Great News from Baltimore County and Thanks

First, it was great to see about 60 of us at the banquet last night at Casey's in Parkville. Good way to end the season with good food and friends, and the best-looking, basketball-shaped cake I've ever seen. Thanks to all those who attended and to the folks at Casey's for hosting us.

Those in attendance got the first opportunity to hear the good news from Baltimore County, as relayed by President Gary Stewart. BCPS Coordinator of Athletics Ron Belinko has approved the renewal of our contract for 2009-10. So we will be officiating boys' high school and middle school games in Baltimore County next season. A round of applause followed the announcement.

In 2005, BCPS and Board 23 signed a three-year contract for officiating services that also called for two one-year renewals at the option of BCPS following the original three-year term. At a meeting yesterday morning with Gary and me, Mr. Belinko praised Board 23 and our quality of officiating and thanked us for a great year. We thanked him as well, and he said he is exercising his option for the one-year renewal for 2009-10. This is the second of two one-year renewals, so we will obviously be looking at developing a mutually beneficial new contract with BCPS following the 2009-10 season.

Congrats, thanks and keep up the good work in Baltimore County.

-PK

Playoff Time!

Well, congratulations to all of us for making it through another regular season! Nice work. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. How do you think you did? What aspects of officiating did you improve upon as the season progressed and, conversely, what would you like to work on during the offseason? With the season still fresh in your mind, it's not a bad idea to jot some notes down and refer to them as you begin preparing for the 2009-10 season. But, be sure to take a break and get away from the game. Burnout can affect people in all occupations and hobbies in life. For most of us, officiating basketball should be a fun avocation, not a tedious, burdensome job. So take some time away, treat your spouse/family to a nice meal with one of your game fees and enjoy being just a fan of basketball and/or the (hopefully soon) upcoming warmer weather. Great job everyone!

Kudos also to the following Board 23 members for working county championship games: Maurice Bradford, Mark Carter, Jeff Cyryca, Ray Lombardi, Jeff Nelson and Kevin Orange.

The MPSSAA Tournament starts tonight. This is an exciting time to be involved with basketball in our great state. Rounds 1 and 2 will have two officials on the floor and a third at the table. If you've been selected, congrats, and please note the follow info courtesy of Board 23 assigner Rick Russell:

Payment: This depends on the jurisdiction. Be sure to check with the athletic director on site. In Anne Arundel County, continue to sign the book as you have done all season. Don't forget to include the name of the table official. According to Greg LeGrand with the AACPS offices, officials will be paid later, but must sign the book. In Baltimore County, it may depend on the gate. Some schools may pay cash on the floor. Others, you may need to fill out a voucher. Again, all officials should fill out a voucher if that's indeed the case. Just check with the AD at the host school at some point while you are there.

Game Fees: Officials on the floor will earn $65 each. The table official will be paid $45.

The MPSSAA Tournament isn't the only tournament Board 23 will be staffing. A varsity tournament at Granite Baptist will take place March 5, 6 and 7. If you have availability, e-mail Rick Russell.

Good luck to all playoff officials!

-PK