As you know, the expectation is that each member of our league is asked to officiate 1 game each half of the season. Once before Christmas and once after. Approaching the last session of our first half, I’ve seen some very positive movement towards meeting this goal. To date, 161 players have refereed at least 1 game, which as a flat number is an all time record. The referee clinics this fall have been very well attended, by new and veteran players alike, and I am asked regularly about any upcoming meetings. And, weekly, I am seeing new names on the sign up sheets. These are all good, positive numbers and I hope the trend continues. However, when you factor in the number of members we now have registered, our percentage of participation, although improved, is still not near where we have to be. Between the last week of the November rosters and the newly posted December edition, there are still 81 players that have not refereed a game. We also have approximately 25 spares that are delinquent. ( you guys are not exempt from this responsibility ). For those of you that have left for the warmer climes, as I mentioned in September, you, who had your chances early and will have more when you return, are also not exempt.
With 5 weeks to go on the schedule, before the Christmas break, there are 208 opportunities to referee. So, for those on the current rosters, there is no excuse for not getting your game in. With this in mind, the executive, with much discussion, has decided to implement the following. As I mentioned, we have always asked each player to ref 1 game each half. Failure to do this will result in additional charges in order to play next season. For each half missed, $45 will be added to your league registration fees next September. If you miss doing a game in both halves, it will be $90. This has been discussed in depth and as a uniquely self-sufficient league it is important and quite frankly, only fair, that each of us support it. The second half of the season, based on 210 players each session, will offer 672 chances to ref. So, again, no excuses. Will there be circumstances that influence this, yes. But, these will be addressed individually and on their own merits by myself with some consultation with the board. If you feel this is a stiff penalty, it is easy to avoid. Ref a game. Thanks to all those who have been supportive to date and to everybody else as they step up.
Chuck