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Looking for driving directions for a Massachusetts high school or its athletic fields/game sites? The MIAA web site has this! Find it at this link and click onto "Member School Lookup":
http://www.miaa.net

If you are unable to attend Board 31's Interpretation Meeting on November 5, you will have to attend another given by some other board in the state. The closest of these to Board 31 will be in Hatfield but here is a complete listing:

October 19    Bd. 95 Lowell Catholic High School        10am
October 19    Bd. 25    Catholic Youth Center, Pittsfield    6pm
October 19    Bd. 28 Smith Academy, Hatfield        10:30am
October 22    Bd. 95    Lowell Catholic High School        7pm
October 22    Bd. 28 Smith Academy, Hatfield        7pm
October 26    Bd. 130 North Andover High School        10am
November 2    Bd. 27    UMass-Boston; Clark Athletic Ctr    10am
November 5    Bd. 31 Holyoke High School            6:30pm
November 7    Bd. 27    Tufts University; Barnum Hall    7pm
November 9    Bd. 26    Westboro High School        9am
November 9    Bd. 30    Taunton Boys & Girls Club        9:30am
November 16    Bd. 175 Marlboro Boys & Girls Club        9am
November 21    Bd. 54 Rockland High School        7:30pm
November 24    Bd. 152 Oak Ridge HS (Cape Cod)     7pm
November 30    Bd. 44 Montachusett Tech HS (Fitchburg)    9am
November 30    Bd. 54` East Bridgewater High School    10am
December 1    Bd. 44 Montachusett Tech HS (Fitchburg)    6:30pm
December 14    Bd. 130 North Andover High School        10am


Our brother official, Hector Roman, recently underwent spinal surgery and is recovering from home. Board 31 extends get well wishes to our brother and we encourage members to contact him and buoy his spirits at this difficult time.

Looking for information on high school rule changes for 2008-2009, mechanics and instructions for the scorer and timer? Use this link to obtain all this high school basketball information: http://www.nfhs.org/web/2006/08/basketball.aspx


Congratulations and special recognition to those Board 31 members working the 2008 MIAA Tournament! They include: Art Lynch, Andre King, Mike Shirley, Ken Bourque, Scott Tidlund, Tony Dulude, Bill Martin, Buddy Martin, Mark Shea, Ron Lewandowski, Bob Galiatsos, Keith Scarlett, Tim Clark, Steve Lambert, Brian Alves, Kevin McCaskill, Chad Heywood, Chuck Folsom, Way Dotson, Louis Rodriguez, Dan Burke, Dave Tabin, Chuck Elias, Joe Whalen, Marc Brookens and Tom Zukowski.

Working Western Mass Finals: Mark Shea, Dave Tabin, Kevin McCaskill, Scott Tidlund, Buddy Martin, Brian Alves, Steve Lambert, Ron Lewandowski and Tony Dulude.

Working WMass-CMass State Semifinals: Ron Lewandowski, Dave Tabin and Mark Shea.

Working State Finals: Tony Dulude



Board Meeting of February 3, 2008

The membership has voted not to overide the Executive Committee's decision to enroll all Board 31 members who worked high schoool games this season with the MIAA, The actual number was 109 members. If asked by the MIAA to officiate in their tournament, every member is still free to turn down the assignment if they wish.

Board 31 is still following the MSBOA's request that we do not stay after any game for the post game handshake for the rest of the regular season.

Dues are now payable for next season and are due by March 1. Please forward them to Tony Dulue during Walter's illness.



As many of you know, there has been a lot of controversy this season regarding the post game handshake ("PGHS") the MIAA wished to do after all games this season. The State Board (MSBOA), which represents all of the IAABO boards in Massachusetts (including Board 31), disagreed strongly on this rule and instructed all IAABO boards to not participate in this procedure. This was communicated to all members of Board 31 at our meeting on December 9. That has been the State Board's position all season which has been followed by Board 31. The girls board, which is not IAABO, decided they would participate in this procedure. There have been several meetings between the MSBOA and the MIAA regarding this new rule during the season. The president of IAABO even came to one of these meetings earlier this month in an attempt to reach a compromise on the issue. Unfortunately, no compromise has been reached.

At the request of the State Board, all of the IAABO boards in MA withheld registering their officials with the MIAA. This is done every season and costs the board $6.00 per every official that is registered. In past years, Board 31 has been registering all officials who have officiated varsity contests. Out of this pool of officials, the MIAA selects officials to work in their tournament. This past week, the MIAA put out an announcement. That message appears below. In it, the MIAA stated that because of officials had not been registered by their IAABO boards, they wished all officials to be aware that if they wanted to be considered for tournament assignments they had to be registered with the MIAA this Friday, February 1. Otherwise, the MIAA would find officials on their own to work the tournament. The MIAA is insisting that the PGHS be conducted at the end of every game in the tournament and be attended by the officials working that game. Refusing to do so disqualifies an official from working in the tournament. The one exception to this is, like every game, an official can suspend the PGHS if he has safety concerns. Saying you have safety concerns prior to the game is not acceptable.

Larry Machione, who is on the MSBOA, wrote a memorandum in response to this announcement from the MIAA. That communication is also below. You can reach your own conclusions.

In response to these announcements, all boards were notified by Bruce Edwards, the president of the State Board, with the following e-mail on Jan 27:
Board Secretaries;
At the emergency meeting held in Milford tonight, the delegates present voted to support to following message be promptly delivered to all IAABO members:
"The MSBOA voted unanimously at its November 25, 2007 meeting that its members will not remain to observe the post game handshake. This position has not changed. As regards to the state tournament, individual members may choose to enroll with the MIAA."
Yours,
Bruce Edwards
President MSBOA

In an emergency meeting, the Board 31 Executive Board the week of January 28 has decided to enroll all Board 31 members who worked any high school game this season (freshmen, junior varsity and varsity levels) with the MIAA. This is approximately 107 members.

The Board 31 Executive Board did this because this list needed to be given to the MIAA this Friday and it appears the State Board (based on the e-mail that was sent out by the President of the State Board) was giving officials the option of deciding whether or not they wanted to work in the MIAA tournament. Our request to the MIAA to extend the deadline to after our meeting on Sunday was denied. This issue will be discussed further on Sunday at our meeting. If a majority of the membership is opposed to the Executive Board's decision in this matter it can be brought to a vote and the registration can be rescinded. The Board felt it was acting in the best interests of Board 31 though to follow this course of action. Individual members of Board 31 can then decide themeslves whether or not they wish to work a tournament game if they are asked by the MIAA. Several boards in the state are requesting members not to work the MIAA tournament if the PGHS is required by the MIAA. Each member of Board 31 in this situation will have to decide for themselves on how they wish to proceed.

This is a complicated issue. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter you are urged to contact a member of the Executive Board.

MIAA Letter of Jan 25, 2008:

Dear Select High School Basketball Officials,

Following the November 14th meeting of the MIAC, when the post game handshake rule was adopted, Deputy Director Bill Gaine (as executive staff liaison to the MIAA Sportsmanship Committee) was delegated responsibility for the implementation of this new rule.

Unfortunately, in the sport of basketball, the Association has met with noncompliance by MSBOA (the state IAABO executive board), as that board has instructed their officials to defy this sportsmanship initiative, and not remain for the post game handshake. As a result of this challenge by MSBOA, I, as well as our Sportsmanship Chair Phil Vaccaro, Bill McGuirk (MIAA executive to the Game Officials Committee) and Executive Director Dick Neal have spent hours in discussions, meetings, and corresponding with MSBOA representatives.

International IAABO President Peter Carroll and Peter Webb (a highly respected New England IAABO member and national leader committed to the mission of education-based athletics) participated in one of these meetings earlier this month. The two had hoped to bring closure to the handshake controversy promoted by the MSBOA. At that meeting, the MSBOA representatives were able to clarify that their singular issue with regard to participating in the post-game handshake ceremony was lack of liability insurance coverage. That issue was resolved by the International IAABO President following that meeting, and before the MSBOA Board met three days later. The MIAA offered to pay the added premium cost to ensure basketball officials are covered during their participation in the sportsmanship post game ceremony. (We previously notified the State board that the MIAA carries tournament insurance for all contest participants, including officials.) It was also learned that IAABO International leadership did not advise officials to refuse to participate in the handshake ceremony. To the frustration of the other meeting participants, MSBOA subsequently voted to withhold MIAA game officials' enrollment fees and to continue meetings to resolve additional issues!

The winter game officials' enrollment period has passed. Our efforts have been unsuccessful, and the lack of outcome disappointing. In fact, last week, MSBOA's representative Bill Miller provided testimony to the Basketball Committee that MSBOA has no respect for the MIAA. A final meeting with MSBOA representatives Larry Machione and Bill Miller was held yesterday in the MIAA office. After 4 ½ hours, the State board representatives left us with added requirements that we carefully considered throughout the day today. Of concern to us was the knowledge that the State board would be unable to meet until February 3, at the earliest. Also playing into our decision was the State board demand that a police officer be present at every basketball game, and further be positioned on the court with the officials during the handshake ceremony. This image promotes the antithesis of the message that the sportsmanship ceremony is intended to convey. As a result, we have decided to move forward without the State board.

To this end, and in the interest of continuing to provide our student-athletes with quality officials, we invite individual high school basketball officials to enroll directly with the MIAA by executing the following simple procedure. Please click here for the Basketball Official Individual Enrollment Form. Do not assume that you are enrolled, because of your affiliation with a local IAABO board. Some IAABO boards have sent us lists of names, with no enrollment fees. This is meaningless. Effective immediately, to be recognized as "enrolled" and eligible for MIAA Tournament work, you must enroll individually and through the process identified herein. Because we think that IAABO officials have already submitted their enrollment fees to their local IAABO Boards, we will not require a "duplicate payment" from you. Rather we suggest that you request a refund from the IAABO Board, and forward a $6 check to us, once you have been reimbursed.

We recognize you have officiating commitments to different levels of basketball, but we need men and women who also are willing to make a commitment to the Mission of education-based athletics. Realizing that the high school basketball season is relatively short, and that you have an opportunity to officiate year round, we simply would like to develop a pool of individuals who have special regard for the high school sport. From this pool, the Association will make tournament assignments. So that we can organize tournament officials' assignments (e.g. do we use two or three person crews? stagger game times?), we are setting your late individual enrollment deadline at Friday, February 1. This week should be sufficient time for this opportunity to be received (this message is posted on www.miaa.net) by all who might wish to be considered for tournament assignments. Please do not enroll if you are unwilling to comply with the handshake requirement.

We are suggesting that basketball officials simply gather at half court and face the two teams as they perform the post game handshake. Many report that the officials are pleased to be approached by participants to be included in the handshake gesture. Additional information will be provided to tournament officials in advance of their responsibilities. Our continuing fundamental commitment is to provide a safe, educational environment for all contest participants and spectators. Clarity as to expectations or protocols can be readily accessed through MIAA Deputy Director Bill Gaine, who continues to hold executive staff responsibility for implementation of this sportsmanship initiative.

The organizing of high school basketball boards led by the MIAA is the last scenario that the leadership of this Association wishes to see. Rather, we hope that individual officials will come together in groups that support the Mission of education-based athletics.

We have heard of only positive results from the handshake policy where the officials have remained. In the other games, we have lost opportunities to enhance the culture of high school sport. The unnecessary situation in which we find ourselves is singularly in the sport of basketball, and it is simply the result of the leadership of MSBOA, a group with which we cannot make progress.

We encourage your enrollment, and we thank you for any support you provide the student-athletes who will qualify for this year's MIAA Basketball tournaments.

For the MIAA Board of Directors,
James Peters, MIAA President, Principal, Monson High School, and MIAA Basketball Chair

MIAA Board of Directors
Barry Haley, MIAA Vice President, and Athletic Director, Concord-Carlisle High School
Donna Brickley, Athletic Director, Notre Dame Academy (Hingham)
Mary Carlson, Principal, Marlborough High School
Dr. Keith Crowley, Assistant Principal, Xaverian Bros. High School (Westwood)
Michael Deary, Athletic Director, Longmeadow High School
Roberta Doering, School Committee Member, Agawam
Sean Gilrein, Superintendent, Dudley-Charlton Reg. School District
Albert Holland, Director, Health Career Academy (Boston)
Karl Lord, School Committee Member, Tri-County Reg. Voc Tech (Franklin)
Ruth Lynch, Principal, Pembroke High School
Charles Lyons, Superintendent-Director, Shawsheen Valley Tech (Billerica)
Leslie Murray, Principal, Amesbury High School
Robert Norton, Principal, Woburn High School
Timothy Payne, Principal, Mt Greylock Reg. High School (Williamstown)
Stephen Sangster, Principal, Rockland High School
Michael Sullivan, Athletic Director, Lowell Catholic High School
Kevin Turner, Principal, Harwich High School
Francis Whitten, Athletic Director, Algonquin Reg. High School (Northborough)


MSBOA Response

TO : MSBOA HIGH SCHOOL OFFICIALS
FROM : LARRY MACHIONE
DATE : 1/27/08
RE : MIAA EMAIL 1/25/08


As most officials know the MIAA sent out an email on 1/25/08 with their view of what has been going on between the MSBOA and the MIAA in regard to the “post game hand shake” (PGHS). Your MSBOA delegate has been aware of everything that has occurred between our organizations since last April of 2007 up until our recent State Board meeting of 1/13/08. A meeting with the MIAA occurred on 1/24/08 which lasted for over 4 hours. The purpose of this letter is to give you a balance perspective of all that has occurred.

As you may recall 2 years ago there was concern over how the officials were being assigned for tournament games, I am sure there has been concern for a long time but finally it came to a head. As a result several meetings were arranged between Dick Neal and myself. Although they initially focused on tournament issues, eligible requirements, assignors selection , number of games allowed to work, working boys and girls, who should be the MSBOA representative to the MIAA, etc.. At our last meeting (Jan/07) we learned about the proposed PGHS. We were told that we could address the MIAA board of directors at their April ‘07 meeting (Bruce Edwards President MSBOA did) and then have 3 minutes to address the MIAC ( the MIAA’s ruling body who has the final say ) at their May ‘07 meeting (Bill Miller spoke on MSBOA’s behalf). The Sportsmanship Committee was not limited to only 3 minutes.

The Board of Directors voted against PGHS. The MIAC voted to postpone any decision until their November ’07 meeting. At this meeting, once again Bill Miller spoke against the PGHS as did the Basketball Coaches Representative and Jim Peters who was chairperson of the Basketball Committee indicating the Basketball Committee voted 16-0-1 against this proposal. Each of these individuals were subject to a time constraint of 3 minutes. The Sportsmanship Committee was allowed to present a 25 minute presentation (which included a power point) at the conclusion of which the MIAC voted almost unanimously in favor of recommending the PGHS for the winter and spring sports, but be a requirement for all team sports starting in the Fall of 2008. In our discussions with the MIAA we have been informed that the Sportsmanship Committee has in effect been working on this project for over 5 years even though we were only recently informed of it.

As a result of the November meeting a letter was forwarded to the MIAA expressing MSBOA concerns and asking one question: Whether or not the PGHS would be in effect for the upcoming tournament.? The MIAA never answered this question. Instead they had Bill Gaine author a letter indicating that they did not understand our position regarding not wanting to do the PGHS during the regular season. (I am sure you have seen this letter). In response the MSBOA sent a second letter to the MIAA once again reiterating our position and concerns over liability, safety and asking the same question.

Once again the MIAA failed to answer this very simple question. As a result of the MSBOA’s attempt to resolve our difference we asked for assistance from our national organization (IAABO). Through the efforts of President, Peter Carroll and National Interpreter, Peter Webb a meeting was scheduled for January 10, 2008. At that meeting both liability and safety was discussed. It was determined that we would look in to purchasing insurance to resolve the liability issue (this, in fact, has been resolved). However, in regard to the safety issue the MIAA was asked directly (Bill Gaine, Phil Vacarro, and Bill McGuirk) whether or not the PGHS would take place in the tournament. They refused to give us a straight answer. In fact, they joked in their response that they had not answered our question.

At the MSBOA’s special State Board meeting on January 13th a vote was taken that each Board would submit a list of tournament eligible officials, but would withhold any form of payment until we knew that the safety of the officials would be addressed and we would have a final determination as to whether the PGHS would be in effect for the tournament. As you know the MIAA was not happy when they did not receive the money and although they like to claim educational athletics is their primary concern, we all know in reality it is the money that drives this organization. In an effort to resolve the safety issue, a meeting was scheduled for 2 pm on January 24, 2008. Bill Miller and Larry Machione represented the MSBOA and the MIAA was represented by Bill Gaine, Jim Peters and Dave Gavigan (Security Consultant to the MIAA). This meeting lasted over 4 hours. During this meeting the safety of the officials was the primary concern of the MSBOA. After approximately 3 hours we felt we had worked out a mutual agreement between the organizations which included that a police officer and site administrator would be on the court with the officials during the PGHS activity. MSBOA went so far as to draw a diagram as to how this could take place and was willing to develop a narrative form so that all parties concerned would know their responsibilities. It was also agreed that should any activity occur during the PGHS the officials would only observe and not get involved.

After a brief recess, the MIAA came back to the table and indicated that although this is their tournament they did not feel they could tell the schools how they should handle their facilities. MSBOA informed the MIAA that this was contrary to everything they have done in the past. In fact they started this meeting telling us that this was their tournament and that they could do what they wanted, when they wanted and how they wanted. The MIAA also indicated that in some early round games some schools actually lose money because they actually do not have a large fan base. Larry Machione suggested that they could absorb the costs themselves based on the overall revenue generated and the revenue sharing plan with the schools could be adjusted so the schools would not absorb all of the expenses nor be burdened with a loss. They did not want to discuss this saying it was tournament policies and procedures and not for them to decide. We found this to be an interesting statement considering Jim Peters was at this meeting and currently serves as President of the MIAA and should have the authority to influence and or change policy regarding how the revenue is shared.

The MIAA then proposed they would consider MSBOA’s recommendation if it were implemented from the quarter finals on, but not the earlier round games. MSBOA indicated that this would be acceptable if the officials were not required to stay for a PGHS for those earlier round games. MIAA stated that was not acceptable and wanted it required for all games. At the conclusion of the meeting Bill Gaine indicated that first thing Friday morning he would contact Bill Miller and notify him with a phone call in the morning of how many games took place last year that, in fact, did not have police coverage.

Bill Gaine NEVER called Bill Miller. It wasn’t until Bill Miller (at approximately 4:30 pm) sent an e-mail to Bill Gaine that Bill Miller received a response which indicated that the MIAA was rejecting the MSBOA’s proposal. There was no mention of additional discussion. Instead the MIAA sent out an e-mail (which only selected officials received) which stated their position concerning officials.

SOME TRUE FACTS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF:

The MIAA has consistently misled the MSBOA

The MIAA does not want to be questioned or held accountable on anything they do or want.

Bill Miller never said that MSBOA does not respect the MIAA . What he said was “the MSBOA feels they receive little or no respect from the MIAA”.

At no time during our 1/24/08 meeting did MSBOA demand more money for working the games. I stated to Bill Gaine that I knew some officials would ask if they would receive additional compensation for this added activity and he said the fees are set for this year. No requests were made for Game passes.

I did question why we pay an enrollment fee when we do not pay any fee to work regular season games.

I did question why last year over 1400 officials (1412) enrolled , (1280 were IAABO officials) for a cost of $7,680.00, when there were only 798 available spots. We know not everyone received a game and most people got at least two games and some as many as 6 to 7. That results in approximately 150 to 200 officials that actual worked the tournament.

MIAA chooses who the MSBOA representative will be. That is why Hank Ryan still serves on the basketball committee. Dick Neal was informed that Hank Ryan does not have the support or backing of MSBOA yet Dick’s comment was that Hank has always been loyal to the MIAA and should continue to serve as the officials representative.

MSBOA voted unanimously that no one should stay for any PGHS for the regular season. I have been told that officials have violated this mandate , and as a result should be disciplined.

MSBOA, IAABO and the MIAA basketball committee have suggested on many occasions that we do a pregame hand shake, similar to what FIBA recommends. That was rejected by the MIAA.

MSBOA asked the MIAA if the PGHS could be postponed until next year. They answered NO. If it could be experimental, do it in some games but not all until the kinks are worked out . No was there answer.

MSBOA has done nothing but act in what they felt was the best interest of their members and the game of basketball. They do not have a hidden agenda, I can not say the same for the MIAA.

MSBOA has always gone in to any meeting with a willingness to discuss and try to work thru the problems. At no time did MSBOA ever state that we would not work tournament games.

MSBOA has always been concerned with both liability and safety for all those involved.

IAABO National Executive Board did discuss and support officials not staying for any PGHS.

MIAA is concerned why they can not receive an answer overnight or within a few days but it is totally okay for them to avoid answering a simply question for over 2 months.

At this time MSBOA maybe the only sport group questioning the PGHS because it is affecting us right now and we believe the MIAA has not even notified the other sports of this policy yet.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If as an official your only goal is to work a tournament game then that is what you should do and worry about the consequences later. If you truly believe in the integrity of our organization then you should support it, even if it means not working a tournament game. But please do not lose sight of the bigger picture. What is going to happen in the future?

If there is no MSBOA do you think there will be any unity or fair dealings across the state or will all of us be subject to what ever the person or organization who controls the games dictates? Will the larger boards control everything? Will there be equity between the regions for both regular season and the tournament? These are just some of the questions we all must be willing to answer and accept the consequences from our decisions.

Just as those who came before and made sacrifices to make our association better for us, I believe we owe it to those that will come after us to make the same strides as to what we believe is right even if it is not the easy choice.



Congratulations to those Board 31 members who were selected to work in the 2007 MIAA Tournament. They include: Ken Bourque, Scott Tidlund, Art Lynch, Dave Tabin, Ron Lewandowski, Mark Shea, Keith Scarlett, Dan Burke, Chuck Elias, Brian Page, Waymond Dotson, Tim Clark, Tom Zukowski, Norm Rivet, Steve Lambert, Joe Whalen, Kevin McCaskill, Andre King, Chuck Folsom, Jay Denver, Tony Dulude, Brian Alves, Dan Hall, Ken Minor, Marc Brookens, Bob Galiatsos and Buddy Martin. Thank you for representing the Board so well in the post season!


Meeting Notes from Feb 4, 2007
The following were elected to two year positions commencing March 9, 2007
President-Elect: Tom Zukowski
Interpreter: Chuck Elias
Secretary/Treasurer: Walter Hickson


MEMO REGARDING LACK OF SHOT CLOCKS AT GAME SITES

    After corresponding with Virginia Anderson at the MIAA, it was made clear to officials that the MIAA does not require notification if there are no shot clocks present at a game site during the regular season. As was stated in our Jan 7th meeting, the game should be played. A report should then be made to Bill L’Hereux and the League Director. For the PVIAC, Mrs. Anderson indicated that the current League Director is Tom Russo.
    To summarize the discussion from our previous meeting: If only one of the shot clocks at the game site is functioning, you will play the game using only that shot clock. The team that is not facing the shot clock will be responsible for counting it out for its own players. If neither shot clock is functioning, you will play the game with an alternate timing device at the table. This will be a stopwatch or a handheld clock. The timer will announce “TEN” when 10 seconds remain on the shot clock and will then count down the final five seconds. If there is no alternate timing device available, you will play the game without shot clock rules in effect. After the game, you should notify Bill L’Hereux immediately and also notify the League Director.



REMINDER: A backcourt violation consists of four elements. If all four occur, it is a violation. If any one of them is missing, the play is legal. The four elements are:

1) There must be team control.
2) The ball must have frontcourt status.
3) The team in control must be the last to touch the ball before it gains backcourt status.
4) The team in control must be the first to touch the ball after it gains backcourt status.


If you are attending an IAABO Officials' School this summer, be sure to forward your certificate of completion to Walter Hickson when you have finished. The Board has set aside a $500 reimbursement pool for IAABO camp attendees who are active Board members. The maximum reimbursement is $100.


The Board 31 Constitution can be found at the bottom of this page. Please click onto the link marked "Constitution 2006" which will take you to a PDF file. If you do not have PDF access, you can download the software for it from the internet.


2007-2008 Scholarship Application

Please click on the below two lines for an explanation of the requirements to apply for the Annual Board #31 Scholarship as well as the actual application:

Scholarship Information

Scholarship Application



Board 31 Constitution
Constitution 2006