Upcoming Events - Local

From: Martin Johnson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, March 30, 2015 11:09 AM To: Martin Johnson Subject: Colorado Officials Newsletter 2015-03

Hi Folks,

The outdoor season has officially started here in Colorado, and while the weather is typically fickle in the spring, it definitely felt good to get out in the sun last weekend! This is the third newsletter of the year, and it is has some useful information. I have also included a copy of the latest outdoor schedule of meets as we know them at this time. Expect the schedule that comes with each of these newsletters to be a living document as more information makes its way to me throughout the year. Some of the local meets (USATF and NCAA) are beginning to pay stipends to officials. Please contact the coordinators if you are interested in working their meets. The athletes and coaches really appreciate all of your work, and it allows the competitions to run smoothly for all involved if an adequate number of trained officials are on hand. By lending your expertise, you ensure that parents or coaches aren’t forced to work the events, and coincidentally, you also make sure the proper rules are enforced for each competition. Remember, we must deal with NFHS (with CHSAA caveats), NCAA, USATF, and IAAF rules during various competitions in Colorado and at meets throughout the country. Make sure you are up on the rule changes for the appropriate book for each meet you work. I recently worked the NCAA D2 championships in Birmingham, Alabama, and unfortunately one of my officials was using the USATF rules instead of the NCAA rules for the triple jump. It caused a protest to be filed – all because they hadn’t refreshed themselves on the proper rules!

The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is in need of officials for its outdoor championships at CSU Pueblo, May 1-3. I have attached a copy of the application form to this email. They are still particularly short of officials in the field events. Please respond early so assignments can be made.

The Tom Benich Invitational at UNC Greeley is still looking for officials. If you live anywhere close, please help them out.

Our Youth Committee will have a meeting to discuss their outdoor schedule one hour before the upcoming Association meeting on April 12th. Expect some additions to the schedule when the next newsletter comes out. A complete listing of local Youth and Masters events can be found by selecting the links. Also, please notice I have corrected the date for the Rocky Mountain Masters Meet in August. The correct date is August 29-30.

USATF Membership Renewal - REQUIRED for all Officials For those of you whose USATF membership ends in 2014, now is the time to renew. This is the last chance – memberships expire tomorrow!!!!! Please remember USATF membership is a required part of being a Certified Official and those who have not renewed their membership by March 31 will be placed in a 'suspended' status and not be counted as certified until the membership is renewed. Now’s a great time to renew so you don't have any issues come spring time. Renew online at https://www.usatf.org/membership/application/index.asp . A multi-year membership gives you a discount and you won't have to worry about renewing each year. At this point in time, we still have approximately 20 officials that have yet to renew their membership for 2015.

SAFETY I’m going to foot stomp safety in every one of these newsletters. I watched a referee walk onto an active runway and narrowly avoid a collision with an athlete. This happened at a national championship less than a month ago! Safety is our number one priority – for the athletes, spectators, and yes – THE OFFICIALS as well!!!! Be vigilant and anticipate what can go wrong.

Championship Officiating Opportunities If you’d like to work a national championship meet to gain experience at that level, and to build your officiating resume, see the information below on championship meets around the country. For details and applications, go to: https://my.usatfofficials.com/applications

- USATF Youth Outdoor national championship, Lisle, IL, Jun 30-Jul 5 - USATF Masters Outdoor national championship, Jacksonville, FL, Jul 23-26 - USATF Junior Olympics national championships, Jacksonville, FL, Jul 27-Aug 2

SafeSport Training SafeSport training may be required in the near future for all certified officials. Currently coaches are required to get background checks and complete SafeSport training or equivalent as mandated by local governing bodies. Expect USATF to extend this requirement to officials either this year or next. The SafeSport training is a one-time requirement and can be found at: http://safesport.org/ As soon as I find out more details on background checks, I will pass the information along.

In conclusion The best way to build your officiating resume and improve your chances for getting selected to a national championship is to work meets using USATF rules. Our local Youth and Masters meets are great places to hone your skills and gain valuable experience. Have a great outdoor season, and I hope to see you at a meet somewhere soon!

Martin Johnson Officials Chair USA Track & Field, Colorado Association (719)209-1892 (cell)