AUS Women’s Commissioner’s Report  

Respectfully Submitted: Ted Wallace                             April, 2004

This year was another highly competitive season in the AUS women’s competition that required that we arrive at every venue focused on the job at hand, expecting the unexpected. In general, board members were extremely professional and deserve praise for the consistent performance and obvious efforts to provide a superior service.

In my assignment decision making and evaluation process, I obtained information several ways. Although there were more conflicts with men’s tournaments and games this year, I was happy to get out to countless games for personal observation. When that was not possible, I relied on input from other senior officials, video tape, coaches and observing board officials in games other than AUS contests.

The number of new officials and officials returning from leave this year was six.

These new officials received from four to six games this year which I think is a considerable infusion of “new blood” and opportunity on the board. In perspective, a number of senior officials received seven to eight assignments. One official, who performed well this year and was fortunate enough to be available when several assignments opened up, received ten assignments. Often availability can be a key factor in obtaining assignments. 

Jon Hunt selected for AUS finals and CIS tournament as he, in my mind, provided the most consistent officiating in women’s games this year. In the AUS tournament, he was clearly the strongest official on the floor and the report I received from his CIS evaluator was that his performance at that tournament was very steady as well. Congratulations John!  

Unfortunately this year we had a missed assignment and a couple of near misses which were a result of communication misunderstandings. Although I request outdates to try to accommodate individual needs, there were no less than ten assignment changes requested in the second half block this year. Communications with email saves us costs, is efficient and quick, however, we need a strict procedure of confirmation of receiving assignments and notification of assignor regarding giving up assignments. This will be laid out at the beginning of next year to ensure no future mishaps occur.

Performance on the floor this year was consistent for the most part. There were a couple of areas which I emphasized and re-emphasized, notably controlling post play, high elbows and moving screens, that could have been addressed more thoroughly. Coaches expressed concern over these aspects of the game late into the season. That being said, it is important to note that overall the coach’s feedback on the year’s performance in Nova Scotia was extremely positive. They were offered an opportunity for written feedback on all officials at the conclusion of the season and reports were very encouraging as to the product we’re offering.   

As AUS negotiations chair, I would like to inform you that members Alan King, Wendall Skeir and I have discussed many potential issues and compiled considerable feedback from the membership regarding the next contract. We have forwarded a list of over twenty-five issues to the executive members and asked that they prioritize them to assist us in creating an asking package for the negotiations table. Following their spring meeting, the AUS athletic directors have informed us that they are in the process of formulating their negotiations committee. To date, however, they have not contacted us with a date to forward our mutual asking packages. At this point, we likely will have to take the initiative and arrange negotiations meetings through the men’s and women’s AUS representatives.  

Next year could be a challenging one, especially if we move into the three person system for the women. If accepted, the Athletic Directors and women’s coaches will be paying close attention to our performance. All board members will have to devote themselves to reviewing in detail the mechanics unique to the University Women’s “no handle” game.