Mafo Changes 2009

Ideas/Suggestions/Concerns (discussed at July 2009 meeting) Attendance: Shawn Kimball, Allan Snell, Ralph Damren, Andy Constantine, Tim Kenney, Mark Legasse, Rich Vancil, Morris Lee (Thanks to these people for giving an evening to support this effort!) * 2-3 on-field mechanics sessions o a full session without players: using a group/stations approach o a session with players with more teaching and learning than our scrimmages offer o 2-4 scheduled informal meetings in the bleachers or on sidelines at games (ie. Sat. night

game when there aren't a lot of other games going on) + veterans, newbies, and prospective officials watching, discussing, teaching, learning + attendance at one of these sessions = one classroom meeting o State Interpreter's meeting (or regular meeting followed directly by on-field mechanics * Classroom meetings o fewer (because we will add field sessions) o greater/expanded use of technology + Potential for online meetings, learning activities, etc. + Improved communication and sharing of resources (email, Arbiter notes) o President or executive committee member report at beginning of each meeting (keep focus,

reminders, share expectations) o Continued practice of Secretary, Treasurer, Assigner reports as needed at each meeting o greater focus on mechanics (NF manual; keys, 4 & 5-person crews; o "10-minute Tips" presentation by a member during each meeting + bean bag use, + designating/marking the spot, + forward progress, + ball-handling procedures, + signal use, + communication, + Procedure for clearing sidelines after a score, + Consistency signaling down while setting ball, + substitution coverage, + dead ball positioning, + fumble procedures, + goal line teamwork, + etc. * Adjustments to Prospective Official Procedures/Expectations o youth football watching & working (find games for prospective officials to work with veterans) o prospective officials required to work 3-4 sub-varsity games (without pay) + This creates a 4-person crew where a new official can learn duties before their first varsity

game + Suggestion: Prospective official watches a veteran serving as head linesman for their

very first quarter. o prospective officials work on chain gang at sub-varsity game(s) -- potential for pay?! o off-season meetings for prospective officials directed by Executive Committee

* General Stuff: o increased use of technology for teaching and learning (blog, online portal--SOLC Moodle) o Discuss and learn a common system for the 3-person officiating system for sub-varsity

games o More consistency with signals, bean bag use, uniforms (coat patches ?) o define/prioritize the duties of each official in the 4- or 5-person system o create help sheets (handouts) organized by position/situations (Allan & Shawn working on

this!) submitted July 2009 Shawn Kimball, President [email protected]