President’s Message
On behalf of the board, I welcome you to the 2004 season and look forward to another banner year. Your 2004 ranking based on ratings submitted by your peers was compiled accurately and ethically by Bert Michalczyk. This was accomplished more expeditiously this year thanks to the electronic submission system set up by Dave Jurkiewicz. Kudos to Bert, Dave and all those involved for a job well done.
This will be the only newsletter mailed. Subsequent editions will be posted periodically at www.ccfoa.com, as done the past two years. If you lack e-mail/internet access, it is your obligation to notify either Dan Leary or Dave Jurkiewicz, so a copy may be mailed to you. This allows costs to be minimized and provides a timely and convenient forum for information dissemination. Additionally, the board has elected to retain the dues structure at $75 for returning members and $100 for new officials (includes a $25 refundable bond).
During this off-season I encourage you to stay "game ready" both physically and mentally. Stay in shape and lose those holiday pounds; set a goal and really go after it. Keep your nose in the rulebooks, especially the game situations in the case book; stay current with Referee magazine. John Nardi and I plan to arrange some off-season meetings to review rules and 5-man mechanics. I also want to establish a mentor program, where an interested veteran official will work with a first or second year official.
Lastly, I am planning a golf tournament for sometime this spring. I'll be sending an email with more details. Feel free to contact me (phone or e-mail) if you have questions or concerns. Here's to a great year!
Brett Marshall, President
Assigning Secretary's Message
In order to prepare for the 2003 football season, please complete the enclosed availability sheet (See Link Below), and return it to PO BOX 664, Martinez, CA 94553 no later than July 1, 2004. I realize that you may not know your complete schedule in advance. Nevertheless, include what you believe to be your availability as of now. You may also complete the form at www.ccfoa.com. I need to know if you are planning to work in 2003. So, please make certain that you answer that question at the top of your availability sheet. If you subsequently become aware of further unavailable dates, please fax (707 554-1798), mail (address above) or call them into me (707 554-1797) ASAP.
Brett and I submitted contract proposals to the leagues. Negotiations are progressing well. However, due to tight budgets, there probably won’t be a raise in fees until the final year of the contract. A $4 increase is expected at that time.
Dave Cutaia, Assigning Secretary
2002 Game Fees
High school game fees for 2004 will most likely remain the same at each level. Youth fees have not been determined.
2002 Meeting Dates
All meetings will be held at Walnut Creek Intermediate School 2425 Walnut Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA
Scrimmages
You must save weekends at the end of August and the beginning of September for scrimmage duty. Scrimmages must be considered the same as a regular assignment.
Insurance
All members are required to maintain medical coverage and personal liability insurance such as is available through the National Federation or through a membership in NASO.
Remit Dues
You may receive rule books now by sending a $75 check to:
CCFOA
1020 Briones Rd.
Martinez, CA 94553
Fines
Missing any meeting will again result in a $25.00 fine. No excuses will be accepted. This includes the entire meeting. Further, missing a game will result in a game fee forfeiture
New Members Meetings
1st-year CCFOA members should consult (www.ccfoa.com) often regarding exact dates of mandatory orientation meetings.
Tenative dates:
FHS Rules/Mechanics Changes -- 2004
The NFHS Football Rules Committee made no major changes for 2004. Among the minor modifications enacted is one concerning timeouts. Head coaches may now request a timeout, and more than 11 players may participate in conferences that occur in front of the team box during timeouts. A full text of this change and several others may be viewed beginning on Page 68 of the April issue of Referee Magazine.
Also, in the same publication, on page 74 there are diagrams and explanations of suggested new mechanics for punts and free kicks.
Ratings