In my first year as ACAA league commissioner, I must say that, although at times it was a little hectic, overall it was very enjoyable and challenging.  I see now what Reg meant when he said about the assigning process being very demanding. As in any job, trying to keep everyone happy is virtually impossible, but I do hope that I was fair and that everyone can't have "the big game".. I was onsite at each venue at least twice during the year and with the exception of a couple, I saw all officials work at least two ball games. I had pre-game and post game conferences with the officials and hopefully some of the things we discussed were helpful. I contacted the group as a whole through email asking if they would like some feedback from me on what I observed and I did have some response. 

There were three missed assignments that called for action through our disciplinary committee under our Code of Conduct and were appropriately handled. Also had a coach's game report regarding one of our officials that I handled in consultation with the league convenors, and a letter concerning negativity towards the assigner was sent to one of our officials by our diciplinary chairperson, Al  King.  The project of having game reports sent to the assigner by the crew chief or head referee in the women's games, I feel was a great idea and very helpful in most cases. In some cases I did not receive all reports and this is something that needs to be stressed from here on in if this concept is to continue. 

I would also recommend that NSBO purchase a video camera for use by any area representative, assigner. or evaluator that feels a need to help in the development of our officials, especially the up and coming new people.. This camera should be kept in the hands of our provincial evaluator and only loaned out through him.  I also would like to see the number of  officials working league games be cut back by at least 6 from the 36 that officiated this past season. Perhaps this could be broken down into a set number with a reserve on hand, in case of last minute changes, which certainly do happen.  The Letter of Agreement with the ACAA and NSBO, is being renewed and our supervisor, Reg Caulfield, will have a report on this matter. 

And finally, I would like to thank a few people who helped me along during the year. President Sam McNeish and VP, Al King for your   guidance in the disciplinary issues, Reg Jewkes for your assistance in evaluating, and a very special thanks to Paul Hanson, who kept the financial matters on a straight path and seen that everyone was looked after in a timely fashion with their game fees.  I would certainly like to continue with this position, if the board so desires, as I feel I can give back to this association and its members what it has given me for these past 37 years.

I would also like to congratulate the following officials who were selected to work the ACAA playoffs: Paul Hanson, Wendell Skier, Sam McNeish, Peter Caulfield, Chris Ross, and Dave McGrattan. They all did an excellent job and most certainly don't have to take a back seat to any officials from other provinces. And a double congrats to Paul for his selection to the CCAA men's nationals at Sheriden College in Ontario where he worked the bronze medal game.

Submitted,

Keith Finck