REGULAR MEETING OF THE

CEDAR RAPIDS ATHLETIC OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION

November 7, 2016

The meeting was called to order by President Ron Van Hoeck at 6:30. An attendance sheet was circulated and 25 members were in attendance.

Minutes for the meeting held March 14, 2016 were presented for approval. A motion was made for approval by Dave Baker and seconded by Fred Griffiths. Motion carried without discussion.

Ron Van Hoeck gave a short President's report, indicating that day-to-day operations of the Association are going smoothly. Staff is handling things well and members are working hard to keep issues to a minimum.

Cory Burkle updated the membership regarding the Football season that is in progress.

• There have been no complaints to the Association from Coaches or ADs. Thank you for a very clean season.
• Two no-shows were handled on an individual basis. Although we strive for zero no-shows, two is a manageable level.
• There were a couple of assigning issues. Thanks to all who were flexible and accepted extra games.
• Please review the recruiting challenge that was issued by Lewie Curtis at the IHSAA. Statewide and locally this is an issue. Outlying schools are having especially difficult times. Most officials are introduced to officiating by other officials. Do your part. There were some very difficult middle school days as well as some Fridays this year. In some cases there were second-year football officials working Varsity games.
• Game fees were up this year. Some schools are actually paying more than what was proposed by a couple dollars. Cory believes that this may be due to the MVC trying to equalize lower-level fees across the various metro areas.

Chris Heidelbauer added a few items.

• Please be aware of the correspondence from the IHSAA office regarding recruiting of officials. Try to bring someone in to the fold and share any ideas that you have.
• We have a couple of trouble dates for Basketball. Primarily 1/24/17. Please check your calendars.

Recruiting conversation continued.

• Bill Yeisley noted a failed campaign hosted by the YMCA in past years. Our greatest asset was John Campbell in the local media, and no one currently working the in media has risen to fill that role.
• Last year we have ten new football officials. This year there are only four.
• The association has shifted from using the Gazette toward using Facebook given the relatively cheap exposure and ability to target our message. Some of our members have also been very effective in posting of recruiting opportunities to Facebook.

The Treasurer's report is attached. Motion to accept by Schaub, second by Noble. Motion Carried.

The following recommendations were made by Bill Yeisley regarding promotion of officials.

• Step I to Step II: Travis Thorson and Patrick Loughren
• Step II to Full Membership: Mike Bonwell, Ron Hartwig, Steve Rucker, Kyle Akers, Kevin Klostermann, Kent Possehl, Dan Becker, Chad Lind
• Transfers to Full Membership: Keith Rath, Cal Corrin, Chris Meinecke, Brad Paulsen, Brad Butschi
• Motion made to accept all recommendations. Second by Noble. Carried Unanimously.

A new Third Vice President is due to be elected. The Board offered a nomination for Steve Schaub. No nominations were received from the floor. Motion by Scott Anderson and seconded by Dave Baker to close nominations. Motion carried.

Additional discussion of numbers of officials in the system at this time. We listed 101 Football offcials and are carrying 92-96 Basketball officials. Some are listed, but unavailable do to injury at this time. Mark Murphy offered up a couple of names including Amy Holecek and Jennifer Lashley. Chris to followup.

Ron discussed the transition of the Executive Secretary position between Cory Burkle and Chris Heidelbauer and offered his thanks to both.

Motion by Scott Anderson and seconded by Rob noble to Adjourn. Motion carried.