Anne Arundel County Game Checks Mailing Today

Last night, treasurer Damian Biggs and I printed checks to Board 23 officials for their games worked in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) in 2008-09. Thanks to Damian for some long hours put in on spearheading the effort to get officials paid for AACPS games a few weeks earlier than last year. Checks will be dropped off at the post office today.

You'll receive a check and a game-by-game breakdown. If you believe there is an error, gather relevant information and contact Damian. His contact info is on his Arbiter profile.

-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

Great Night for Three-Person Training

Last night was a great night for Board 23. Nearly 30 members participated in a three-person mechanics training class at the Leadership Through Athletics (LTA) Gym in Lansdowne. Interpreter Al Bundy, Tom Reese and Jeff Cyryca guided us through a one-hour class, and then officials were divided up to cover six games of an adult recreation league, each with a three-person crew. Three-person veterans and college-level Board 23 members got on the courts to guide those new to officiating with three people.

I've been fortunate enough to benefit from some formal and informal training on three-man mechanics, but it can be a lot to absorb if you've spent most of your officiating career using two-man mechanics. It's important to stay with it, though, and ask plenty of questions. You'll realize the benefits. The more you do, the more comfortable you get and the more you realize there should be three officials on most basketball games.

Al and Tom mentioned that, at least in the Mid-Atlantic, Maryland and Delaware are behind the game in that they use two officials for the majority of high school basketball games. But three-person crews are the future, and Board 23 is making progress towards that on our own. President Gary Stewart announced that several Anne Arundel County Public Schools were receptive to our suggestion to provide three officials for one boys' and one girls' game per school. Those assignments are being worked out, and the training program is a great way to get more qualified officials proficient in three-man mechanics. All of this helps us better serve our clients.

Kudos to Al and Tom and their committee for making this happen. The Board 23 three-person training program continues each of the next seven Thursday evenings at LTA Gym. For more info, contact Al Bundy (his info is on his Arbiter profile).

-PK