Metro Area Report

The 2006-7 basketball officiating season has been quite successful here in Metro for our officials despite a few incidents which brought about extra attention due to responses of others from outside of our organization.  We had approximately 40 new candidates take part in our new official’s course and about 35 of those went on to officiate.  Some of these individuals came to us with much experience with the game and are showing strong potential to go on to become top notch officials.  While we had a limited number of officials who applied to work NSSAF provincials, 80% of those who applied received assignments with a few others being offered assignments but they were ultimately unable to attend.  Once there our officials preformed well with at least one metro official being involved in at least 3 out of the 8 championship games.  Congratulations to Calvin Headley who worked the Div 1 Boys Provincial Final, to Ryan Lutes who worked the Div 1 Girls Final and to Dave McGratton who worked the Div 2 Boys Final.  (My apologies to any others I may have missed).  Two of our officials were also successful in receiving their first positive evaluations towards their Level 2.  Likewise, metro officials received 10 other post-season assignments at higher levels and with 7 of these assignments, the officials in question went on to receive either bronze or gold medal game assignments.  Special congratulations go out Jon Hunt for being selected to the AUS Men’s final, to Paul Hanson for selection to the AUS Women’s final and the CIS Women’s Bronze medal game, to Manny States for being selected to the ACAA Women’s final, and to Dave McGratton for being selected for the gold medal game for both the ACAA and CCAA Men’s Championship.  I was deeply honoured to be selected to the CCAA Men’s Bronze Medal game and wish to thank the many of my officiating colleagues who supported me in reaching this level. 

This year also marked the beginning of a new mandatory evaluation program for all Level 1 officials and above not already being evaluated at the AUS/ACAA level.  This proved to be a valuable experience in many ways.  Approximately 38 out of a potential 41 evaluations were completed (a few only officiated a little or took a leave of absence) and a heart felt thanks goes out to all of our evaluators and to Jon Hunt for coordinating what has proved to be an invaluable program.  Virtually almost all officials evaluated, ranging from the least experienced to some of our most senior veterans, stated they found the evaluations beneficial and they learned something from them that they could use to improve their game.  Additionally, when concerns were raised on a few occasions we were now able to say that officials did indeed receive feedback on their performance and what they needed to work on to continually upgrade their game at whatever level they wish to work at.  We now must go on to ensure that this information is utilized to identify those with potential to go on to work at our highest levels and that processes are put in place to see that this valuable information is also consistently taken into account when making decisions in a variety of venues such as provincially-based post-season assignments.  Also through Ken Fells who organized our mentor program for new officials and Don Laviolette who ran our evaluation program for those who officiate at the minor level, input on what officials are doing well and on the key things that individuals should  work on is being provided.  I am pleased to say that this year I even received 8 formal written evaluations from mentors although only a brief synopsis was requested.  Thus it now appears that we have in place programs that will provide officials with feedback on their performance regardless of what level they may work at.  It is only through programs such as these that we can continue to grow as officials as the game grows and keep on offering our clients the high quality officiating they deserve and expect.

While overall the year has been positive, unfortunately the problem with significantly inappropriate unsporting behavior continues to escalate.  This year, as the Metro Area Supervisor, I dealt with no less than 37 incidents of player, coach and/or fan ejections, 7 complaints as to the perceived quality of officiating and 5 concerning reported unprofessional behavior by officials.  The number of issues related to officials is significantly small when it is considered that literally thousands of games are officiated in metro during the year.  Regardless of how small the number, all officials are reminded that we are all under more scrutiny than ever and we must be sure to do all aspects of the job that we are required to do while still maintaining the most professional approach possible both on and off the court.  The player, coach and fan incidents were generally dealt with to the satisfaction of our Board although reciprocal agreements regarding discipline for the different leagues we deal with would make this much easier.  Also we may need to work with our partners towards more consistency for some in the level of various penalties imposed by different levels of administration but all within the same level of play.  Finally, all the complaints regarding officials that were brought forward by the appropriate individuals were investigated.  Feedback on performance was provided to some where appropriate.  Others proved to be unfounded or unverifiable.  Three of the five incidents regarding unprofessional behavior did prove to have merit although two were comments made with the best of intentions but poorly chosen words.  Officials were counseled in how to better handle such situations in the future.  One official was given a verbal warning regarding tardiness.

I also handled or passed on to the appropriate individuals a number of concerns regarding some of our Board’s internal processes.  There is a wide variety of opinions on many topics within our Metro Board and it is certainly challenging to be able to incorporate all of these into our day-to-day operations.  Regardless it is the job of any administration to at least consider these varying points of view.  While recognizing that those involved in our Board’s administration put in many long volunteer hours, I do think we can learn from some of these comments how we can continue to improve our operations.  That being said, I encourage those with concerns to not only bring them forth at appropriate venues but to also suggest alternatives for consideration and to offer to become involved in the administration of those solutions.  It is only through working together that we can continue to grow and advance for the betterment of the game and all involved.

Respectfully submitted,

Greg Parsons