OAOA State FB Committee – 11/14/06

Opening & Welcome:

The OAOA State FB Committee met via teleconference on 11/14/06. The meeting was called to order and everyone welcomed by Chair John Graham at 7:00 pm.

Attendance:

Representative - Present: Mike Whitty-Lane, Bob McFadden-Mid Columbia, Kevin Hatfield-Portland, Rick Booth-Corvallis, Craig Storm-SW Oregon, Todd Barnes-N.Coast, Alex Zarganes-Central Oregon, John Campbell-Rogue Valley, Roy Palmer, Douglas Cty., Neil Cooper, NE Oregon, Jack Folliard, OAOA, Clark Sanders, SRI and Brad Garrett, OSAA.

Representative - Absent: Salem – Ken Woods, Salem, Bob Rose, Lower Columbia and Jack Jones, Malheur, Mark Petersen, Blue Mtn. & Scott Coe, Klamath Falls.

OAOA/OSAA – Reports:

Jack Folliard gave a brief update on OAOA activities which include a proposal to limit coach contact with the media re criticism of officials, an on-going dialogue with the OADA and OACA over one 45 point rule, and criteria for playoff officials.

Brad Garrett reported on OSAA activities. Brad has received few complaints this football season and overall, felt the season has been an outstanding one. Brad noted that he has sent all Commissioners a copy of a 5 year matrix for final and semi-final games. Brad suggested that the new classification system has created a larger number of quality games and that the assignment of associations to these games was done by a numerical formula, which was also provided to the Commissioners.

Brad also reported that the semis at all classifications would be played on an artificial surface. Noted that the small school final games and the large school semis are on the same weekend. Brad stated that the OSAA was working with Chambers Television to telecast the small school final games on 12/2, and that the large school finals on 12/9 will be telecast by Fox Sports.

Todd Barnes asked why the North Coast association had the same allotment of playoff games as last year when there were more overall games. Brad talked Todd through the assignment process, restating the formula that was used.

Bob McFadden also questioned the selection process, noting that without some type of “carrot,” to look forward to, his association, Mid-Columbia might loose officials.

Brad stated he was not opposed to looking at a new way to assign final games, but all associations would have to buy in to any new process.

A Playoff and Championship Assignment subcommittee was created to look at possible alternative selection processes. Committee members will be: Whitty, Chair; Palmer, McFadden, Barnes and Hatfield.

Brad noted support for a universal 45 point rule and stated that the OSAA and the OAOA were continuing to work with the AD’s to standardize the current rule. One alternative might be to propose an experimental rule for next season. Kevin Hatfield volunteered to draft a proposed universal 45 point rule.

Jack reviewed the history of the OCEP/ASEP training program for officials noting that the details and requirements were posted on the OAOA website and summarized in the OAOA flyer stuffed into each individual’s sport packet.

Clinics that could be certified to meet the OCEP requirements were discussed. OAOA will still be involved with the U of O camp/clinic in July, but the Thursday day will always cause some hardship for officials due to work, etc. Neil Cooper of the NE Oregon association offered to host a clinic in the spring in LaGrande. Neil has been in touch with folks at Eastern Oregon College and they will let us use their facilities. Other possible clinic sites might be in Medford, in Astoria in conjunction with a camp run by the Colton HS coach, and in Gold Beach as a part of a large football camp in that area.

A Clinic and Training subcommittee was created to look into possible clinic sites and training agendas. Committee members will be: Zarganes, Chair; McFadden, Storm, Cooper and Woods.

John briefly reviewed the OAOA Playoff Criteria proposal.

Clark reviewed the current FG/PAT mechanic which was new for 2006. Most associations are happy with the current mechanic. There appears to be little interest in looking at an alternative mechanic which would have the Umpire under the goalpost with the Back Judge.

Clark reminded the Committee to submit any outstanding Defensive Score on a Try incidents as these statistics will be complied as a part of the presentation to the NFHS Football Rules Committee in January, when, hopefully, the Oregon experimental rule will become a national rule. Regardless, this rule will continue in Oregon in overtime as state associations can create their own overtime procedure and the defensive score concept has the support of the OSAA.

John reminded the committee that the opportunity for experimental rules stimulates new ideas. While every new idea won’t become an experimental rule, folks are encouraged to submit their thoughts to the committee for consideration.

Clark reviewed the OAOA awards and recognition program. Nominations are being sought for State Official of the Year in football. Also, associations can nominate themselves for Association of the Year recognition. Details and forms are on the OAOA website.

John reviewed a recruiting promo produced by a local television station in the Medford area. Depending on who owns the rights to this tape, copies might be made and circulated to other areas of the state to assist in recruiting officials. Clark mentioned that the OSAA will be doing recruiting PSAs during the radio and television broadcasts of upcoming championship contests.

A Recruitment subcommittee was formed consisting of: Whitty, Chair; Cooper; Hatfield; Coe and Palmer.

Todd Barnes noted a problem in his area where coaches are 8-10 yards onto the field to call plays. Mike Whitty explained how Lane County dealt with the same issue. The head coach is told pregame that he can go out 1 yard onto the field to call a play. Beyond that, it’s a sideline warning or a flag. Seems to be working well in the Eugene area.

Good of the Order:

All representatives were asked for their final meeting comments.

Following closing comments the teleconference was terminated at 8:58:37.

Next Meeting: TBA