Officiating Update Deaf Official Overcomes Adversity, Reaches Varsity Level Beau Rugg Beau joined the OHSAA in the fall of 2012 on an in- Central ’s Bill Estes excelling on the court for the terim basis and was hired game he loves full-time as assistant com- missioner on Feb. 14, 2013. He oversees the OHSAA’s The officials working the boys varsity game at Hamilton Town- officiating program and is the ship High School on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, probably experienced a game administrator for the sports that was much like most other games played around Ohio that night. But of football and . On the experience for one of the officials was like a dream come true. the officiating side, he coor- dinates the licensing, registration and renewal process for nearly 17,000 OHSAA officials and For official Bill Estes, it marked his first varsity basketball assignment. works directly with each sport’s Director of Of- While every official’s first varsity contest is special, it was particularly ficials Development, rules interpreters, offici- memorable for Estes, who achieved the varsity level without the ability to ating instructors, officials assigners and local hear. Estes is deaf. officials associations and secretaries. Beau is also the OHSAA’s administrator for football and wrestling, which includes interpreting contest “I never dreamed of becoming a varsity official,”E stes said. “I was happy rules, tournament regulations and assignments officiating middle school, freshman and junior varsity games. I was not try- among many other duties. ing to prove to someone that deaf people can officiate basketball games. I am doing it because I love the sport of basketball as I played and coached A native of Newark, Ohio, Beau holds two de- basketball for more than 25 years. Some officials encouraged me to get grees from The Ohio State University. He has also completed doctoral work in physical edu- licensed. When I officiated my first varsity game I was really excited but cation/sport management with a minor in busi- very nervous at the same time. After I made some calls, I became relaxed ness management. From 1986 to 2011, he was and realized that it was another day in the office.” an assistant or associate director with OSU’s Department of Recreational Sports. He was a Paul Melcher, a veteran central Ohio official and umpire, is a part of the registered OHSAA contest official in football (six state tournament assignments) and bas- officiating crew that has mentoredE stes on his journey to the varsity level. ketball for over 30 years. He was the manager Melcher’s crew includes Jeff Weiss and Chris Nelson and is a part of the of the OHSAA State Track & Field Tournament larger Central Ohio Basketball Officials Association Mentoring Program. for the past 22 years and worked the OHSAA State Individual Wrestling Tournament for the “Bill's persistence and development into an excellent basketball official past 25 years. is an inspiration to our entire crew,” Melcher said. “Regardless of the fact that Bill is deaf, he is an outstanding communicator. He is able to use OHSAA Directors of lip reading, sign language and sometimes even pad/paper to effectively Officiating Development communicate with partners and manage a basketball contest.” – Kyle McNeely Basketball – Dennis Morris Estes, 50, has been a registered basketball official for seven years and Field Hockey – Bill Gardiner Football – Bruce Maurer officiates in the Central Catholic League, Ohio Capital Conference, Mid- – Lori Powers-Basinger State League, Columbus City League and the Mid-Ohio Athletic Confer- Ice Hockey – Gary Wilkins ence. Soccer – Don Muenz – Jerry Fick “The world is not made for deaf people: unable to hear the whistles and & – Ken Gipe Track & Field – Dale Gabor unable to talk to coaches, players and other officials during the games,” – Diane Plas Estes said. “I know I have to compensate for that by working very hard in Wrestling – Jim Vreeland other areas that don't require hearing. I have to know the rules, use my mechanics the right way and communicate with everyone involved by OFFICIALS STATEMENT OF giving very clear signals during the games and writing down notes with BELIEFS other officials and coaches. The biggest obstacle for me is communica- 1. WE believe that the recruitment of officials is tion. I was fortunate enough to work with some great officials who under- most successful by individuals through local stood and respected my deafness. I always make sure I made my deaf- associations. ness known by letting the coaches and scorebook keeper/ timer know 2. WE believe that training leads to enjoyment before the game starts so we can communicate effectively throughout in officiating and in turn leads to retention of officials. the games.” 3. WE believe that continuing education leads to talented and competent officials. Estes had some good advice for other people who have disabilities but 4. WE believe that the OHSAA must support are interested in officiating. officials through training, education and action. 5. WE believe that reward and recognition of “Know your rules and do well in mechanics,” Estes said. “Continue to officials creates enthusiastic officials. work hard and be very patient. If you have doubts about other things, you 6. WE believe that strong leadership must be doubt yourself and lose confidence. Believe in yourself and do your job. present in all local associations. For new officials with disabilities, take great advantage of a mentoring 7. W E believe that a strong officiating program program like the one that helped me so much. I am really grateful for the and competent officials creates a positive experience for student-athletes. program.” TS 20 | OhSAA www.ohsaa.org

Photos courtesy of Jason Wilson.

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