Updated 11/07/2012

Mississippi High School Activities Association P. O. Box 127

Clinton, Mississippi 39060 601-924-6400 Fax: 601-924-1725

www.misshsaa.com

MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION, INC. P O BOX 127

CLINTON MISSISSIPPI 39060 601-924-6400

FAX 601-924-1725 www.misshsaa.com

2012 – 2013 MHSAA Executive Committee

Ronnie Hill, President, AD Bubba Hathorn, Asst. Principal Baldwyn School District Wayne County High School Paul Henry, Principal Raymond Morgigno, Superintendent New Site High School Pearl School District Charles Hardy, Asst. Superintendent Kalvin Robinson, Principal Leland School District Brandon Middle School Jeff Gilder, Chief Academic Officer Larry Dolan, Athletic Director DeSoto County Schools Forrest County AHS George Graves, Asst. Superintendent Mike Davis, Assistant Principal Humphreys Co. School District Rod Paige Middle School Anthony Jenkins, AD Tracy Cook, Superintendent Hernando High School Jefferson County Schools Junior Graham, AD

Eupora High School

North At-Large Dr. Beverly Culley, Superintendent

Benoit School District

South A-Large Dr. Marietta James, Superintendent

Columbia School District

 

2012- 2013 ATHLETIC OFFICIALS Local Association Secretaries & Assistant Secretaries

Volleyball Address Office Home

Fred Johnson 1701 Barney Branch, Oxford 38655 662-234-4255 662-513-4197 Frank Wilson P. O. Box 533, Ridgeland 39158 601-918-8587 601-853-0297 Marty Dimauro 870 Auburn Dr., Biloxi 39532 228-806-2753 228-388-0049 Grant Williamson 81 Edgar Davis Rd., Monticello 39654 601-754-1467 601-587-2864

Football Address Office Home Larry Riley P. O. Drawer 2366, Verona 38870 662-566-7542 Earnest Williams (Asst) 416 Forrest St., Aberdeen 39730 662-304-0010 (cell) 662-369-2180 Eddie Pitts P. O. Box 229, Coldwater 38618 662/560-4940 (cell) 662-622-7678 Bill Kairit (Asst) 204 Georgia St., Batesville 38606 662-326-8164 662-563-0026 Billy Joe Hall P. O. Box 418 Shelby 38774 662-719-8959 (cell) Charlie Barnett (Asst) P. O. Box 921 Rosedale, 38769 662-588-1244 (cell) 662-747-2314 Larry Bell P. O. Box 206, Starkville 39760 662-312-1705 (cell) 662-323-6511 Jewel Harrison (Asst) 01 Upper Millingan Spring Rd., Stewart 39767 662-428-6948 662-262-7322 Larry Brown 644 River Road, Hattiesburg 39402 601-818-3307 (cell) 601-582-4977 Charles Green (Asst) P. O. Box 613, Shubuta 39360 601-310-0127 (cell) 601-687-6804 Jackie Hathorn 104 BreakenridgeDr., Apt. 207 H’sburg 39402 601-422-1153 601-264-7727 David Bullock (Asst) 162 Hwy 37, Collins 39428 601-765-4461 601-765-8673 Robert Eakins 1614 16th St., Meridian 39301 601-484-8890 601-482-7072 Harold Cooper 6008 Huntview Dr., Jackson 39206 601-918-6392 (cell) 601-982-9409 Mike Tolzman (Asst) 145 Sunnycrest Dr., Ridgeland 39157 601-397-1949 (cell) 601-853-1137 Merriel McCelleis 100 Meadowlane Dr., Natchez 39120 601-597-3474 601-446-5887 Grant Williamson (Asst) 81 Edgar Davis Road, Monticello 39654 601-754-1467 (cell) 601-587-2864 Gary Pierce 1740 Thomas Jefferson Dr., Biloxi 3953` 228-822-5432 228-432-8310 Ralph Marshall (Asst) 4425 Griffin St., Moss Point 39563 228-809-5008 228-475-0443  

Basketball Address Office Home Rickey Riley P. O. Box 415, Fulton 38843 662-862-3111 662-862-9606 Edward Haynes (Asst) 707 West Vine St., Aberdeen 39730 662-343-8686 662-369-2263 Keith Basil 1402 State Hwy 30 West, Myrtle 38650 662-538-8794 (cell) 662-317-8572 Earnest Williams (Asst) 416 Forrest St., Aberdeen 39730 662-304-0010 (cell) 662-369-2180 Fred Johnson 1701 Barney Branch, Oxford 38655 662-234-4255 662-513-4197 David Thompson (Asst) 6715 Autumn Oaks Dr., Olive Branch 38654 662-874-4237 (cell) 662-895-6590 Billy Joe Hall P. O. Box 418 Shelby 38774 662-719-8959 (cell) Charlie Barnett (Asst) P. O. Box 921 Rosedale, 38769 662-588-1244 (cell) 662-747-2314 Paul Lyle 2829 Hwy 16 E, Carthage 39051 601-267-6041 601-267-3554 Larry Riley (Asst) 3526 Attala Rd. 4171, Kosciusko 39090 662-289-5472 662-289-5553 Roy Richardson 604 Maplewood, Hattiesburg 39402 601-270-4187 (cell) 601-261-5997 Greg Engle (Asst) 8190 SCR 19, Taylorsville 39168 601-307-2114 601-785-9187 Clinton Drummer 1933 West 10th St. Apt E6., Laurel 39440 601-319-4589 (cell) David Bullock (Asst) 162 Hwy 37, Collins 39428 601-765-2070 601-765-8673 Robert Eakins 1614 16th St., Meridian 39301 601-484-8890 601-482-7072 Harold Cooper 6008 Huntview Dr., Jackson 39206 601-918-6392 (cell) 601-982-9409 Art Spencer (Asst) 27 Lake Barnett Dr., Brandon 39047 601-208-7924 601-992-0871 Melvin Harris 869 Garland St., Magnolia 39652 601-248-8216 (cell) 601-783-3272 Doyle Brown (Asst) 1010 Dunn Ratcliff NW, Brookhaven 39601 601-669-1477 (cell) 601-833-5838 Bernard Seymour 13682 Skye Court, Gulfport 39503 228-575-7181 228-596-2383 (cell) David Powers (Asst) 16050 North April Dr., Gulfport 39503 228-385-2842 228-918-6345

Baseball Mark Scott 1109 Morning Glory Cir., Tupelo 38801 662-790-4507 (cell) 662-690-6100 Edward Haynes 707 West Vine St., Aberdeen 39730 662-343-8686 662-369-2263 Frank Solorio (Asst) 64 Autumn Trail, Columbus 39705 662-434-7233 662-329-5007 Robert Kent 1014 #235, Dumas, 38625 662-837-0587(cell) 662-534-8975 Don Corey 599 Eaglewood, Southaven, 38671 662-449-7203 662-393-0022 Billy Joe Hall P. O. Box 418 Shelby 38774 662-719-8959(cell) Charlie Barnett (Asst) P. O. Box 921 Rosedale, 38769 662-588-1244 (cell) 662-747-2314 Roger Short 23 Loftis Cove., Columbus 39702 662-327-4935 662-327-8656 Ralph Goss (Asst) 520 Goss Road, Louisville 39339 662-312-8697 (cell) 662-773-9533 Roland Wright 924 Hwy 19 S, Meridian 39301 601-917-9160 (cell) 601-485-5659 Marc Williams (Asst) P. O, Box 785, Decatur, 39327 601-497-0716 (cell) 601-635-4866 Greg Engle 8190 SCR19, Taylorsville 39168 601-307-2114 (cell) 601-785-9187 Robert Gray (Asst) 16 Poole Rd., Hattiesburg 39402 601-268-1366 601-544-7800 Walter (C.J.)Thigpen 34 Mattie Dr., Ellisville, 39437 601-428-6449 601-477-8012 Wyatt Turan (Asst) 1218 Old Amy Rd., Laurel 39440 601-580-1510 (cell) 601-428-1724 John A. Evans 5430 Crepe Myrtle Dr., Jackson 39206 601-720-7906 604-981-0734 Neal Randall 1031 Broken Arrow Ln, Summit 39666 601-248-5750 (cell) 601-684-1546 Grant Williamson 81 Edgar Davis Road, Monticello 39654 601-754-1467 (cell) 601-587-2864 Merriel McCelleis (Asst) 100 Meadowlane Dr., Natchez 39120 601-597-3474 601-446-5887 Mike Bohlke 13 Southern Oaks Lane Long Beach 39560 228-860-3005 (cell)

                                                                             

Softball

John Smillie 3159 Kendrick Rd, Corinth 38834 662-286-3067 662-287-1157 Don Corey 599 Eaglewood, Southaven 38671 662-449-7203 662-393-0022 Billy Joe Hall P. O. Box 418 Shelby 38774 662-719-8959 (cell) Charlie Barnett (Asst) P. O. Box 921 Rosedale, 38769 662-588-1244 (cell) 662-747-2314 Roger Short 23 Loftis Cove, Columbus 39702 662-327-4935 662-327-8656 Paul Lyle (Asst SP) 2829 Hwy 16 E, Carthage 39051 601-267-6041 601-267-3554 Billy Craig (Asst. FP) 4428 New Hope Rd., Columbus 39702 662-215-4018 (cell) Chris McGee 816 Arnold St., Hattiesburg 39401 601-266-5405 601-544-3387 Ed Evans (Asst.) 21 Bloomsbury Ct., Hattiesburg 39041 601-270-2464 (cell) J. J. Williamson 274 George Speed Rd., Collins 39428 601-765-5111 601-765-4422 Jack Bolton (Asst) 606 Myrtle Dr., Laurel 39440 601-477-9384 601-270-7499 Roland Wright 924 Hwy 19 S, Meridian 39301 601-917-9160 (cell) 601-485-5659 Marc Williams (Asst) P. O, Box 785, Decatur, 39327 601-497-0716 (cell) 601-635-4866 John A. Evans 5430 Crepe Myrtle Dr., Jackson 39206 601-720-7906 (cell) 601-981-0734 Debra Lemmons (Asst) 541 Rusk Dr., Brandon, 39047 601-594-4990 601-992-2795 Grant Williamson 81 Edgar Davis Road, Monticello 39654 601-754-1467 (cell) 601-587-2864 Tillar Barnes 5831 Frederick, Moss Point 39563 228-218-9572 (cell) 228-475-8616 Roger Smith (Asst) P. O. Box 327, Gautier, 39553 228-217-0992 (cell)

Soccer

John Smillie 3159 Kendrick Rd, Corinth 38834 662-808-0013 (cell) 662-287-1157 Tim Clements 2222 College Rd, Southaven 38672 901-312-4748 662-429-3178  Turner Hughey   P. O. Box 798, Senatobia, 38668 662-562-1400 662-562-8861 Birlette Jelks   18 Bonda Dr., Greenville, 38701 662-335-3359 662-335-8782  Alper Coban   50 White Oak Lane, Starkville 39759   662-325-1377 662-324-3071  Gates Weaver 176 Rainey Rd., Moselle 39459 601-543-6623(cell) 601-752-2196 Jerry Coleman 78 Daisy Dr., Laurel 39443 601-319-0283 (cell) 601-649-8411 Brenda Coleman 1388 Long Creek Rd., Meridian 39301 601-527-3334 (cell) 601-483-5137 Bruce Clopton(Asst) 1710 Roebuck Dr., Meridian 39301 601-693-4405 601-693-4117  Rex Banks 125 Camden Ct., Madison 39110 601-941-3526 (cell) Philip Vanlandingham 1001 County Acres Lane, Hazlehurst 39083 601-894-1231 601-966-0629 Joey Williams 2501 Rue Beaux Chenes., Ocean Springs 39564 228-238-1660 (cell) Scott Hannah(Asst) 830 Ravenwood Court, Biloxi 39532 228-323-1214 228-257-9852

INTRODUCTION Welcome to the exciting and critically important avocation of interscholastic athletic officiating. The Official’s Handbook has two purposes. First, it is intended to provide prospective officials with the information necessary to determine if they have the desire, character and ability to become one of the essential ingredients of interscholastic athletics in Mississippi. Second, it provides both new and veteran officials with reminders of policies and procedures which must be followed if they are to remain in good standing with the Mississippi High school Activities Association.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

1. Any person 18 years of age or over and a high school graduate may apply for registration as a MHSAA official.

2. The application shall include references and payment of registration fees for one season. 3. All officials will be required to join a local association. 4. Membership Renewal – membership may be renewed by payment of the annual

registration fee, with a satisfactory record for the previous year. 5. All officials that were not registered by the MHSAA the previous year will be recognized

for one year. 6. The annual MHSAA registration fee is $40.00 for each sport. 7. Recruiting new officials – officials and high school coaches should be the key people

involved in recruiting new officials. In recruiting officials, quality not quantity should be a main concern because “good people” make “good officials.” Each Association should have 5 to 10 new people each year. If they are willing to work hard, attend meetings, work junior high games assigned, learn the rules, and have good judgment in applying them, they will be very valuable to our association. While officiating is an avocation, it is one which requires dedication. Players who have practiced long hours deserve competent officials who have a complete understanding of the letter, as well as the spirit of the rules and administer them consistently and fairly. New Officials Responsibilities:

1. Attend at least five of seven local meetings. 2. Make time to work a minimum of 6 sub-varsity game dates. 3. Accept constructive criticism. 4. Ask questions. 5. Find out who the experienced officials are that live near you and ask them to help

you. 6. Go to games and watch the officials, not the ball. 7. Etc.

Officials should recruit people who can be a better official than they are. Recruiting is the sustaining ingredient of an association.

       

www.arbitersports.com Registration website for Officials

MEETING ATTENDANCE

1. Experienced officials shall have at least 5 local meetings. 2. Class I officials shall have 2 additional meetings. (a total of 7) 3. Each official will be required to attend 3 of the 5 (5 of 7 for Class I and Class II officials)

local meetings. Failure to comply will result in probation for one year and failure to comply the following year shall result in suspension of the violator.

4. All officials will be required to complete the state sponsored Rules Interpretation Clinics annually in order to be eligible to officiate.

ASSIGNMENT

1. An official should not work a home school or school where he has a “conflict of interest”

(varsity contest). 2. Football officials with more than 5 years experience will not be assigned to work as a

clock operator until the list of inexperienced officials has been exhausted. Preference will be given to Class I and Class II officials that show strong interest.

3. Junior High and JV team officials: a. Football – two inexperienced officials (Class I and Class II) should be assigned to

these games prior to a Class III official being assigned b. Basketball – inexperienced officials (less than 5 years) that are Class I and Class II

officials should be assigned to these games prior to a Class III official being assigned. Junior varsity officials must observe varsity officials for pre-game and half time conference. One of the varsity officials should be assigned to observe second half of junior varsity game and give post game critique.

4. An official who fails to report for a game that he has accepted, unless he has been released or he is unable to report due to illness or accident, shall be subject to a penalty by the MHSAA. On the second offense he shall be placed on probation or suspended.

5. No official shall solicit any coach, principal, or other school official for the privilege of working athletic contests, nor shall a local association solicit the privilege of serving any school.

6. Officials shall file promptly a report directly with the MHSAA if there is any unusual incident involving a serious injury or unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches, school officials, cheerleaders, or fans. The referee is responsible for making the initial report to MHSAA. All ejections must be reported.

a. Telephone by 9:00 a.m. of the next working day. 601-924-6400 b. Written report should be received by the second working day.

Fax# 601-924-1725 or email: rholloway@misshsaa.com 7. A registered official’s first responsibility for assignment of games is to the MHSAA and

the local association. 8. A school’s “scratch” privileges shall not be violated.

9. Officials shall arrive at the site of the game at least 45 minutes before the scheduled game time. If all officials do not ride to the game together, they shall arrive at the game site one hour prior to game time.

SANCTIONS

An official’s word is his bond. Once given, verbally or by formal contract, he will be present regardless of possible inconvenience or financial loss and will never give up one contract to accept another better paying assignment.

1. Late for game: a. 1st time – reprimand b. 2nd time – one game suspension, probation, and fine game fee c. 3rd time – suspension (any combination of 1 & 2)

2. Failure to appear: a. 1st time – game fee b. 2nd time – one game suspension, probation, and fine game fee c. 3rd time – suspension

3. Any official that is placed on probation will be classified as Class I and cannot work post season games.

4. Any official that is suspended may not work any game and will be classified as Class I for at least one year after being reinstated.

5. Any official that does not report a coach that he ejects will be fined $100.00 and suspended if not paid within one (1) week.

6. Any official who call a game while he is under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be subject to suspension.

7. All athletic officials shall be subject to penalty for any conduct unbecoming to a responsible official or citizen.

8. If an official has an unsatisfactory record for the previous year, the association may not renew his membership.

LOCAL ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES All officials must follow all regulation as established by the local association’s constitution and by-laws. The local association’s constitution and by-laws will at a minimum follow the MHSAA Officials Handbook and in no way will be less stringent. If the local association constitution and by-laws are found to be less stringent, the MHSAA Officials Handbook will apply.

RATING SYSTEM

The system is based on a 100 point maximum and divided into four sections:

1. Closed Book Exam: Classification Value Post Season Value 90-100 20 points 20 points = 5 85-89 16 points 16 points = 4 80-84 12 points 12 points = 3 75-79 8 points 8 points = 2 70-75 4 points 4 points = 1 Less than 70 0 points 0 points

2. Mechanics: Evaluation – 0-20 points, Meetings: State – 3 Points, Local – 1 point each (7 meetings)

3. Varsity games worked – football – 2.5 points per game (25 points maximum)

Basketball – 1 point per game (25 points maximum) 25 point will be credited to officials who have worked a total of 100 football games and 250 basketball games.

4. Experience – 5 points per year up to a maximum of 25 points – must work minimum of 6 games (junior high through varsity)

5. Classification:

Class III: 85 total points and 30 varsity football games; 50 varsity basketball games Class II: minimum of 65 points Class I: below 65 points

6. Post Season Rankings:

Ranking of officials for post season will be based on the following formula: (coaches evaluation average) + local association + state association and closed book exam. Local 1 – 5 Test 1 – 5 Coaches 1 – 5 Class 1 – 5

DRESS CODE

Officials must wear the prescribed uniform as described in the National Federation Officials Manual

Appearance

1. Uniform fits properly, neat, and in good condition. See National Federation Manual – Basketball officials must wear a black jacket with no patch. Black beltless pants with western style pockets are preferred.

2. Facial hair is not desirable. 3. Athletic appearance – should not be overweight. 4. Good physical condition – must have stamina enough to last throughout game

to cover the plays and make good decisions. The physical condition of an official and the decision he makes has a strong relationship.

5. The referee shall critique the dress of each official and report any violations to the local association.

6. Use of tobacco while performing duties as official is prohibited.

2012 - 2013 MHSAA Official Fees It is strongly recommended that the timer and scorer in all sports be competent adults.

Each official must attend a clinic in the sport for which he is registered. A school will be fined $100.00 if the head coach does not attend a state rules meeting or complete the online meeting in the sport in which he coaches.

 Football  –  Varsity   Middle  School  Class  III    -­‐  $90.00   1  Game  -­‐    $40.00  Class  II  -­‐      $80.00   2  Games  -­‐  $55.00  Class  I  -­‐        $75.00   Each  additional  game  $15.00  Clock  Operator  -­‐  $55.00    JV  &  9th  Grade        $55.00    Post  Season  -­‐  $95.00  (plus  mileage  for  2  vehicles)      Alternate  official  -­‐  $70.00        Length  of  game  for  students  below  9th  grade  –  8  minute  quarters   JV  and  9th  grade  may  play  10  minute  quarters  Cancellation  policy:    If  the  officials  have  departed  for  the  game,  compensations  for  a  cancelled  ballgame  beyond  the  control  of  game  management  will  be  $35.00  plus  crew  mileage.    Clock  operator  will  be  $20.00.    JV  and  Middle  School  games  must  be  played  in  quarters.  

   Basketball  –  Varsity  &  Junior  Varsity   Middle  School  2  Officials  –  2  Games   1  Game  -­‐  $35.00  Class  III    -­‐  $90.00   2  Games  -­‐  $45.00  Class  II      -­‐  $80.00   Each  additional  game  $15.00  Class  I        -­‐  $75.00    Single  game  fee  -­‐  $55.00    JV  (one  game)  $40.00    JV  (multiple  games)  $35.00    Length  of  quarters  for  students  below  9th  grade  –  6  minutes   9th  grade  (per  game)  $35.00     9th  grade  (multiple  games)  $25.00  per  game  3  Officials  –  2  Games    Class  III  -­‐  $80.00    Class  II    -­‐  $80.00    Class  I      -­‐  $75.00    Each  additional  game  fee  -­‐    $37.50    Single  game  session  -­‐  $55.00   Division  Tournament  Regular  Rate  plus  mileage  Post  Season  (North/South/State)  Single  Game  $60  (plus  mileage)    NFHS  rules  require  the  official  scorer  to  wear  an  official’s  shirt  JV  and  Middle  School  games  must  play  in  quarters    

   Baseball  –  Varsity   Junior  Varsity  &  Jr.  High  Plate    -­‐    $70.00   Plate  -­‐  $35.00  Bases    -­‐  $65.00   Bases  -­‐  $35.00  Post  Season  -­‐  same  fees  (plus  mileage)        An  official  scorebook  must  be  kept  for  all  JV  games.        5  innings  or  1  ½  hours.    If  time  limit  occurs  after  inning  has  started,  the  inning  is  to  be  completed.        Cancellation    policy:    If  the  officials  have  departed  for  the  game,  compensations  for  a  cancelled  ball  game  beyond  the  control  of  game  management  will  be  $20.00  plus  crew  mileage.    Suspended  Game  Policy:  If  a  game  is  suspended,  the  officials  will  receive  full  compensation.    $20.00  for  completion  of  a  suspended  game  that  is  less  than  3  innings  when  combined  with  another  contest.      

   Volleyball                   Single   Two  Matches   Three  Matches   Post  Season   Middle  Schools  1st  Referee  3  of  5       $50.00   $75.00   $90.00   $55.00  plus  mileage    2nd  Referee  3  of  5     $45.00   $75.00   $90.00                  1st  Referee  2  of  3     $30.00   $60.00   $85.00   $50.00  plus  mileage   $30.00  2nd  Referee  2  of  3     $30.00   $60.00   $85.00     $25.00  Linesmen   $30.00   $35.00   $40.00      

 Slow  Pitch  Softball  -­‐  Varsity    Single  Game  -­‐  $50.00   Post  Season  will  be  the  same  (plus  mileage)  Double  Header  -­‐  $60.00    Additional  game  -­‐  $30.00        Cancellation  policy:    If  the  officials  have  departed  for  the  game,  compensations  for  a  cancelled  ballgame  beyond  the  control  of  game  management  will  be  $20.00  plus  crew  mileage.  Suspended  Game  Policy:  If  a  game  is  suspended,  the  officials  will  receive  full  compensation.    $20.00  for  completion  of  a  suspended  game  that  is  less  than  3  innings  when  combined  with  another  contest.  A  double  header  is  considered  2  consecutive  games  (not  normally  same  teams).  

   Fast  Pitch  Softball  –  Varsity  

 JV  &  Junior  High  

Plate  -­‐  $55.00   Plate  -­‐  $30.00  Bases  -­‐  $50.00   Bases  -­‐  $30.00      Post  Season  will  be  the  same  (plus  mileage)      Cancellation  policy:    If  the  officials  have  departed  for  the  game,  compensations  for  a  cancelled  ballgame  beyond  the  control  of  game  management  will  be  $20.00  plus  crew  mileage.  Suspended  Game  Policy:  If  a  game  is  suspended,  the  officials  will  receive  full  compensation.    $20.00  for  completion  of  a  suspended  game  that  is  less  than  3  innings  when  combined  with  another  contest.  A  double  header  is  considered  2  consecutive  games  (not  normally  same  teams).    

Soccer  -­‐  Varsity   JV  &  Middle  Schools  Diagonal  (3  officials)    Referee  -­‐  $60.00   Referee  -­‐  $35.00  Assistant  Referee  -­‐  $50.00   Assistant  Referee  -­‐  $35.00  Dual  (2  officials)    Referee  -­‐  $60.00    Assistant  Referee  -­‐  $60.00    Post  Season  (plus  mileage)    Referee  -­‐  $60.00    Assistant  Referee  -­‐  $50.00    

Each school shall pay the assigning secretary $50.00 for each high school sport (grades 9-12 or 10-12) and $50.00 for each junior high sport (grades 7-9 or 7-8). There is no fee for changing a game. It is strongly recommended that the timer and scorer in all sports be competent adults.

MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVTIES ASSOCIATION

Rickey Neaves Supervisor of Officials

rneaves@misshsaa.com

Be sure and visit the Officials

page on our website:

www.misshsaa.com

601-924-6400 Fax: 601-924-1725

Registration website: www.arbitersports.com

State Mechanics Adoptions…

1. All Sports – Referee or umpire shall supply each head coach with the names of the crew that is working the game. Referee or Umpire-In-Chief shall contact the home school prior to noon of game day to verify game time, crew, etc. Complete Arbiter game report asap after completion of the game

2. Patch – should be placed directly above pocket (same location on basketball shirt) Football:

1. Referee will work on the side of the passing arm of the quarterback during scrimmage play.

2. Officials shall arrive one (1) hour prior to game time if they travel together. 3. Length of quarter for students below 9th grade – 8 minute periods 4. Try will be attempted if a touchdown is scored on the last down of the 4th period in all

regional games. Basketball:

1. Three-man mechanics – calling official will move to table side position after reporting foul.

2. Officials shall arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled game time if they travel together or 45 minutes if they travel separately.

3. Length of quarters for students below 9th grade – 6 minutes. Baseball & Softball:

1. Official uniform is gray slacks and black pull-over shirt. Alternate shirts are light blue. Crew must be dressed alike.

2. Officials shall arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled game time if they travel together or 45 minutes if they travel separately.

3. Rule Adoptions – 10 run rule after 5 innings (baseball & fast pitch) 4. Play-off games end as described by Rule 4-2 and 4-2-3 (regulation game may end after 5

full innings). If game ends before conditions in NFHS rule 4-2, the game will be declared a suspended game.

5. JV regulation game – 5 innings or 1½ hours. If time limit occurs after inning has started the inning is to be completed.

6. Unsportsmanlike act penalty (3-3-1g-h-i-j-k-l) (a) warn if judged to be of a minor nature, (b) restrict to dug-out if not flagrant, (c)eject if flagrant or repeats unsporting action.

Soccer:

1. Crew shall be dressed alike. 2. Crew shall arrive at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled game time if they travel together.

CODE OF ETHICS

National Federation of State High School Associations

Officials at an interscholastic athletic event are participants in the educational development of high school students. As such, they must exercise a high level of self-discipline, independence and responsibility. The purpose of this Code is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all interscholastic officials. Officials shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner, Officials shall work with each other and their state associations in a constructive and cooperative manner, Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, colleagues, and the public. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all contractual obligations. Officials shall remain mindful that their conduct influences the respect that student-athletes, coaches and the public hold for the profession. Officials shall, while enforcing the rules of play, remain aware of the inherent risk of injury that competition poses to student-athletes. Where appropriate, they shall inform event management of conditions or situations that appear unreasonably hazardous. Officials shall take reasonable steps to educate themselves in the recognition of emergency conditions that might arise during the course of competition.

FACTS ABOUT MHSAA The other half of education…

The Mississippi High School Activities Association is a nonprofit, nondiscriminatory association, run by the secondary schools in the state of Mississippi. The Association is responsible for both academic and athletic competitions. The academic competitions include debate, drama, speech, writing--prose, poetry, short stories, essays--and music--band and choral. The athletic competitions include the following eighteen sports listed in order of season: football, swimming, slow pitch softball, volleyball, cross country, soccer, basketball, boys powerlifting, girls powerlifting, tennis, boys golf, girls golf, track, baseball, fast pitch softball, wrestling, bowling, and archery. The Association is also responsible for approximately 4,000 officials, who are registered and certified through MHSAA clinics.

The welfare and relationships of the 530,000 students who make up the public and parochial schools in Mississippi are promoted through the Association. This is done by (1) developing a higher standard of scholarship and encouraging scholastic achievement; (2) planning, directing and controlling contests, games, and other interscholastic activities; (3) defining and fixing responsibility; (4) elevating the standards of sportsmanship by seeking to strengthen the moral fiber of all concerned; (5) encouraging the formation and promotion of noncompetitive activities which contribute to the moral and spiritual values in character development as part of a well rounded extracurricular program.

The public and private schools that make up the MHSAA account for 94% of the total school population and because of this our Association realizes the tremendous responsibility that we have to the people of Mississippi. The Mississippi High School Activities Association and the activities it sponsors are often called "the other half of education," when, in fact, we are much more than that. Surveys have shown that students who participate in extracurricular activities stay in school and achieve to a higher degree academically than those who do not participate. Surveys also show that these same students develop high moral fiber and that their values are molded in such a way that they are truly the good citizens that make this country great. Because of this proven importance of activities to a student's education, our Association cannot be just "the other half." Activities are instead an integral part of any quality educational program.

MHSAA is proud of the part it plays in accomplishing these tasks and invites others to be a part. After all, we have the greatest product in the world to sell-- and that is the children of Mississippi.

RECORD OF GAMES

Date Opponents Scrimmage JH/JV/V

Partners

vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs

Constitution of the Local Officials Association

Article I – Name The name of this organization shall be the _______________Officials Association, herein after termed the Association.

Article II – Affiliation A. The Association will be affiliated with the Mississippi High School Activities

Association. B. The Association will be subject to the rules of the MHSAA as presented in the MHSAA

Handbook

Article III – Purpose The purpose of the Association shall be to serve the schools that are assigned to the MHSAA with qualified officials, to promote better officiating through training and supervising the members of the Association, to create and maintain a relationship between the schools, school officials, and assist in creating a wholesome condition for the participants in the athletic program.

Article IV – Officers and Duties The officers and their duties are as follows: President – The President shall preside at all sessions of the Board of Directors and membership-at-large, and shall represent the Association in accordance with the policies of the Association. Vice President – The Vice President shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President and serve as a member of the Board of Directors. Secretary-Treasurer – The secretary/treasurer shall:

1. Collect dues and maintain an appropriate record 2. Handle all correspondence of the Association 3. Record attendance at all meetings 4. Submit to all schools assigned to the Association a list of members in good standing 5. Serve as chairman of the Assignment Committee 6. Coordinate the training program of the Association 7. Supervise an assessment program of the officials 8. Assist in making play-off assignments

Assistant Secretary –The duties of this officer are as follows:

1. Serve as vice chairman of the assignment committee. 2. Assume the duties of the secretary/treasurer in his absence.

Board Member – In addition to the president, vice president, secretary/treasurer, and assistant secretary, the board of directors shall be made up of at least four (4) additional members, preferably representing different areas the association serves. The officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the membership. The secretary and assistant secretary must be approved by the MHSAA. The secretary and assistant secretary must meet the following criteria:

1. Have been a member of the local association for five (5) consecutive years. 2. Be accessible to schools and officials 3. Attend MHSAA training sessions and meetings. 4. Possess organizational skills.

Only members in good standing are allowed to vote. The time of the elections will be set by the board of directors. Prior to June, voting will be secret ballot. The membership must be notified at least 14 days prior to the election.

Article V – Membership Only persons residing within or near the boundaries of the Association determined to be qualified and duly approved by the Board of Directors will be accepted or continued as members. New officials will be on probation for a period of one year. The Association at its first meeting of each year will elect, by majority vote, a screening committee composed of certified officials only to control the admission of new applicants and to review their progress during their probationary period. The committee shall fully interrogate the new applicant on the year of probation. The screening committee will report their findings and recommendations to the board of directors and if this committee approves, present the applicant’s name at the next business meeting of the district. In order to become a member, the applicant will then have to secure a majority vote of those members in attendance. The screening committee will include the secretary/treasurer elected by the Association, the assistant secretary, and four (4) certified members. The Association at its first business meeting will set a maximum number of officials that can be members of the Association in the district during the succeeding years. The maximum number of officials that can hold membership in the Association shall be determined by a majority vote of the membership in attendance at their annual business meeting.

Article VI – Meeting A minimum of five (5) meetings for membership-at-large shall be held each year. Date, time, and place will be determined by the secretary. Two additional meetings will be held for recognized officials. Special meetings will be called by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The first meeting shall be the annual business meeting of the Association and the remaining meetings shall be devoted to clinics on rules and mechanics. The Association will arrange its own compulsory meetings and prescribe such penalties as it deems necessary for members failing to attend these meetings.

Article VII – Amendments

Amendments to the constitution and by-laws shall be made only at the annual business meeting. Proposals for change in the constitution shall be submitted to the Board of Directors one month in advance of the announced date of the business meeting. A two-thirds vote of the membership in attendance shall be necessary for the adoption of any proposed amendment to the constitution. A majority vote of the changes in or amendments to the by-laws. The secretary/treasurer shall provide each member official with a copy of the amendment to the constitution and by-laws within 30 days from the date of the annual business meeting where such amendments were adopted. By-Laws Section 1 – Compensation of Elected Officials: The District Secretary shall collect dues annually from all Association members. He will retain these dues after expenses with the exception of that portion transmitted to the MHSAA, or paid a salary, as set forth in the constitution. Section 2 – Dues: The annual dues for officials shall be ______. Dues of continuing members must be paid to the secretary by date set forth or membership will be canceled and the schools so advised. A deadline will be set each year for the paying of dues. Any payment of dues after the deadline set for the payment of dues will be assessed an additional fee set by the board of directors. Section 3 – Assignment of Games: All games will be assigned by the secretary and the assistant secretary. In making game assignments, the secretary and assistant secretary will give consideration to official’s ranking, the amount of travel involved, the importance of the ball game to be played, the training of the new officials and other factors that they deem appropriate. A school’s “scratch” privileges submitted at the beginning of the year shall not be violated (home and away games). All officials shall be notified by the appropriate secretary through the Arbiter of his assignments and shall immediately confirm these assignments with the secretary, or appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken. Schools shall be notified of assigned officials through the Arbiter. The officials will be assigned according to the following procedure:

1. Official’s ranking 2. Game ranking

a. Division games b. Rivals c. Regular season contest

3. Officials will not be assigned to work back-to-back games with a school or site. 4. Automatic scratches (officials with any close ties to a school such as employed, children

attend, relatives work or participate at a school) will be honored. 5. The assigning secretary must be notified 48 hours in advance of any changes in the

schedule by member schools. If the school cancels the games less than 48 hours the school will pay the officials as if he would have worked the games unless cancelled due to providential hindrance.

Upon acceptance of a game at any school, no exchange of games may be made between officials. Any official failing to report for a game to which he has been assigned shall be fined the game fee he/she would have received. This fine shall be paid through the secretary and/or assistant secretary to the school to which he was assigned and failed to report. Failure to pay such fine before his next regular scheduled game will result in cancellation of the remainder of his schedule. Any unusual situation that occurs in a game will be reported by the crew chief in writing to the secretary and assistant secretary no later than the next working day. The referee will initiate this report. These reports shall be made in full, including the entire proceedings and any action by a participant, a coach, or game official which is considered to be an unusual nature. Unusual situations so reported shall be investigated by the secretary, assistant secretary, and the board of directors. If it is determined that the situation arose as a result of actions on the part of an official, such officials will be reprimanded and corrective action initiated at once. If any member official is associated in any official capacity with a member school, that official will not be permitted to officiate any games in which that school participated. Section 4 – Cancellation of Games: Cancellation of any game by an official, after having accepted the game, must be made to the secretary or assistant secretary at least forty eight (48) hours before game time, except in the instances of illness or death in the immediate family, or upon direction of the regular employer of the official. Any substitution made due to the cancellation must be made by the secretary and assistant secretary. Section 5 – Conduct of Officials Each official should be dressed in a complete official’s uniform as described in the National Federation Officials Manual. An official may be dismissed from the Association under the following conditions: An official shall be expelled if it is proven that he has solicited games from any school official, has consumed alcoholic beverages or drugs on the day of the game in which he works, criticizes other officials before coaches, players or spectators, and/or does any other act that is considered detrimental to the Association. The board of directors shall conduct an opening hearing at the request of the official accused of such detrimental conduct and he shall be permitted to present witnesses in his defense. No member shall knowingly officiate in a regularly scheduled varsity game with an official who is not a bonafide member of an officials association. PENALTY: EXPULSION FROM THE ASSOCIATION. Section 6 – Removal of officials for previously assigned games by secretaries or schools: No official assigned to any game may be removed within seventh-two (72) hours of game time and assigned to another game. Any school attempting to remove an official from any game previously assigned and accepted by the school shall not be assigned another official unless the school pays the prevailing game fee to the official being removed. If the secretary or assistant secretary removes an official from a game to which he has been assigned without collecting the game fee, they shall be subject to a fine in the amount of the game fee which the official would have received, this fine being paid to the member official who was removed. All officials will be expected to be physically fit, to be able to cover his position completely. Section 7 – Charges against members: The board of directors shall hear all charges made against any officer or member.