Provincial Supervisor's Report - May 2007

OPENING REMARKS:

This past year we took action on a number of outstanding issues, made progress in a number of critical areas and have made great strides in improving our working relationship with our partners.  The most important challenge facing NSBO in the immediate future will be educating our officials so they can be the best they can be.   It is imperative that all members be active participants in the ongoing education of our officials.  We need to adopt a “continuous learning” approach and take an interest in our own personal development so we can maintain a high level of competence and standards at the provincial and national level.

CONTRACTS:

We presently have signed contracts with all our clients; however. we need to begin negotiations with the AUS in order to ensure we have a contract in place prior to the beginning of season 2008-2009. 

CONTRACT – AUS PLAY-OFFS:

The Atlantic Provinces’ 4-year agreement (currently in its 3^rd year) has presented many obstacles and forced Nova Scotia to take a lead role by sending a female official to the AUS Women’s play-offs held in Halifax as no other province had a qualified female to send.  This did not sit well with the AUS; nonetheless, Nova Scotia’s representative, Mary Alice Butts, did a commendable job.  I am certain that we have not heard the end of our lack of compliance.

PARTNERSHIPS

Basketball Nova Scotia:

The working relationship between NSBO and Basketball Nova Scotia continues to be very positive.  The Executive Director, Don Ehler was very pleased with the increased communication between his office and our executive, recruiting and development of officials and the management of BNS sanctioned games/tournaments.  One area Mr. Ehler would like to see BNS improve on is having site managers in place to assist NSBO in the management of Fan Abuse Protocol.   In order to improve the disciplinary process we need to improve on the quality of our incident reports and timeliness of their submission to the proper authorities.  BNS sponsored a coaching summit last fall and one of the sessions was on “officiating” which was delivered by Roger Caulfield.  The workshop was a huge success and BNS would like to continue with this endeavor.  It appears that there will be additional money available for the development of officiating in all sports and NSBO will have an opportunity to apply for funding.  All applications must be submitted by September 1, 2007.  This professional development money has been allocated to support long term athlete development and officiating has been determined as an important element in sports development.   In the most recent contract between NSBO and BNS, there is mention of professional development funding available to our officials if a proposal is submitted.

ACAA:

A number of meetings have been held with the ACAA to finalize a two-year contract and to discuss selections and assignments.    Both Neil Hooper and Judy Smith have voiced their displeasure during the year concerning their perceived lack of input in our selection/assignment process.   In the end, we agreed to disagree however we have maintained open communications and will be working hard to ensure all parties are satisfied with the end results.   The CCAA Men’s Nationals which were moved to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so they would not interfere with the CIS were well attended and the change proved to be a good decision.   This coming season, Truro will be hosting the CCAA Women’s Nationals.

NSSAF:

Over the past year, NSBO Executive members have met with Mr. Tom Fahie, the Executive Director of NSSAF, on numerous occasions to resolve issues.   It has become very clear that there are many protocols that need to be followed by NSSAF and if NSBO wants to invoke any changes, it will require planning, timely submissions and comprehensive reports. 

CABO/CANADA BASKETBALL:

I was recently notified that Mr. Fred Nykamp has announced his resignation as the CEO and Executive Director of Canada Basketball.  He will be taking up a similar position with Soccer Canada.  We will know more on this subject following this week’s Canada Basketball’s AGM meeting.  CABO is presently negotiating a new agreement which has not been signed off as there are numerous issues yet to be resolved.  The selection of national assignments to international competitions is one of the many issues that remain unresolved.   

CABO CAMP SCHOLARSHIP – FUNDING FOR OFFICIALS:

Each province has been allotted $500 by CABO towards Camp Scholarships.  Officials should take advantage of this opportunity.  Interested officials should submit their name to their Area Supervisor who in turn will submit names to the President for final selection (deadline May 31, 2007).  

LEVEL II CERTIFICATION:

Congratulations to Jeff Starrett and Darren Dahl on being certified as a Level II officials.   They have fulfilled their responsibilities and are encouraged to actively seek out opportunities at the next level of officiating.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Note:  All selections were made using the new structure that was approved at last year’s AGM.  

Congratulations to the following officials on their success at their respective provincial and national tournament:

SUMMER TOURNAMENTS:

The Midget and Juvenile Boys tournament will be in Sherbrooke QC running from the evening of August 8 until August 14. The Midget and Juvenile Girls tournament will be in Vancouver BC running from August 14 – 18.

Nova Scotia has been allocated 2 assignments for the Midget and Juvenile Boys Tournament in Sherbrooke, Quebec.   Officials selected for this assignment must be registered as a Be One Member.

CLOSING REMARKS:

I would like to take this opportunity to praise the efforts of all Executive Members and thank them for their tireless work. 

Unfortunately, we will be loosing a valuable member of our Executive as Mr. Sam McNeish has decided not to re-offer as our President.   We wish our friend Sam good luck in his future endeavors.  We value his leadership and recognize his many accomplishments as President of NSBO.

R. J. Caulfield

Provincial Supervisor

Province of Nova Scotia