Meeting Minutes for the March 15, 2009 Meeting
Meeting started at 6:00 PM by Sam Davis
Attendees - See sign up sheet that was circulated, although only 19 people were present out of a membership of the upper 40’s to near 50
Overview of 08-09 Season lead by Sam Davis, discussion followed:
Biggest problem centered around communication. Most AD’s pleased with the functioning of the Association. Largest complaint was some AD’s didn’t get calls ahead by officials as to whether they were coming. Some officials reiterated the same feelings in reverse as emails and phone calls placed were not returned or acknowledged. Discussion on email vs. phone calls vs. voice mail to AD’s, time span as to lead time, consensus seemed to be a minimum of 48 hours before event 
as the time to contact the AD. It was pointed out that at MHSAA web site School directory gives AD and AD’s secretary’s numbers and email addresses. Many times it is better to communicate with secretary. Executive committee is study the possibly of developing a standardized form to have available to email the AD’s for contacting them prior to an event. Some discussion was had about several no shows to an event by LWOA officials or arriving late. Executive committee is to evaluate and report recommendations to help prevent and correct these situations.
as the time to contact the AD. It was pointed out that at MHSAA web site School directory gives AD and AD’s secretary’s numbers and email addresses. Many times it is better to communicate with secretary. Executive committee is study the possibly of developing a standardized form to have available to email the AD’s for contacting them prior to an event. Some discussion was had about several no shows to an event by LWOA officials or arriving late. Executive committee is to evaluate and report recommendations to help prevent and correct these situations.2009-2010 Goals for LWOA
There was a discussion by those present of some possible goals for the association for the next season.
•More leadership and participation from the membership
More leadership and participation from the membership•To keep or scrape or to improve the mentor program and possible changes
To keep or scrape or to improve the mentor program and possible changes•Rules and responsibilities of the Assistant Referee
Rules and responsibilities of the Assistant Referee•Distribution of agenda or bullet points several day prior to association meeting, may be post
Distribution of agenda or bullet points several day prior to association meeting, may be post it on the web site
•More officials at the scrimmage and work shop held at the beginning of the year.
More officials at the scrimmage and work shop held at the beginning of the year.•Recruitment of more officials. Maybe have a committee to pursue this. Shane Risner
Recruitment of more officials. Maybe have a committee to pursue this. Shane Risner volunteered to head.
•Do more with coaches. Also, get them to use the web site more.
Do more with coaches. Also, get them to use the web site more.•At meetings maybe break down to small focus groups and then reconvene back to large
At meetings maybe break down to small focus groups and then reconvene back to large group with the results of their meeting
•LWOA web site expansion
LWOA web site expansion•May be penalties in bylaws for not contacting AD or official being late to venue, or some
May be penalties in bylaws for not contacting AD or official being late to venue, or some kind of disciplinary action.
•Meeting agenda earlier and may be post meeting minutes on the LWOA web site.
Meeting agenda earlier and may be post meeting minutes on the LWOA web site.Assign by Web vs. Arbiter
A discussion lead by Lee Rogers on the differences and possibilities of switching to Arbiter. Group seemed to want to change to Arbiter because many did football and baseball and softball and the assigners of those use Arbiter. Also, in the midst of the discussion was the introduction of getting the AD’s to finalize their schedule earlier to help with LWOA scheduling and individual officials scheduling.Election of officers for 2009 and 2010
With only 19 persons present a quorum could not be obtained with the by laws stating that 51% of the members in good standing need be present to hold elections. Elections were postponed until the October meeting, with the present officers held over until then.Post/Pre Season Get Together
This item referred to the Executive Committee for further study, deliberation, and consideration.Meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM
Don Clever, Secretary LWOA
