MHSAA--September 1999 STRIPES

Football crews for the 1999 season may utilize the mechanics as described. Should your crew use the adapted mechanic once or more during the season complete and return the questionnaire at the end of this article one time following your experience.

The adaptations are shaded for easy reference.

FREE KICK -- BACK JUDGE WITH THE BALL

* gives coverage up the middle of the field

* relives the lineman of watching illegal blocks against the kicker enabling the linesman to release downfield quicker to cover illegal activity in his zone

* prevents the ball from being kicked prior to the "ready" signal

* provides for HL and LJ to be in front of bench area to eliminate delays after scores

* provides for promptness of the kicking team

5-MAN POSITIONS FOR KICKOFF

1. Position: R's 5-yard line on the line judge's side near inbounds line.

3. Check positions of other officials.

4. Hold arm above head to request ready sign from other officials and kicker.

5. After ready signs have been received, drop arm and sound whistle to signal that kick be made.

6. If short free kick is anticipated:

a. Take position near R's 10-yard line.

b. Be alert to assist other officials.

1. Kick down the middle:

a. Signal clock to start when kick is touched other than first touching by K.

b. Pick up runner and follow until releasing to covering official.

a. Retreat to goal line to rule on touchback.

b. If kick is caught inside 5-yard line and player is downed in end zone, or ball goes out-of-bounds there, rule on whether player's momentum took him into end zone and mark spot of catch with bean bag.

3. Kick outside opposite inbounds line:

a. Move cautiously with play.

b. Observe action of other players in vicinity of runner.

c. Serve as clean-up behind, to side of, and around runner.

4. Kick out of bounds: determine if R had touched or last touched ball inbounds.

1. Position: On R's 20-yard line on the sideline opposite line judge.

2. Monitor bench area, then move to sideline opposite line judge.

3. Be certain coaches, players, substitutes and other individuals are in proper location.

5. Hold arm above head to indicate you are ready.

6. If short kick is anticipated:

a. Position near R's free-kick line.

b. Be alert for first touching by K or kick which does not cross R's free-kick line. Hold bean bag to mark first touching by K.

1. Kick to your side:

a. Signal clock to start when kick is touched, other than first touching by K.

b. Pick up runner and follow.

c. When ball becomes dead, sound whistle and give timeout signal.

2. Be alert for first touching by K, and mark spot with bean bag.

3. Mark spot where kick goes out-of-bounds on your side of field:

a. Bean bag if last touched inbounds by R.

b. Penalty marker in untouched inbounds by R or not last touched inbounds by R.

4. Maintain position enabling coverage of your sideline at all times.

5. Observe legality of blocks and action away from ball when not covering runner.

6. Kick to opposite side of field:

a. Move cautiously toward play.

b. Observe action of other players in vicinity of runner.

1. Position: K's free kick line in side zone to monitor bench area and assist kicking team in getting into position.

3. Move to a position just outside the sideline on K's free kick line on the line-to-gain equipment side.

4. Be certain coaches, players, substitutes and other individuals are in proper location.

5. Hold arm above head to indicate you are ready.

6. Watch for any infractions involving K's free kick line.

1. Be alert for first touching by K -- mark spot with bean bag.

2. Be alert for kick which does not cross R's free kick line.

3. Mark out-of-bounds spot if kick goes out-of-bounds in your area:

a. Bean bag if last touched inbounds by R.

b. Penalty marker if untouched inbounds by R or not last touched inbounds by R.

4. Watch initial blocks by player near R's free kick line. Cover to opposite 45-yard line.

5. After the ball has gone downfield, move deliberately in that direction while watching for fouls away from the ball.

6. Maintain position enabling coverage of sideline at all times.

7. Be in position to take over coverage of runner in your area on long return.

1. Be certain coaches, players, substitutes and other individuals are in proper location.

2. Position: R's free kick line, outside sideline opposite linesman.

3. Count R players and identify the free kick line for the receiving team.

4. Hold arm above your head to indicate you are ready.

5. Watch for any infractions involving R's free kick line.

6. If short kick is anticipated:

a. Position on R's free kick line.

b. Be alert for first touching by K or kick which does not cross R's free-kick line. Hold bean bag to mark spot of first touching by K.

1. Be alert for first touching by K.

2. Mark spot of first touching with bean bag.

3. Watch initial blocks in your area.

4. If ball becomes dead in your area, sound whistle and give timeout signal.

5. Mark spot where kick goes out-of-bounds on your side of field:

a. Bean bag is last touched inbounds by R.

b. Penalty marker in untouched inbounds by R or not last touched inbounds by R.

6. After ball has gone downfield, move deliberately in that direction while watching for fouls away from ball. Cover 15 yards down sideline.

1. Take charge of ball.

2. Position: Take position at the kickoff spot.

3. Instruct the kicker to hold his arm aloft when he is ready to take the kick. Caution him not to kick the ball if it falls off the tee. Be sure he understands not to kick the ball until the Referee sounds his whistle.

5. When you have completed your instructions to the kicker move slightly to one side of him, making sure that you do not impede his actions.

6. Hold one arm above your head and the other pointing to the kicker to indicate you are ready.

7. Team 25-second count.

8. Watch the ball prior to the kick and blow your whistle if it falls off the tee.

9. If there is a dead ball foul, administer penalty and place ball ready.

1. Watch initial blocks by R and action against kicker and holder.

2. Observe all action down the middle of the field.

3. Be alert for first touching by K.

4. Be alert for short kicks. Watch the blocks made by the kicking team.

5. If the ball goes deep, move downfield slowly after the players. Keep all the players in front of you. Observe action ahead of the runner.

6. Check the legality of all actions during the kick return, with particular attention to illegal blocks. Only watch the runner if he is in your area of responsibility, otherwise watch action in front of, around or behind the runner as appropriate.

7. If there is a foul before kick ends requiring rekick, administer penalty and place ball ready.

8. Be in position to take over coverage of runner in your area on long return.

VI. ALL OFFICIALS

A. Covering official(s) signal clock to start when kick is touched, other than first touching by K.

B. Kick out of bounds between goal lines:

2. Give timeout signal, and mark spot.

3. Determine if R had touched or last touched ball inbounds.

4. Toss flag if R did not touch ball.

C. Maintain position to cover sideline at all times.

D. Sound whistle when ball becomes dead in your area and give timeout signal.

E. Carry bean bag in hand.

F. Free kick following safety:

1. Each official assumes same relative position and has same duties as on kickoff.

2. Ball put in play by dropkick, placekick or punt.

5-PERSON MECHANICS PROCEDURE QUESTIONNAIRE --FREE KICK PROCEDURE

1. In how many contests was the adapted mechanics used? _________

2. The "free kick" mechanic allows for better coverage up the middle of the field (back judge). YES ________ NO ________

3. The "free kick" mechanic allows the head linesman to release quicker enabling him to observe initial blocking activity? YES ____ NO ____

4. The "free kick" mechanic prevents the ball from being kicked prior to the "ready" signal. YES _______ NO _______

5. The "free kick" mechanic ensures promptness by the kicking team.

6. The MHSAA is encouraged to petition the National Federation to change the "free kick" mechanic to coincide with the experimental mechanic.

YES _______ NO _______ If no, please list suggestions/comments:

___________________________________________________________

CREW CHIEF_____________________ OFFICIALS ID #_____________

Quick Whistles

MATTAWAN VOLLEYBALL MEETING
CHANGED TO COMSTOCK HS

The Volleyball Rules Meeting scheduled for Nov. 3, 1999 at Mattawan High School has been changed to Comstock High School.

Please check the MHSAA web site: www.mhsaa.com for updates to the schedule of all rules meetings.

REMEMBER NORRIS AWARD NOMINATIONS

The MHSAA will continue to receive nominations for the Women in Sports Leadership Award, the Charles Forsythe Award, the Vern L. Norris Award, and the Allen W. Bush Award. Conferences, Officials Associations, and individuals may nominate deserving candidates. Names submitted last year will continue as nominees in this year's selection process.

The Norris Award, presented annually since 1992, honors a distinguished MHSAA official for valuable contributions and excellence in officiating through his or her career.

Please contact the MHSAA for application forms. Deadlines for applications are October 15 for the WISL Award, Nov. 1 for the Forsythe Award, March 1 for the Norris Award and April 1 for the Bush Awards.

NECK GUARDS REQUIRED IN ICE HOCKEY

The MHSAA Representative Council, at its May 1999 meeting, approved mandatory use of neck guards in high school ice hockey beginning with the 1999-00 season. National Federation rules recommend rather than mandate the use of neck guards, but the Council, acting on staff recommendation, decided to implement the requirement immediately. Previously only goalkeepers were required to wear throat guards that attach to the helmet, facemask or neck.

During the 1998-99 season, there was at least one serious neck injury in a Michigan high school hockey game when a player received a throat laceration from an opposing player's skate. Some schools reacting on their own purchased neck guards for their team members' protection. Players are not unfamiliar with neck guards as many youth leagues have current regulations for their use. The MHSAA requirement will be in effect for all high school hockey competitions; scrimmages, regular season games and tournaments. In addition, it is strongly recommended that players wear neck guards during all practice sessions.

1999-2000 Rules Changes

Swimming and Diving

2-7-4 A recall rope placed at least 42 feet from the starting end, or a recall device, shall be required for all swimming events at all meets.

3-3-1 Competitors shall not be permitted to compete in attire (suits, caps, or goggles) which includes advertising or a name other than the name of the competitor, school or mascot, except a visible logo/trade name...

9-2-4 In triple dual and triangular meets, the order of divers shall correspond to the lane assignments drawn by lot. (e.g. 1-4, 2-5, 3-6)

9-4-1 When the total degree of difficulty for voluntary dives

Pen. (1) exceeds 9.0, the dive or dives that causes the total degree of difficulty to exceed 9.0 will be failed.

9-4-1 Once the diving competition has started, the following

Pen. (2) errors on the dive sheet shall result in the disqualification of the offending diver:

(1) four or less dives are designated as voluntary

(2) four or less groups are listed in the first eight dives

(3) five or less groups are designated as optional dives

9-4-1 "When there are more than 32 contestants the field may be cut to 32 after the fifth round. If the field is reduced after three rounds, the remaining two dives of the preliminaries are performed, followed by semifinals and finals.

9-5-5 It is a balk if, in the diving referee's opinion, a diver assumes the starting position and from that position interrupts the continuous execution of the dive prior to the water entry. The balk shall be declared before the dive is scored.

9-6-2 (g) determine disqualification of a diver and notify the diver or his/her coach at the time of infraction causing the disqualification.

9-6-3 (b) announce the award given by each dive judge. The announcement of these scores shall be in the same order throughout the contest.

4-1-1a Clarifies that stockings shall be a single dominant color by 2000-01.

7-3-1 Permits state associations to adopt their own tie breaking procedures.

12-7-5 A goalkeeper may no longer hold the ball for more than 5 seconds after taking possession/control.

1-2-3e The restraining lines for the team box and coaches' area has been increased from between the 30-yard lines to the 25-yard lines.

1-5-1d1 The numbers on a jersey now must be centered horizontally on the front and back.

1-5-3j Towel size (if used) is 4 inches by 12 inches.

3-3-2 If time for any period expires during a down (clock indicates 0:00), play shall continue until the down ends, even though the signal shall be allowed to sound.

7-5-12 Provides that if a legal forward pass is touched by the defense in or behind the neutral zone and subsequently goes beyond the line of scrimmage, that linemen will not be considered illegally downfield.

Major Editorial Changes

1-1-9 Moved the authority of a referee to forfeit a game to the section listing official's duties.

1-5-3m Clarified that if an eye shield is used, it must be clear.

2-6-2 Clarified the two types of conferences that may be held.

Regular-Season Contest Forfeiture Guidelines

MHSAA staff have received questions about a protocol to follow when participating teams arrive after the scheduled start time during the regular season. Although late arrivals are often understandable, there can be an impact which affects opponents and officials adversely.

First of all, it is important that the games scheduled be played at the posted time. If schools release students at a time which makes it impossible to arrive in time to honor the contracted start time, the MHSAA would encourage the league to establish a realistic start time.

Officials who depart early from work to make an often missed start time are forced to sacrifice pay or vacation time for no reason.

Please take the time to address this important concern well in advance of the season so all involved can know what to expect. Nothing is as disappointing as the misunderstandings created through failure to communicate. The final step is to share with coaches, administrators, officials and bus drivers the requirements which have been agreed upon by contract so there is full awareness of the protocol to be practiced.

If the start time must be later than that contracted, the following guidelines are promoted as fair to all.

When a league or conference does not have a written policy regarding late contest start time, the following policy should apply (subject to MHSAA Executive Committee review, Aug. 18, 1999):

1. If a team fails to arrive for a regular-season contest at the time stated on the contract, it will be necessary for the host administration to delay the contest, declare the game forfeited, reschedule the contest, or declare the event "no contest."

2. If the host management has been notified of the reason for the delay and projected arrival, the officials must stand by for 60 minutes beyond the scheduled starting time. When the team arrives, a reasonable amount of time must be provided for the visiting team to conduct a pre-game warm-up. In any case, warm-up may not be less than 15 minutes.

3. If the host management has not been notified that there is a delay and the reason for it, the officials have permission to leave the site, without obligation, 30 minutes after the contracted start time has passed.

In MHSAA tournament play, the General Information Bulletin for each sport will prescribe the specific action to be taken.

BASKETBALL POINT DIFFERENTIAL RULE

During the 1998-99 school year, the National Federation of State High School Associations allowed both the Michigan and Missouri associations to experiment with a point differential rule in basketball. That experiment has been extended throughout the 1999-00 school year in all boys and girls basketball contests involving MHSAA member schools.

The Michigan model is now mandated for use at all levels of competition grades 7-12 within our membership. The model stipulates .... "When at any point in the second half a point differential of 40 points is established, a running clock will be in effect for the remainder of the game. The clock shall be stopped as normal for all timeouts, including injury and the third-period break. The clock will revert to regular timing if the score is reduced to a 30-point differential or less."

In total for both boys and girls in 1998-99, the MHSAA received 672 responses -- 538 from high school competitions and 134 from junior high/middle school competitions -- and determined that approximately 80 percent of those responding thought the rule accomplished its intent.

Based on the results of the survey, the Basketball Committee and the Representative Council approved recommendations to request the National Federation's Basketball Rules Committee to consider rule book language that would allow individual state associations to adopt variations of a point differential rule (a similar request was made by Missouri). The committee's response to Michigan and Missouri's requests was to continue the experiment for at least another year to gain more data and to better inform other states as to the need for additional Federation rule book language.

Michigan will again request data from its participating basketball schools on contests that meet the point differential standard.

The Basketball Committee unanimously supports the continued use of the point differential rule to lessen situations that lead to embarrassment and inappropriate behaviors.

Enforce Football Cleat Restrictions

In 1998, cleats 3/4 inches or longer were found on shoes prior to games at several sites. When brought to the attention of coaches, in a few situations, officials were criticized. In many cases, discovery was well before kickoff, giving coaches time to make a change.

In a number of cases, players make the change in cleats without the coaches' knowledge. This requires more time by the coaching staff to educate players about legal and illegal equipment. If the coaching staff carries with them extra cleats to handle such a situation, they would have the ability to make a quick change and get on with the game.

1. Coaching staffs spend more time discussing legal and illegal equipment, including cleat lengths and the reasoning behind the rule.

2. That coaching staffs include with the equipment carried to each game, additional 1/2" cleats to handle those situations.

3. As an official, be proactive. Look for illegal cleats (as well as other illegal equipment) as soon as you get on the field. It is not recommended that each player show you his shoes, but be alert for players who are exercising, or on the ground with their shoe bottoms exposed. If found and changed prior to kickoff, a possible penalty or coaches ejection later is avoided. Should the opposing coach direct attention to illegal cleats, the official has no alternative but to administer the proper ruling.

4. Enforce the rule as written. Don't compromise your liability insurance or reputation.

Officiating crews need to be responsive to the rule. If extra cleats are available, enough to outfit perhaps 10-15 players, the game can start without problems, and no penalty situation regarding illegal cleats would occur during the game.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
Michigan "Officials of the Year"

Annually, the National Federation Officials Association selects members from each state in recognition of their officiating involvement. NFOA State Director Mike Terwilliger (Saginaw) notified the MHSAA that the following MHSAA officials received this NFOA honor and have been awarded a certificate plaque.

The recognition that these folks earned is, in large part, due to their service and commitment to high school athletics. Congratulations!

1997-98
Name	Sport	City
Marilyn Bowker	Competitive Cheer	Williamston
James Knopp	Softball	Wyandotte
Craig Gritzmaker	Volleyball	Ithaca
Ray Drysdale	Girls Track	Albion
D. J. Rothenthaler	Girls Basketball	Grand Rapids
Erich Schifter	Wrestling	Ann Arbor
A. Dean Parling	Baseball	Ithaca
Ronald Shier	Soccer	Clawson
James Cleverly	Track and Field	New Baltimore
Tim Baker	Boys Basketball	Constantine
Brian Foust	Swimming	Plymouth
Allan Owens	Cross Country	Hudsonville

1998-99
Name	Sport	City
Candace A. Cox	Competitive Cheer	Quincy
Herb Lipschultz	Softball	Kalamazoo
Christi J. Brilinski	Volleyball	Boyne City
Bruce Moss	Girls Basektball	Alma
Ronald L. Minoletti	Wrestling	Sterling Heights
Dale Clyde	Baselball	Bay City
James Helgemo	Football	Fremont
Robert C. Wojcik	Boys Basketball	Hudsonville
James L. Downs	Swimming	Howell
William D. Powell	Girls Soccer	Midland
E. F. Dinsmore	Boys Soccer	Sturgis

Authenticating Mark Not Required in 1999-2000

The Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association voted on Dec. 2, 1998, to delay MHSAA member schools' compliance with a mandate appearing in the playing rule books of the National Federation of State High School Associations for the 1999-2000 school year that high school contests may only be played if the National Federation "Authenticating Mark" appears on the puck or the ball used in the contest.
The Council's action delays schools' compliance on any level in any sport until not earlier than the 2000-01 school year. A decision regarding that year will be made by the Council at its December 1999 meeting.
The Council's action makes the authenticating mark unnecessary for MHSAA member schools' competition at the varsity and sub-varsity levels in ice hockey, baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball. Any MHSAA currently approved ball or puck can be used in MHSAA competition without the “Authenticating Mark.”
It is the National Federation's intent that manufacturers' products pass independent testing at the manufacturer's expense, and that the manufacturer pay the National Federation 25 cents per inflated ball and 25 cents per dozen pucks, baseballs and softballs. However, the National Federation has advised its Board of Directors the overall mark-up will be $1 to $2 per inflated ball or dozen.
The National Federation projects the additional cost to schools to be $20 per year on average. Others, including MHSAA member school athletic administrators, project the cost will average up to $250 per year or more, depending on the amount of product purchased and the total of pass-through costs to schools by manufacturers, distributors and dealers. Most reaction to the program by manufacturers, dealers, officials and athletic directors is mildly to strongly negative.
The National Federation developed this initiative as a means to generate manufacturers' support of high school athletics; but it is apparent the result will be local schools—not manufacturers— which subsidize the National Federation through this program.
A secondary purpose of the program, to standardize balls and pucks, is seen as unnecessary because such standardization already exists through manufacturers' compliance with the specifications of balls and pucks stated in National Federation rules prior to the additional requirement that the product carry the authenticating mark.
Last October, members of the National Federation Board of Directors expressed concerns regarding the administration of the NFHS authenticating mark program. A motion to delay the implementation was defeated. However, the Board of Directors did adopt the policy that state associations would have broad leeway to work with schools, manufacturers, and dealers to implement the program in a way that minimizes hardship to all interested parties. The MHSAA Representative Council acted pursuant to that policy.

ON THE LINE--A STRIPES Editorial

As we look forward to 1999-2000, it is important to focus a spot light to recognize some deserving individuals and programs. Those of us involved in the MHSAA world of officiating have much to be proud of and this column will serve to draw attention to some who deserve a “well done.”

When the National Federation began it's effort to create the Officials Education Program, it was seen by some to be an impossible task. Well, the program is, not unlike all new ideas, slowly taking on structure, form and content. Several national leaders who have shared their expertise with our trainers are noteworthy contributors to this massive undertaking. Hats off to Mary Struckoff (Illinois), Hank Zaborniak (Ohio), Dotson Lewis (Texas), Jenni Malsam (Iowa) and Bob Tunison (Oregon) who have joined 13 other leaders to launch this remarkable dream — to design an educational program to teach people how to become officials.

While we are on the topic of the National Federation OEP, Jim Eastman (Lapeer) has become Michigan's first National Faculty member trained to present the basketball component as one of three National Faculty members in his sport. Four others including former MHSAA Clinician Sheryl Solberg (North Dakota) are volleyball National Faculty members.

Official Dale Clyde (Bay City) is serving on the National Federation Baseball Rules Committee while Mike Tewilliger (Saginaw) was appointed to represent Section IV (IL, WI, IN, MI, IA) of the National Federation Officials Association.
The West Michigan Umpire Baseball Camp has been thriving as an outstanding training opportunity for baseball umpires in Michigan and recently the midwest. Bruce Doane Sr., Carl VanHick, Bill Charron and several others have contributed to the success of this commendable clinic.

The Saginaw Area Tri-City Basketball Camp, operated by Jim Eastman, the Michael Smith Camp, held in the metropolitan Detroit area, plus Ron Applegate's effort at Michigan State University are three successful basketball officiating training camps.

In football, Phil Long and his Genesee County officiating friends have developed an outstanding two-day football clinic which has addressed the needs of new recruits as well as experienced football officials.

Although these examples of officials and Approved Associations working to benefit the craft, don't acknowledge every educational opportunity within the state, it is a profile of commitment worth noting. The pride to share is that registered MHSAA officials are addressing the need for education, sharing and including other officials in the effort and reaping the satisfaction from being active and involved; being part of the solution.

Hats off to all of you who are making a difference!

"ALLIANCE"--A New Association

The Michigan Officials Alliance takes great pride in the growth experienced its first year of existence. Growing from a group of 12 or 15 officials last June, to approximately 2000 members and 14 approved associations today, the MOA made great strides during 1998-99.
Ten sports including football, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, soccer, competitive cheer, baseball, softball, hockey and swimming are represented by officials in the MOA. MOA presence at MHSAA final tournaments, in most of these sports, was met with open arms from fellow officials. Our purpose in attending these events was two-fold: we wanted to share our story with as many officials as possible and we wanted to accelerate recruiting efforts among the fans and participants at those events. We achieved a large portion of our goal based on MOA membership figures and the response the MHSAA has noted.
Development of MOA sports specific committees is a main goal for this year. To accomplish this we need officials to come forward to volunteer for the several available positions. We are hopeful to encourage more involvement in Zones 7 and 8 and are working to figure out ways of supporting that involvement. Currently, the MOA is developing a plan to bring our recruiting message into high schools to assist in developing more officials. The first election for the MOA is scheduled for the general meeting in June of 2000. We are looking for officials in all zones to announce their interest to serve as MOA officers. We have come a long way, but challenges remain.
The 1999-00 officers for the MOA would be happy to field any questions officials might have, regarding sport committees or membership.

Tom Rau, Burton, President, 810-743-9091
Rudy Kocsis, Saginaw, President-Elect, 517-799-5528
Joel Langlois, Grand Rapids, Vice-President, 616-784-3930
Bob Williams, Redford, Treasurer, 313-937-3578
Mike Terwilliger, Grand Rapids, Recording Sec. 517-793-9934
Larry Heinig, Lansing, Corresponding Sec., 517-321-4585
Mark Bauer, Midland, Member-At-Large, 517-832-5842
Marilyn Bowker, Williamston, Member-At-Large, 517-349-9233
JC Colville, Harrison, Member-At-Large, 517-539-9439
Joe Popiel, Spring Lake, Election Chairman, 616-846-0984

The MOA conducted its first general meeting/golf outing on June 19 with a small, but enthusiastic group. Joel Lanlois' group won the tournament with Glen Eckelcamp winning closest to the pin honors. The adoption of the by-laws was the only subject up to vote, as elections of officers is slated for the 2000 meeting.
— by Tom Rau

Assignors Need To Register

Throughout the school year. Leagues may make appointments of individuals to function as assignors. While this action is acceptable, an assignor who is not an athletic director with a school district is expected to participate in the MHSAA Registered Assignor Program.

Usually the Assignor In-Service is scheduled for April of each school year. Assignors who were selected or appointed after the 1999 in-service are given a "Grace Period", but will become registered when the next in-service is conducted.

If you are a new assignor or know of a recently appointed assignor, contact the MHSAA with the appropriate name and address so you can be included on the mailing list to receive details about assignor activities.

Associations Added

Two officials associations not listed in the 1999-00 Officials Guidebook have since been approved for this season.

In Zone 7, the Mid-Michigan Officials Association should be added, while the Greater Lansing Area Soccer Referees Association joins Zone 5 associations.

The Mid-Michigan group serves the sports of baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball, while the Lansing organization is strictly soccer.

The Mid-Michigan contact person is Ray Bauer -- H-(616) 652-7622; W-(616) 652-4045. The Lansing contact person is Larry Heinig (517) 321-4585.

Also concerning the Officials Guidebook, the Southeastern Michigan Officials Association in Zone 3 should have all references to baseball deleted.

These modifications will be reflected in the forthcoming Officials Directory.

Those Were The Days... Maybe!

Gaylord official Bill Diekman, son of long-time MHSAA official William Diekman recently allowed the MHSAA an opportunity to peruse his father's officiating scrapbook, filled with artifacts that depict just how times have changed.

Among the mementos in his collection are the items at right, a check stub from the 1950 Boys Basketball Finals, and the accompanying hotel receipt for two nights at The Hotel Olds in Lansing.

While it would be nice to spend a weekend in a hotel for $8 once again, certainly the current compensation of $50 per semifinal and final contest and 15 cents per mile beats the $15 per game and 5 cents per mile figures from 1950. Thanks, Bill, for sharing the memories.