Official Obsessions . . . Spring 2002

  Greetings Officials:

The 2001-02 Arizona Region competition season is running smoothly along.  We acquired Doug’s services to organize and implement the new ‘Region Trainer’ position, and I believe the modifications made to the clinic structure and process were beneficial to clubs, coaches, and players alike.  We’ve found an effective teaching method as well as identifying some critical training issues we’ll need to address in coming seasons to make our efforts even more effective! 

In terms of our officiating and facilitating at the boys, girls, and adult tournaments, we’ve had a fine few months with only a couple of snags in the line.  The core of committed officials continues to grow each year.  This makes my job as AZ Chair, and that of the Team Leaders even easier.  Jerry Moews has contributed his expertise to develop a set of officials Team ‘web pages’ to assist with the availability and assigning of officials.  It’s been a great help already and plans for refinement are in the works.  Won’t be long before all I’ll have left to do is GOLF!    :)   :)

Here are a issues and items of interest that have been addressed or discussed during the past few months.

® Reffing vs Facilitating . . . what are we doing?  First on the list is “Keep  it moving!”  We’re making sure the tourneys flow.  You should be R1 on the “stay or move” matches. The creative new competitive girl’s format that has a ‘shared’ reffing element. We’ve dealt with this in a variety of ways at the different sites.  Your job is to get the two coaches to agree to a method of shared reffing that will cover the 2 or possibly 3 games.  Don’t let the coaches slide from their responsibilities of scorekeeper table supervision or help with the R1 as necessary.

® ABVO: For members, election nominations are in your officials mailing and must  be to Bev by the deadline.  If you’ve been around for a while, it might be time to step up and run for one of the director positions.  The registration for 2002 needs to be in to Bev by May 15 so that she can send them to Susie by the 1st of June as prescribed in the PAVO Bylaws.  Our primary focus is always the enhancement of professionalism, advancement opportunities, and development of our skills.

® Team Leaders and Officials . . . As I mentioned previously, Jerry’s worked diligently to make our coverage and assignment process more efficient, so stay tuned to the officials area pages on the website for updates in the weekly assignments.  There are often some adjustments that need to be made in geographic coverages.  Please don’t take the moves personally!

® On the candidate front: - We have Ed Vasquez and Earl Capps heading to the NIRSA Club Championships for National Referee Candidacy.  Matt Larsen and Dale Obermeyer have been accepted to the Far Western Qualifier as Junior National Referee Candidates, and Juli Nuttall is going to USAV Open Nationals as our National Scorekeeper Candidate.  Best of luck to all!

Another brief reminder to monitor and address inappropriate behavior by parents, fans, players, or coaches with the help of your Site Director.  Please complete a detailed ‘Match Comment Form’ so that we can follow up on your reports.

OK, let’s work hard to facilitate [pun intended . . .  :)    :) ] an expeditious end to the Region’s competitive season.  Then we’ll all take a well-deserved vacation in the Bahamas together.

Please note, the committed professionals of the ABVO, will meet this summer during the ACCAC Business meeting on August 17 before the Jamboree or during the OTP Clinic [TBA].  Put these on your ABVO calendar as well. Details to follow!

Special Note: Following are some "key dates" for assignments and activities this season and summer.  Please try to make availability on these busy or important dates. Remember we’re counting on all of you to follow through on those dates you commit to work!

In Our Volleyball & Officiating Adventures

 

PS    Please continue to discuss facilitator protocols, schedules, your availabilities, assignments, and logistics.  Place these dates on your calendar now, your Team Leader will call or e-mail you regularly!

Final Arizona Region Focus Dates:

 ® Girls Tourneys – March 30 (Open & Club I)

 ® Girls Regionals – April 20 & 27/May 4 & 11

 ® Adult Regionals - April 21

  2002 Advanced Officiating Opportunities

 ® Mountain West Conference Championships (Men), Flagstaff, April     5-6

 ® ASU Women’s Spring Tournament, Tempe, April 6

 ® NIRSA Collegiate Club National Championships, Dallas, April 17-20