:             Interpreter - G. Stoos

                                                Assigner - B. Ossont

                                                Novice Trainer – P. Roetzer

            b. Request from the body to rate officials and email to G. Day to be used in end of year rankings

            c. Executive committee called to brief meeting – Exec Comm. Meeting date set for March 11.

8. Adjourned