SAN DIEGO COUNTY FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION, INC.

A Federal Non Profit Tax Exempt Corporation

The Weekly Bull – 8/26/09

Tonight:

1. Attendance & Re-registration - Registration Papers – correct info as necessary – Sign and date towards bottom – Return in envelope

2. Announcements

3. Food For Thought

4. Video #3

5. Rules Test – Passing Score will be 70 correct!

6. Adjourn 8:30 

Announcements:

1. Ratings procedures for 2009…same as before BUT there is a major, but easy change to the filling out of the football evaluation form.  The BEST score is now a seven (7) and the LOW score is now a one (1).  This is exactly opposite from previous years. This will allow the association to follow the Arbiter system. All evaluations will now require comments for a score of 3, 2, or 1 for performance that is below expectations.

2. In an effort to discourage the practice of arbitrarily blocking Saturday youth football games, the Board approved the following revision to the association's Assignment Policies and Procedures:

"All probationary, transfer, additional and certified officials are expected to be available to officiate youth football games.  Failure to do so may result in an official being declared ineligible to be assigned to any playoff games during the current season."  "Members not satisfactorily participating in the officiating of youth football games during the current season (excludes spring and summer leagues) may be declared ineligible to be assigned to any playoff games during the current season.  The Assignment Secretary shall prepare a list of these members and present it to the Board by November 1.  The named officials will be notified and will be required to submit a letter to the Board explaining why he or she could not satisfactorily participate in the officiating of youth football games.  The Board will then decide if the official's playoff assignment privilege should be reinstated."

3. State Championship Bowl Game nominations from the SDCFOA – Congratulations to Chris Wiggins (ref), Gene Beck (ump), Brad Yosick and Jeff Phillips (flanks) and Jason Floquet (BJ). Last year we had four great officials working these State Championships, good luck to this year’s nominees.  We will know the State’s decision in December.

4. Next meeting will be legendary SD high school coaches presenting the latest in techniques and coaching philosophies to our position break out groups. You won’t want to miss this!

Jason Texler (O line coach & past Helix O coordinator) with the Umpires

Jim Arniz and Donnie VanHook – Former Helix head coaches – flanks and BJs

John Shacklett – former Morse head coach – referees

5. Coaches Cards are now available for download. Thank you Gene Beck for developing this new communication device.  Go to SDCFOA website and look under Educational Resources and then look under Mechanics.  Just follow the directions on the card!  Remember, coaches and the association will now communicate with email, not the “old” coaches card.

6. As our current season get underway, we want to introduce the the San Diego Youth Football Fund, sdyouthfootballfund.org, to our new members. This charitable effort was formed by the members of the SDCFOA as a way to give back to the sport and support student-athletes and their families in times of crisis.  Over the years we have donated thousands of dollars to support student-athletes who have been injured or suffered catastrophic accidents during the football season.  Members can assist the Fund by;

    1. Game Check Weekend - October 8, 9 and 10 - donate a game check to the Fund.

    2. Annual Golf Tournament - November 18 - Coronado Course, cost $100, reserve your spot

    3. Oil Change Program - a $40 contribution will provide 3 oil changes from SD dealers. 

   Your Fund needs your help!  Contact Jake Minger - Thank you for continuing support.  This is the best officials association in the USA. - Jake

Food For Thought:

1. No cutting in shotgun – just a reminder

2. Please review Rules 8-2-2 and 8-2-3. Then please review New Rule 8-2-4 –  with this new rule, please clear up any confusion you may have about “either team” which includes a foul by A….where, if accepted, A may be kicking off from the 25!

3. Everyone pick up and relays signals…especially “stop the clock.” Start the season with good habits and you will reap the benefits later.

4. Whistle control. Inadvertent whistles generally happen early in the season and late in the season.  Don’t let it happen.  See the ball, in possession, and down….. or don’t blow your whistle.  Don’t guess!  Don’t anticipate!

5. Eye shields - a doctor's note does not supersede the rule regarding tinted or reflective eye shields. All eye shields must be clear and permit 100% (no tint) allowable light transmission.

6. Adornment – get it off early…scrimmage (inform) 1^st game (enforce in pre-game). Then keep enforcing.  Some things to consider:

   1. Spats – if they are to protect and injury, then they are OK (ruling from CA rules interpreter). In other words, don’t bother.

   2. Wrist bands – worn at the wrist…not skinny ones worn at the bicep. Never worn around the neck or legs.

   3. No jewelry.

   4. No Livestrong-type bracelets – could be dangerous.

   5. No words on towels or facemasks or heavily taped facemasks. All just adornment.

7. Illegal equipment – rule of thumb – unless you know the rule and know that it is illegal, let it go and check with me the next day. Don’t guess or suspect that “it must be illegal.”  If you are not sure of the rule….don’t guess.  In other words…..KN0W THE RULES!  USE GOOD JUDGEMENT IN ENFORCING THEM.

8. The 4^th offering of the NFHS Officials Education Program Website - FOOTBALL, is now ready for viewing. You can access the new site by clicking on the link below or by going to the Officials Education link on the NFHS home page. http://www.nfhs.org/web/2006/08/officials_education.aspx

Note: This link will be changing soon when the NFHS launches its new Website.