2010 Football Meetings Set

The OKC Metro Officials Association Local Football Meetings for the 2010 season are set to begin July 14th at Metro Tech's South Bryant Campus with a start time of 6:30 PM. Additional weekly meetings will be scheduled on Wednesdays (6:30 pm start time) through September 8th thereafter with the exception of July 28th (because of All-State Week).

New officials will also have meetings on Mondays (6:30 pm start time). Because of the Association BBQ on July 26th, the first meeting will be held Tuesday, July 27th (at 6:30 pm) with subsequent meetings on Mondays . The meetings will be held at Metro Tech's South Bryant campus with the exception of any field training meetings.

2010 Oklahoma Officials Association
State Meeting & State Rules Meetings

On July 31st on the campus of Westmoore High School (12613 South Western Avenue) in Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Officials Association will hold an one-day Officials Conference. This Conference will offer State Rules Meetings in Fast-Pitch Softball, Volleyball, and Football. A “White Hat” meeting will be held for football officials interested in calling in the 2010 Football Play-offs. Recognition of the officials that worked in OSSAA State Championship events will be made along with the induction of members of the 2010 OOA Hall of Fame class. The agenda for the meetings at Westmoore can be found here. A PDF reader (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader) is required. A map of where Westmoore High School is located is below this article.

 


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Additional Football State Rules meetings will be held in August in Woodward, Lawton, Wilburton, and Vinita. For more details on the dates and locations of the meetings, click on the links inside the August calendar. The calendar links are shown in bold red.

Mechanically Inclined Clinic

The 2010 Mechanically Inclined Clinic hosted by Jimmy Young is set for August 7th at the Gordon Cooper Technology Center. The cost for the clinic is $40.00, which includes lunch. The clinic is classroom-based, and emphasizes the five man crew mechanics through discussion and videos. Keynote speakers this year are Tim Millis, Executive Director NFL Referee's Association and Mike Whaley, Supervisor of Officials, OSSAA. To register and get more information, click here.

Concussion Rule Revised, Strengthened
in High School Football

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 4, 2010) — Effective with the 2010 high school football season, any player who shows signs, symptoms or behaviors associated with a concussion must be removed from the game and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.

The concussion rule was one of 12 changes approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its meeting last month in Indianapolis. The rule changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

The previous rule directed officials to remove an athlete from play if “unconscious or apparently unconscious.” The previous rule also allowed for return to play based on written authorization by a medical doctor. Now, officials are charged with removing any player who shows signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion, such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.

“Given that the vast majority of concussions do not include a loss of consciousness, but that athletes often show obvious evidence of concussion, the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) strongly believes that officials must continue to be empowered to remove these athletes from play, thus protecting them from further injury,” said Dr. Michael Koester, chair of the SMAC. “Continued participation in any sport following a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, as well as increased risk for further injury to the brain and even death.

“The safety of the athlete is of paramount concern during any athletic contest. Officials, coaches and administrators are being asked to make all efforts at ensuring that concussed athletes do not continue to participate. Thus, coaches, players and administrators should also be looking for signs of concussion in all athletes and should immediately remove any suspected concussed athlete from play.”

In addition to football, the new concussion language is being placed in all NFHS rules books for the 2010-11 season, as well as the “NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion.”

Among the other changes were four pertaining to equipment, two dealing with player conduct, one concerning penalty options on scoring plays and three others in Rule 3 dealing with periods, time factors and substitution.

“The NFHS Football Rules Committee continues to focus its primary efforts toward maintaining the highest level of player safety,” said Julian Tackett, executive assistant commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee. “This is evidenced by several rule changes related to equipment and concussions that were approved for 2010 following review by the NFHS SMAC. The rules of the game are in very good order and our members felt that no substantial changes were necessary beyond our emphasis on the health and welfare of the high school student-athlete.”

Among the equipment changes was approval of a new football glove/hand pad standard for the 2012 season. Beginning in 2012, gloves, which may be anchored with athletic tape and even though modified, must meet the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) test standards at the time of manufacture.

Other equipment changes include removal of restrictions on penalty-marker colored pads or gloves; revisions in the padding rule for guards, casts and braces; and clarification of the illegal player equipment rule.

In Rule 9-4-3k, the committee approved a clarification to the horse-collar rule. The wording in the definition of a horse-collar was changed to address situations when player possession was lost or the ball became dead by rule after the back or side of the jersey collar/shoulder pads were grasped.

“Under the previous rule, if the horse-collar occurred inbounds, but the tackle was completed out of bounds, in the end zone or after a loss of player possession, a horse-collar foul could not be called as the player was no longer a runner,” said Bob Colgate, NFHS assistant director and liaison to both the Football Rules Committee and the SMAC. “The wording was modified to ensure that a horse-collar foul could be called even if the runner no longer had possession of the ball or the ball became dead by rule.”

In Rule 8-2, six existing articles were refined and a new article created regarding fouls on scoring plays that have succeeding spot enforcement. Colgate said the changes now give both teams the same options when a non-player or unsportsmanlike conduct foul is committed during a down in which a touchdown is scored.

In other changes, the point differential rule by state adoption was modified to allow state associations to terminate a game at any point once the point differential is reached. Previously, the end of the first half was the earliest termination of a game by rule. In Rule 3-2-2, coin toss provisions were revised to state that no more than four captains per team can be on the field of play for the coin toss. In Rule 3-7-1, the committee revised the timeframe for replacing players from “immediately” to “within three seconds.”

Finally, the rules committee altered field markings in nine-, eight- and six-player football. All players who participated in the previous down and all substitutes must be momentarily between the 7-yard marks if they play on regulation 80-yard fields.

Points of emphasis adopted by the NFHS Football Rules Committee for the 2010 season include concussion recognition and management, heat illness and hydration, illegal helmet contact, assisting the runner, sportsmanship and public-address announcers, and NFHS Football Officials Manual.

NFHS Concussion Course

With the increased emphasis on concussions in sports, the OSSAA is requiring that all five-man crews complete the course at NFHSLearn.com and provide certification of completion for playoff consideration. Enrollment in this course is free, and the course can be completed all at once, or in parts. Registration at NFHSLearn.com is required before registering for the course.

OSSAA Crew Tests

The football crew test is a voluntary test designed to test the knowledge of all crew members without the aid of rule or case books and in a timed environment. Scores from the crew test will be used in the evaluation process of the crew and could impact the crew’s playoff assignments. Not participating in the crew test will not have negative impact on the crew’s playoff assignments.

For more information, click here. A PDF reader (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader) is required.

End-of-game Replays Approved in High School Basketball

Replay equipment may be used in state high school basketball championships next year to determine the final outcome of games.

In its April 13-15 meeting in Indianapolis, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rules Committee voted to permit state high school associations to use a replay monitor to review field-goal attempts at the expiration of time in the fourth quarter or any overtime period, but only in games when the last-second attempt would affect the outcome of the game.

This addition to Rule 2-2-1 was one of two major rules changes and five major editorial revisions approved by the Basketball Rules Committee. All changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In response to end-of-game situations in three state championships during the 2007-08 season (South Carolina, Michigan, Ohio), the committee decided to give state associations the opportunity to use technology, if available, to assist in making sure that the correct team is awarded the state championship. Replay or game officials will be able to determine if the attempt occurred before time expired (0:00 on clock), and whether the shot was a two-point or three-point attempt.

"Coaches, participants, spectators and media now hold game officials to a higher, almost impossible standard," said Mary Struckhoff, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee. "When available, technology should be used to assist game officials and administrators in making the correct call when the outcome of the game hangs in the balance and a team has no further opportunity to overcome a critical error. This change provides state associations that opportunity."

Although not directly linked to the replay change, the other rule change approved by the committee could enhance the reviews of end-of-game situations. Beginning with the 2009-10 season, if a red light behind the backboard or an LED light on the backboard is present, it is permitted to signal the expiration of time in the quarter/extra period. If no red light/LED light is present, the audible timer's signal will continue to signal the expiration of time. In the past, use of the red light/LED light was not permitted even in those facilities that had one.

"This change allows the technology to be used if it's available, and in those situations when replay officials are reviewing end-of-game attempts, the red light/LED light should be helpful," Struckhoff said. "All other end-of-period rules remain intact."

Two of the five editorial changes were approved in response to last year's major rule change in which all players moved up one lane space during a free-throw attempt, thereby leaving the two marked lane spaces closest to the end line vacant.

New language in Rule 9-1-3d states that a player leaves a marked lane space when he or she contacts any part of the court outside the marked lane space (3 feet by 3 feet). A clarification to Rule 9-1-3g indicates that a player occupying a marked lane space must have one foot positioned near the outer edge of the free-throw lane line with the other positioned anywhere within the designated 36-inch lane space.

Struckhoff said these changes were necessitated by players attempting to leave their positions too early to gain a rebound advantage.

The remaining editorial changes are as follows:

Rules 1-13-3, 5-12-5: Clarified that the imaginary rectangle designated the area to be used for time-outs.

Rule 2-12-5NOTE: Clarified when the 20-second interval begins to replace an injured player.

Rule 3-7: Clarified that any item, in the referee's judgment, that constitutes a safety concern is not permitted.

The committee also adopted five points of emphasis for the upcoming season. The identified topics include traveling, closely guarded, three-seconds, block/charge and free-throw administration.

2010 Baseball Rules Changes Include
Bat Standards Adjustment

The clarification of baseball bat specifications was among four rules adjusted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its annual meeting June 7-9 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. 

A change to Rule 1-3-2 regarding bat specifications was made in the hope it will clarify bat compliance. The rule, which will be effective January 1, 2012, specifies that the bat should be a “smooth cylinder implement from the top of the cap to the top of the knob.”

“The committee was looking to clarify the rule and make the purchase of bats an easier process,” said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of educational services and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee. “We want to make sure that kids and parents know what is permissible.”

The change will also require that all non-wood bats meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, which is the standard used by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Formerly, non-wood bats had to meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) standard.

The new rule also states that non-wood bats must be labeled with a rectangular certification mark “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.” The new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities.

“After working with the NCAA and having access to its research, we’ve concluded it’s in our best interest to make this change,” Hopkins said. “BBCOR includes the BESR standard, so we’re actually expanding upon our current standard, which will be more appropriate for our age and skill level.”

Another major rule addition applies to assistant coaches and their behavior during the game. Rule 3-3-1g6 prohibits any member of the coaching staff who is not the head coach from leaving “the vicinity of the dugout or coaching box to dispute a judgment call by an umpire.” The penalty for this infraction is that both the head coach and the offending coach will be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game. If severe enough, the umpire also has the authority to eject the offending coach and/or the head coach.

The intention of this change is to cut down on the disruptive and counterproductive behavior of assistant coaches. It also reinforces to head coaches that they are responsible for their staff and players.

“The committee found that assistant coaches were taking license with their roles and becoming disruptive,” Hopkins said. “By doing that, they’re sending the wrong message to their players. It’s one thing to ask the official for a clarification, but it’s another to challenge and charge an umpire. We cannot and will not allow that.”

A clarification was made to Rule 1-2-4 concerning the temporary extension of dugouts. The modified rule explains that when the dugout is to be temporarily extended, it shall be extended toward the outfield and not toward home plate.

The final adjustment was made to Rule 7-4-1f, concerning the instances when a batter will be declared out. The change reads that the batter is out if “any member of the offensive team or coach other than the runner interferes with a fielder who is attempting to field a foul fly ball.” The addition of the phrase “other than the runner” clarifies the responsibility of the runner and that the runner — not the batter — will be declared out for the runner’s interference.

“Previously, it just wasn’t fair to the batter,” Hopkins explained. “If the runner interferes with the defense, it’s not the batter’s fault. It was the runner who created the infraction, so the runner will be called out.”

 

Softball Pitching Distance to Increase to 43 Feet in 2010-11

Effective with the 2010-11 school year, the pitching distance for high school varsity softball pitchers will increase from 40 feet to 43 feet.

The new pitching distance was one of four rules revisions made by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its annual meeting June 8-10 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Although the new pitching distance is mandatory beginning with the 2010-11 school year, NFHS-member state high school associations may adopt the 43-feet distance in 2009-10, if desired.

After at least 10 years of debate by committee members, the NFHS has extended the fast-pitch pitching distance to 43 feet. The change to Rule 1-1-2b was made after two member state associations experimented with 43 feet – Florida for four years and Oregon for one year. Coaches surveyed within these states were overwhelmingly supportive of the change.

Creating a better balance between the offense and the defense was the major rationale for the rule change. Experimentation results from both states indicated more batted balls were hit into play.

“Our main thrust is getting the defense more involved,” said Mary Struckhoff, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Softball Rules Committee. “When more balls are hit into play, the defense is more involved in the game, thus enhancing skill development.”

The second revision (Rule 1-5) concerned bat specifications. The majority of the text is simply reorganized from the current rules book.

“This is primarily an editorial change,“ Struckhoff said. “We just want to be more detailed in our specifications in order to give manufacturers, coaches, players and umpires guidance on what is and is not permissible.”

Another rule revision for next season affects hair devices. An exception was added to Rule 3-2-12, permitting “hard, unadorned devices, such as bobby pins, barrettes and hair clips, no longer than 2 inches, to be worn to control a player’s hair.” The rule was changed to allow players more options.  

“The exception allows players a practical way of dealing with their hair,” Struckhoff said. “The committee didn’t see that hair devices would be a nuisance or would pose undue risk to players.” The change also maintains consistency with NFHS volleyball rules regarding the same issue.

The final rules change concerns how a winning pitcher is determined. The committee altered Rule 9-6-6, changing the required number of innings pitched for a starting pitcher to be credited with a win to “half of the total number of innings played in the game.” The new language gives the starting pitcher the ability to earn a win even if she leaves the pitching position for another defensive position and returns as pitcher later in the game. It also allows greater clarity in determining the winning pitcher when a game is terminated due to the run-rule.

“Softball and baseball are different games and the requirements for a pitcher to be credited with a win should reflect those differences,” Struckhoff said. “In softball, it’s possible for the pitcher to pitch an inning, leave the position and then come back to pitch later in the same game. The change was made to reflect the culture of the sport.”

 

Recruiting New Officials

The OKC Metro Association is actively recruiting new officials. No experience is a necessary, just a willingness to learn and a good work ethic are required. In order to be able to officiate, a candidate must take an Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association Officiating Exam for the sport the candidate wants to officiate. Becoming a member of a local association, like the OKC Metro Officials Association, will help prepare for the OSSAA tests, as well as prep for on-field or on-court experience. Many youth leagues as require passing OSSAA tests before serving as one of their officials.