SLOA Board Meeting Minutes

SLOA Meeting Minutes

SLOA Regular Meeting - 6 March 2000

The meeting was conducted at the St. Paul's School for Boys on 6 March 2000. It was opened at 1903 by Mr. Wittlesberger. The minutes for the 28 February 2000 meeting were read by Mr. Fried and approved by the membership without correction.

Treasurer's Report - Mr. Smedley reported that the status of the SLOA funds remained the same as reported in the minutes of 28 February 2000.

Representative - District Appointing Authority - Mr. Tillman observed games this past week. He had the following observations; be in the correct position to execute signals and ensure that the teams and table area understand what, who, etc. associated with the signals; communication among officials on the field is essential for game management and continuity; after penalty enforcement, ensure that the ball is put into play outside of the appropriate box areas; there is no "play on" situation when an "off-sides" infraction takes place in "loose ball" situations; during "fast break" situations, the single side official must ensure that no "off-sides" infractions take place.

Appointing Authorities/Commissioner's Reports -

· College Scrimmages - Mr. Young indicated that he needed officials for a Montgomery College scrimmage on 7 March 2000.
· Scholastic - Mr. Sheehan indicated schedules would be published within the next ten days.
· Club/NCLL - Mr. Frederick introduced representatives from the USCLA and the ALL who reviewed their league requirements/rules as follows:
· USCLA - Mr. Pritchett stated that, as the league president, he wanted to open an on-going dialogue with the officials. He indicated that the league was very serious about making their games suitable events for family attendance. In this light, he asked that officials closely control player/coach conduct/language at the games. He asked that penalties be called when infractions of the rules take place. He informed the group that the league play-off format has changed (more to follow). He had distressing news, in that the Maryland Lacrosse Club has been disbanded.
· ALL - Mr. Miller, League Commissioner, reviewed the rules exceptions for the league. He explained that there were new rules concerning the fee structure that relate to the timeliness of games starting. He will provide more details. In any case, officials must be paid prior to the start of ALL games (Enclosure 1.)
· Mr. Snedeker, Gray Conference Director, briefly addressed the membership and discussed the new fee structure ($95.00 vs. $85.00) for per official game fees. Of special concern were questions of game length, time keeping, and game management.
· Mr. Frederick reviewed the exceptions for all three leagues (USCLA, ALL, and NCLL) with the membership. He emphasized the need to enforce "conduct fouls" as appropriate.(Enclosure 2).

Communication - Mr. Florence reviewed the provisions of the annual SLOA raffle and issued the tickets. He asked that members sell the tickets rapidly and submit their returns to him in a timely manner. He also reviewed the incentive awards for the top sellers.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Mr. Wittlesberger after a motion by Mr. Manson, seconded by Mr. Kelley.

The next regular meeting will be on 20 March 2000.

Page. G. Fried III
Secretary, SLOA
17 March 2000
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SLOA Regular Meeting - 23 Feb 2000

The meeting was conducted at the St. Paul's School for Boys on 23 February 2000. The meeting was opened at 1903 by Mr. Mostko. The minutes for the 14 February 2000 meeting were read by Mr. Runk and approved by the membership without correction.

Treasurer's Report - Mr. Smedley reported that the SLOA currently had $984.50 in the Checking Account and $16,243.09 in the Savings Account.

Communications - Mr. West informed the group that he would have additional NILOA game day information cards available and asked each member assigned as the Referee for NILOA games to ensure that they gave each coach the cards, legibly completed, prior to each game. He further informed the membership that several Harford County Community College game dates were incorrect, as follows: 7 March 2000 changed to 8 March 2000; 14 April 2000 changed to 15 April 2000. Additionally, he indicated that the 26 April 2000 game was being moved to the North Harford High School as the game site. He also stated that there could be a tournament added to the Harford Community College schedule on 2 April 2000. The DAA will further inform those officials involved. Importantly, he informed the group that there has been a manufacturing defect in some WARP sticks made by Brine. The defective WARP sticks do not meet the proper specifications for the inside minimum measurement of the head of the crosse (at least 6.5"). This was the subject of a NILOA e-mail. He further indicated that officials must let coaches know that the defective sticks cannot be used in NCAA games and that the appropriate penalty will be assessed during stick checks if the violation is detected. Officials should make themselves available to inspect any sticks prior to the start of games.

Representative - District Appointing Authority - Mr. Tillman observed several games this past weekend. He had the following observations; use only the authorized hand and arm signals for penalties, etc. In one game that he observed, he noted that some officials appeared to "invent" new signals. This can only lead to confusion on the part of the players, coaches, spectators, etc; he noted that only one off-side call was missed by the crews this weekend; officials need to ensure that the rules for substitutions are followed closely. He further addressed the "game management" aspect of the games. He indicated that officials should be keenly aware of the penalty situations, i.e. the number and types of penalties called on each team. He suggested that each official working NCAA games send him a copy of their schedules.

Appointing Authorities/Commissioner's Reports -

· College Scrimmages - Mr. Young indicated that the scrimmages are, for the most part, complete. He did indicate that he needs officials for an 18 March 2000 scrimmage. Any available members should contact him for assignment to the scrimmage.
· Scholastic - Mr. Sheehan indicated that scrimmages are still available, especially around the middle of March. He needs at least 20 officials for these scrimmages. He also stated that the schedules should be published within the next two weeks.
· Club/NCLL - Mr. Frederick informed the membership that the ALL and USCLA will pay by cash or check on the day of the game. The NCLL will pay by check at the end of the season. He further informed the group of the locations for the various ALL/USCLA teams.

Rules and Manual Discussion - Mr. Andrew reviewed fully the responsibilities of officials as well as other "official" individuals (timer, score keeper, etc.) for pre-game and during the game. He also reviewed the three official mechanics as outlined in the illustrated handout (Enclosure). Mr. Abbott reviewed briefly the two-official mechanics, especially the count responsibilities.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Mr. Motsko after a motion by Mr. Orendorff, seconded by Mr. Heegan at 2053.

Page. G. Fried III
Secretary, SLOA
6 March 2000
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SLOA Regular Meeting - 14 Feb 2000

Meeting was called to order at 19:04 hrs. by Mr. Motsko.

Minutes of the meeting of 2/7 were read by Mr. Runk and accepted by the group.

Treasurer's Report - No report.

Communications - Mr. Motsko asked for any e-mail address changes to be sent to him at amotsko@mcdonogh.org Mr. Motsko handed out an information sheet on how to call the lines. Mr. Tilghman will be at UMBC Saturday and invited new or younger officials to attend and he will help him with three man mechanics. He said Mr. Sandell should be contacted for problems with your schedule. He will be sending his critiques to Charlie Phillips. Mr. Tilghman reviewed officials rating cards and read comments from coaches to group.
Mr. Tamberrino announced that he has SLOA polo shirts for sale - Black or White, $30.00 each.
Mr. West announced that anyone interested in joining NILOA or anyone needing a patch to see him. Any new NILOA member needs to take the NILOA test. Mr. West has rule books for new members. Any NILOA member who missed the clinic can see Mr. West to make it up by watching the video. Mr. West also announced that next year, officials will have to wear numbers.

Appointing Authorities/Commissioner's Reports
· Scholastic - Mr. Sheehan asked the group to sign up for scrimmages. Announced that his mother was admitted to the hospital for heart problems. She is recovering well at home. His fax 3 is 410-796-9094. John has 1550 games to assign this year!
· Club/NCLL - Mr. Frederick handed out schedules for ALL League. Rates are $80.00, not $85.00 as assignment sheet reads. USCLA schedules will be out soon. NCLL games will be given out next week as well as Navy J.V.

BOD - No report.

New Business - No new business.

Rules and Manual Discussion - Mr. Abbott conducted a rules review of Rules 7, 5 & 6.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by the President at 2044.

Keith Runk
Assistant Secretary, SLOA
14 February 2000
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SLOA Regular Meeting - 7 Feb 2000

The first regular meeting of the SLOA in the dawn of the new millenium was conducted at the St. Paul's School for Boys on 7 February 2000. The meeting was opened at 1907 by Mr. Mostko, who greeted the group. He then read Article 2 of the SLOA Constitution, pointing out that our purpose for existence is to serve the game of Lacrosse in an ethical, responsible manner and promote the welfare of the game. This seemed very appropriate in light of the need for sportsmanship and good conduct in all facets of sports in America.

Mr. Motsko then explained to the group that there would be a newly adopted Agenda for the meetings in 2000. The business portion of the meetings will be conducted first and then the rules, game situations, etc. would follow. (Enclosure 1)

Treasurer's Report - Mr. Smedley reported that the SLOA currently had $235.88 in the Checking Account and $16,243.00 in the Savings Account. He pointed out that the funds in Savings were nearly all earmarked for Insurance fees for the membership.

Communications - Mr. Motsko reviewed the Regular SLOA meeting schedule for 2000 as contained in the BOD meeting minutes of 17 January 2000 (Enclosure 2). He further reviewed the SLOA web site information contained in the same minutes and invited all to participate in the web site.

Appointing Authorities/Commissioner's Reports - Mr. Motsko introduced Mr. Sandell, the USILA District 4 Appointing Authority, who spoke briefly to the group. He explained that the feedback concerning his performance was generally favorable. He indicated that the 2000 schedules would be sent this week in two copies and asked all concerned to sign and return one copy to him woth any indications of games being "turned-back" on the form. He pointed out that of the top 5 officials in the country (Scott Boyle, Rick Tamberrino, Hans Wittlesberger, Al Sadtler and Tony Cullen), four were from District 4.

· Youth/SLOA Trainer - Mr. Bachur introduced the SLOA Applicants for 2000 to the group. He asked all to work with them and provide them with constructive criticism and encouragement.
· College Scrimmages - Mr. Young indicated that this year there are fewer local scrimmages due to the "away" nature of the schedule. Members will probably receive only one scrimmage assignment this season.
· Scholastic - Mr. Sheehan requested that the group sign up for the required free scrimmages on the list that he provided at the meeting. He indicated that the days this season on which he will require at least 100 officials. These are - 28 March; 4,7,11, and 25 April; 2 and 5 May.
· Club/NCLL - Mr. Frederick informed the membership that the CALL is now the ALL (American Lacrosse League). He stated that the Catonsville LC no longer exists and that two new teams in Northern Virginia are now a part of ALL - Arlington and Fairfax. The NCLL schedules will be published soon. Please turn in availabilities. He encouraged all to ensure that they maintain a positive attitude at all games and do the best job possible.
· BOD - Mr. Mostko reviewed the 17 January 2000 BOD Meeting Minutes with the group (see Enclosure 2). He especially noted that the By-Law concerning the SLOA Regular Meeting Agenda had been amended to reflect the currently used Agenda. He further explained the make-up and functioning of the newly chartered Negotiation Committee. There were no questions/comments from the membership.

New Business: Mr. Blatchley asked the membership to note that Mr. Runk's father, Coach Carl Runk, and Mr. Hilgartner, a former SLOA member, were inducted into the local Lacrosse Hall of Fame in January 2000.

Rules and Manual Discussion - Mr. Motsko reminded the College (NILOA) officials that their NCAA Rules test was due to Dr. Sweitzer by 15 February 2000. Mr. Scott Boyle then reviewed the Bulletin #1 information with special explanation of the Points-of-Emphasis for the 2000 season. These were also covered during the NILOA/NCAA Clinic/Teleconference at Loyola College on 6 February 2000. They are - the multiple penalty serving provisions of Rule 7, Section 2f; the close enforcement of Back Slash penalties; the Cross Check hold; strict enforcement of high hits against players; the need for the Goal Keeper to wear a mouthpiece; Tripping vs. Pushing infraction enforcement; the use of provisions of Rule 5, Section 10, Note 1 to control continually abusive players; the need to prevent pre-game taunting. He also covered the administrative portions of the Bulletin, e.g reporting to the game site dressed properly (coat & tie) and at least 1.5 hours prior to face-off; the need to report all expulsion fouls committed during pre-season scrimmages; the new emphasis on District-to-District exchanges of officials; the proper wearing of only the NILOA patch on official's uniform shirts; the prohibition against officials changing game assignments on their own rather than through the District Assigning Authorities.

Mr. Boyle then reviewed the new rules (shaded areas) on the 2000 NCAL Lacrosse Men's Rules manual. These are on pages - 10, 13, 37, 46, 59, 60, 68, 71, 75, and 80. He read each area and explained the implications of each. He further encouraged the membership to read them on their own and apply them this season.

Mr. Boyle then reviewed the provisions of Rule 4, Play of the Game. He especially emphasized the need to be aware of the exceptions and peculiarities of each section of the rules. He further encouraged the membership to review the rules on their own and prudently enforce them during the 2000 season.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by the President after a motion by Mr. Fried, seconded by Mr. Palmer at 2047.

Page. G. Fried III
Secretary, SLOA
9 February 2000