Issue 8, August 8, 2000
Welcome to the MACBOA Newsletter

The MACBOA Newsletter is a periodic (twice a month during October through March and monthly there after) publication of the Mid-Atlantic College Basketball Officials Association (MACBOA). MACBOA provides basketball officiating services to several colleges and universities in the Maryland - Washington, DC area. The Association has a membership of approximately 200 men and women officials. Our membership consist of men and women who work Divisions I, II and III basketball.  We pride our Association on providing quality and professional service.

The usefulness and survival of this newsletter is going to depend on the participation of subscribers and professionals alike. Please help by submitting personal stories, experiences, and articles of general interest to the MACBOA community.

Online subscriptions to MACBOA Newsletter are free and currently there are over 100 subscribers to the MACBOA Newsletter throughout the country.   Paper subscriptions are also available in the U.S. at a modest cost for printing and shipping.  The MACBOA Newsletter is made possible by the kind support of our sponsors.  I thank our sponsors for making the newsletter possible. Please visit our web site at http://macboa.org.  As always, please visit our sponsors and thank them for keeping MACBOA operational.

Donnee L. Gray, Supervisor of Officials
dgray@macboa.org

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Big News for MACBOA.  For the 2000-2001 season, along with the other Division II institutions already serviced, MACBOA is pleased to announce that we will also service all of the Maryland Junior College (JUCO) Athletic Conference composed of eighteen (18) state community colleges competing in intercollegiate athletics in the sport of men's and women's basketball.  MACBOA will also continue to service Division II institutions (Columbia Union College and The University of the District of Columbia) and Potomac State College in West Virginia and Carroll Community College.  As we go to print for this edition of the newsletter, MACBOA is in negotiations with other institutions, so the number of institutions serviced for this season may increase.

In this issue:

• Remarks from the Supervisor of Officials and MACBOA Picture Upload
  
• MACBOA Clinic Information
  
• Sponsor Information:  25% Sale at Official's Choice, Inc.
  
• An interview with the MACBOA Supervisor of Officials
  
• Stumper Question: WIN a Prize
  
• Getting in Shape and Preventing Injuries (Montrose PT)
  
• Contributing Articles (Ike Relacion)
  
• Volunteers Needed
  
• Member News

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From the Supervisor of Officials to Officials

*I want to welcome our new member institutions and all new officials, observers to MACBOA.
*Please keep your address and phone numbers current with this office.
*Did you know that MACBOA.ORG has uploaded pictures of the MACBOA Supervisor of Officials, Observers and Officials.  Please visit MACBOA.ORG, click on “Staff.”  Several officials have not responded to our request for pictures for the MACBOA Directory.  Please send in a passport size photo along with a consent for MACBOA to publish your photo on the MACBOA.ORG website.  Please take action on this request.

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MACBOA ANNUAL CLINIC INFORMATION

Please note that the MACBOA Annual Rules Clinic is scheduled for Sunday, September 17, 2000 at Prince George's Community College's Novak Field House.  The clinic starts promptly at 8:00 A.M.  Athletic Directors and Coaches are excused at 12 noon.  Lunch and refreshments will be served.  The clinic should last no longer than 2:30 P.M.  MACBOA officials will be fined for being late or leaving early without prior notification to MACBOA.

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An Interview with Donnee L. Gray, Supervisor of Officials, Mid-Atlantic College Basketball Officials Association.

Why did you decide to become a Supervisor of Officials?
DG: After my first couple of years of collegiate officiating followed by invitations to assist in the education process at various camps/schools.  I received feedback that was uplifting.  They made me feel as if I “really helped and inspired them.”

Which conference do you assign and how long have you assigned?
DG: I am currently in my fifth (5th) year and I assign for the entire Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, both men and women's basketball.  I also assign two Division II institutions, Columbia Union and the University of the District of Columbia along with Potomac State College, West Virginia and Carroll Community College.

Can you give us a brief history of MACBOA?
DG: MACBOA was originally the Maryland Junior College Basketball Officials Association.  Due to new institutions that wanted officiating services after the first couple of years and the growing area serviced, after surveying our membership, the decision was made to change our name to Mid- Atlantic College Basketball Officials Association (MACBOA.)   MACBOA has members from as north as Connecticut to as far south as Florida and as far west as Colorado.  MACBOA strives to give officials the opportunity to gain collegiate officiating experience; to help prepare them in their quest to move to major collegiate officiating.  MACBOA has a high ratio of Division I officials that work the power Division I conferences that make themselves available for assignments and are constantly providing input on MACBOA's developmental program for officials. Presently, MACBOA has a membership of approximately 200 men and women officials. And our membership will grow in proportion to the needs of our association.  Our membership consist of men and women who work Divisions I, II and III basketball.  We pride our Association on providing quality and professional service

As of the 2000 - 2001 season, how many institutions will MACBOA service?  What was last year's total?
DG: We pride our Association on providing quality and professional service. Because of our program, MACBOA will service the Maryland Junior College (JUCO) Athletic Conference composed of eighteen (18) state community colleges competing in varsity intercollegiate athletics in the sport of men's and women's basketball.  MACBOA will also continue to service Division II institutions, Columbia Union College and The University of the District of Columbia, Potomac State College in West Virginia, and Carroll Community College.  For the 2000-2001 season, we will service a minimum of twenty-one (21) institutions.  As we go to print for this edition of the newsletter, MACBOA is in negotiations with other institutions, so the number of institutions serviced for this season may increase.  We serviced 14 institutions last season.

How are officials evaluated?
DG: By the Supervisor of Officials, MACBOA Observers, Administrative Matters, Coaches, Clinic Attendance, the Crew Chief in assignments, and videotape are all essential components in the evaluation process.

How do you identify officials to work for MACBOA?
DG: I attend as many as six (6) camps each summer and find officials who are willing to work and are looking for some college experience.  I also network with other coordinators and other knowledgeable basketball minds.  I am privileged to have a large number of Division I and Division II officials, as well as individuals that have professional officiating experience, that have offered to help make MACBOA a successful endeavor.   MACBOA strives to be an organization that is innovative that maintains a membership that is in tune with positive growth.

What qualities do you like in an official?
DG: Besides good conditioning, good interpersonal skills, a positive outlook and a philosophy where family comes before a game, the ability to listen and then apply it appropriately, and yes, have a talent to officiate.

What turns you off about an official?
DG: Individuals that self promote themselves to no end; that don't take care of the things off the court; that gossip; show a pattern for being late; and are untruthful.

How do you approach a situation where a mistake is made in a game?
DG: I usually research the situation from all angles. We are human beings and mistakes will happen.  In doing any endeavor you learn from a mistake.  We have to be able to get past that mistake so we can be better than you were before the mistake happened. 

What type of mistakes do you consider inexcusable?
DG: Saying the wrong things to others (coaches, fans, fellow officials).  An example is cursing at your partner or coach because you are the “Referee.” Secondly, talking about someone's ability behind their back, after they asked for your input.  Also, not applying the rules correctly and not being mentally and physically prepared for an assignment.

How do you handle the business side of supervising MACBOA with Athletic Directors?
DG:  I handle it just like any successful business enterprise.  MACBOA offers a service to institutions.  Our mission is to provide quality and professional service; to provide leadership, guidance, and support in the administration and management of officiating services.  MACBOA strives to improve on itself each season.  Some examples of past year's innovation included a teleconference with Athletic Directors and Head Coaches.  Last year, MACBOA created a web site for the membership to communicate with members as well as the institutions serviced.  The institutions we service seem to be comfortable my management style and how MACBOA resolves specific issues that arise.

How do you handle a situation where a coach is complaining about an official?
DG: I always listen first!  A coach with a complaint has to, put it in writing with supporting documents and send in videotape.  I look closely at the Observer's Report, the Crew Chief's Game Report and I talk to as many sources as possible before making a conclusion.

Any advice you would like to share with aspiring officials wanting to work at any collegiate level?
DG: Always grow and improve; get better with every game you do; be patient; be loyal.  Treat every assignment as if it were a final/championship game.  Listen to people like Tommie Scott, I always ask his advice about my life and my officiating career; Charlie Stovall, one of the best teachers that I know of in the game today.  Then there are people with Ph.D. in common sense, but won't say anything until you ask them, like Willie Jones, Reggie Greenwood, Ike Relacion, Diana DePaul, Joe Mitchell, Joe Palmer, Kenny Clark, and many others that I have not mentioned.

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Can you answer these questions to WIN a PRIZE?  The first 4 correct answers to these questions will receive the newly developed break-away lanyard from Fox-40.  Please send your answer to macboa1@aol.com.  You must answer all of the questions to be considered.  The first 4 individuals to correctly answer will be named in the next newsletter. 

*Can you have basket interference (BI) on a throw-in?  And why/why not? If the basket is good, is it a 2- or 3-point goal?  Where would the subsequent throw-in be administered? 

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A recap of the Montrose Physical Therapy Presentation at the Time Out Referee School
July 14, 2000 at The American University

Getting in Shape and Preventing Injuries

Topics covered in the presentation included the components of a physical conditioning program, injury recognition and referee/officiating questions related to training.  The clock is ticking time to get in shape or improve your physical condition level.  In just a few short months the season starts again.

Sit down with a calendar and plot your course.  Set attainable goals.  Remember, training involves weight training for muscle strength, cardiovascular training for endurance, and flexibility training.  All of these components will help prevent injury.  Lets make it through the season without being held back by injuries.  The book to get you started is called “Body for Life” by Bill Phillips and Michael D'Orso.  A web site that can help you even more is www.bodyforlife.com.

You will find a good deal of information to get you started.  If you have an injury take care of it now.  Remember the healing process starts immediately.  If an injury goes untreated the chances of full recovery diminish.  That means more severe injuries in the future or degenerative changes in joints.  Injuries are part of the game.  Get good at recognizing them and caring for them.  Seek out professional help. A good rule of thumb is if there is pain that lasts more than two days an injury has occurred.  If there is any swelling at all an injury has occurred.  Swelling should be resolved in ten days.  A sprained joint takes anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to heal. 

Officiating specifics include training for your activity.  That means 4 to 6 weeks before the season starts its time to start drills that mimic the physical activity of officiating.  Running court drills forward, backward, sideways and directional changes are a must.   As well as balancing activities for the ankles, knees, hips and trunk.  Your goal is to have the cardiovascular endurance to last the game without shortness of breath.  You should also build up strength and flexibility to prevent injury.  Remember the importance of training your trunk.  An excellent activity for this is exercises on the Swiss ball.  You can order one by calling Perform Better at 1-800-556-7464.

Lastly we spoke of Glucosamine / Chondroitin.  They are actual components of articulator cartilage.  Articulator cartilage is the first layer of a joint that gets worn out in the osteoarthritic process.  You can purchase these products at any health supply store or most grocery stores.  The literature states that these supplements, when taken together, can help ward off erosion of cartilage.  Before taking any supplements do your own research and consult your physician.

Finally, thanks to all of you who attended the July 14th presentation.  We hope to see you at the MACBOA Clinic on September 17th at PGCC.  Please feel free to contact me at Montrose Physical Therapy at (301) 770-5886.  We are offering special discounts on evaluation programs to MACBOA members and institutions.

Rene R. Bates PT, CSCS
Director of Physical Therapy
www.MontrosePT.com

P.S.  Remember that Montrose Physical Therapy offers physicals along with a physical therapy evaluations at a special rate for MACBOA members.  Call for your appointment.

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Exercise Your Brain (Ike Relacion)
You exercise your body, but did you know that mental exercise is also associated with longevity?  Researchers found that people with the best memory and cognitive skills lived longer (lower mortality rates) regardless of any other variable like sex, education, depression, and even exercise.  Next time you take your run, exercise your brain while you're at it.  Learn to identify tree species, recite a memorized poem, and review correctable errors and rules of basketball officiating.  Keep your brain and your body young with regular mental and physical exercise.  (American Journal & Epidemiology, 1999, Vol. 150. No.9, pp. 978-986)

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Sponsor Information: Official's Choice, Inc. 25% Summer Sale

The Official's Choice, Inc., is a proud sponsor MACBOA.  The Official's Choice carries a wide selection of officiating equipment and accessories.  Now through August 15, 2000, Official's Choice is having a 25% sale.  Please call (800) 480-4477.  Mention that you are a MACBOA Member.

THE OFFICIAL'S CHOICE, INC.
SUMMER SALE - 25% OFF SALE!!!
 
Sale prices are in effect through August 15th, 2000.

TOLL FREE ORDER LINE - 1 (800) 480-4477/ FAX LINE - 1 (973) 267-0303
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover!
Please call for our shipping rates.   Please add an additional $3.00 for size 2XL and $6.00 for 3XL.

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Reward, challenge, appreciation, stimulation, writing, reading...rarely thanked or noticed.

These are some of the attributes of the well-hidden job of MACBOA Newsletter Volunteer.

Are you interested in working behind the scenes (screens?) to help get information to members?  MACBOA is looking to grow our ranks by a couple of folks and thus, we're soliciting volunteers.

What do you do?  Read postings.  Write articles, membership news, coordinate interviews, cultivate sponsor relations, etc.  Write e-mail back and forth amongst us to establish communication, and guidance to keep this list as valuable as possible for our membership.  Although we're virtual, our presence is sensed, we hope...and appreciated, although rarely acclaimed.

We haven't a job description, nor do we know what knowledge, skills, and abilities are required, but some that will come in handy are:

• having the ability to write
• being thick skinned, not thick headed
• being able to express your opinions, while being open minded
• having at least a free hour or two a week
• caring for the list

Please respond directly to e-mail: dgray@macboa.org   

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Member News

Condolences to Gloria Moyher on the passing of her sister-in-law.

Please keep your thoughts and well wishes for Mrs. Olivia Cox, Norfolk, VA, mother of MACBOA member, Alvin Cox, as she recuperates from a recent illness.

Congratulations to several MACBOA men and women officials who have been selected to be on staff of several Division I conferences for the 2000-2001 season.  Keep up the great work and make MACBOA proud!

Please send in your personal stories, experiences or questions; other readers can reply to you via this newsletter or directly (provide your contact information). Contributions should be sent as e-mail, attachments to e-mail will not be accepted.  Please take the time to reply if you can help someone.

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MACBOA Newsletter Information

The MACBOA, INC provides the MACBOA newsletter.  MACBOA is a nonprofit organization providing information about membership news. The MACBOA.ORG Newsletter's contents may be quoted and reused as long as attribution is included with the reprinting and/or posting.

Neither MACBOA nor its guest contributors shall be liable or responsible to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be have been caused, directly or indirectly by the information or ideas contained, suggested, or referenced in this newsletter.

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