Information Update 3/29/25

SDCFOA Information Update - Steve Coover - March 29, 2025
Just some updates from the March 26th Board meeting:

Youth Football Committee Report – Bob Duggan reported that Pop Warner football continues to grow, and AYF continues to decline. Overall, youth football had a very good year, and youth Flag football continues to grow. Mr. Duggan will continue to ensure that our less experienced officials work as much as possible to gain those much-needed snaps. Youth officials’ fees will again increase for the upcoming season. It was reported that incidents at youth games have significantly declined with the assistance of the Youth football organizations. Incidents that have occurred usually are when teams from out of town come to play.

Constitution & By-Laws Revisions to Categories of Membership– The board is revising the categories of membership to consolidate some un-needed, and repetitive levels. The board gave the committee some feedback which will lead to further refinement in preparation for board approval in April or May and an Association vote at our general meeting on July 9th.

Report On Certified Attendance - A list of officials requesting waivers was presented, and the board granted a one-year waiver to all who were active on the list for not meeting the Association requirements. Overall, our Association attendance was outstanding in 2024.

Auditor: Financial Audit report – Each year the board obtains an audit of the financials for the year. The audit was conducted and the report accepted by the board. All was found to be in good order.

Schedules, Scrimmages and Passing Tournaments - Mr. Ables noted that coaches were now beginning to provide schedules for the 2025 season. He is spending time with new coaches on the use of arbiter. There is an additional 7on 7 contest in July at Palomar college and anyone who is interested should contact John Fowler who has volunteered to be the Official in Charge for the Palomar tournament.

Update on New Shirts - A short update was provided to the board. The new Smitty’s shirt will be available soon via Bob Hood or Ump-Attire.com. Ordering will begin later in April. An announcement will be provided when sales begin.

Contract Update – The board is conducting surveys of raises provided to other sections this year. Our contract runs through the 2025 season, so our negotiator, Matt Starr, will begin discussions in July for the 2026-2028 seasons.

Crew Chief Selection Committee Report - Ted. Schiess presented the committee’s list of new crew chiefs (Terry Bernard, David Collins, John Downing) plus a tentative list of additional crew chiefs, a list of three Supplemental Crew Chiefs, and finally seven additional Developmental Crew Chiefs. The board accepted the recommendations of the committee and approved the list as presented. The final list of crew chiefs will be made permanent at the May 21st Board Meeting. The total number of crews will be determined based upon the number of officials available for the draft. The board hopes to expand the number of crews beyond the twenty-seven we created for the 2024 season.