2015
Football Board of Directors Meeting Summary
The TASO Football Board of Directors met in
Dallas February 20‑21, 2015. A special session for Chapter Presidents and
Secretaries was held on Saturday. Below is a summary of the meeting. If you
have questions or would like more details, please contact your District
Director as they are always available to help.
UIL
Presentation
Dr. Charles Briethaupt addressed the board
and said the UIL and TASO had a great season in 2014. While the organization is
always looking for the very best officials on the field, for championship games
the UIL would prefer crews that had worked together throughout the season
instead of all star crews. The UIL also supports the use of 7 Man crews as long
as ALL games at all levels can still be covered with good officials. Overall
the UIL was pleased with the championship games, and he thanked the Fort Worth
Chapter for their work with the Host Committee. Other items included:
·
The UIL Rules Committee may look at the possibility of using
replay for championship games only. The committee is expected to address it at
their April meeting.
·
The entire UIL Constitution is being re‑written, which
includes Section 1204. The Sports Officials Committee will be consulted regarding
1204. TASO has representatives on the committee and adverse changes regarding
pay are not expected.
·
Questions regarding game fees and the varsity game pay scale
should be sent to the TASO office, which will then work with the UIL. The UIL
expects schools to follow the scale and will investigate irregularities to
ensure this happens.
Annual
Meeting Sites
·
July 24‑25, Arlington Texas
·
2016‑ Abilene
·
2017‑ Houston
The pre‑registration price for the 2015
meeting will remain at $45, the same as last year. First year TASO members may
attend for FREE.
Testing
and Eligibility
This year will see a new requirement for
officials working subvarsity games. A passing score of at least 70% is now
required of ALL officials before they are assigned subvarsity games. A separate
New Members test will be available for those just beginning their officiating
careers.
Varsity eligibility remains unchanged from
2014. However, a passing score of at least 80% is now required for ALL
officials assigned to playoff games. Tests for 2015 will be available in
Arbiter no later than mid‑July and all members are encouraged to take the test
as soon as it becomes available, allowing more opportunities for re‑testing to
achieve the needed grades.
Recruiting
Recruiting was a main topic of discussion
throughout the meeting, especially with chapter Presidents and Secretaries. TASO
will be asking every coach throughout the state to recommend at least one
former player who is not playing at the next level and still has a passion for
the game, someone they think will make a good official. TASO’s Technology
Committee is exploring the most effective ways to reach our best prospects, be
it radio, television or social media.
Training
More video training is a top priority, and
the training committee is currently producing new videos that will debut this
summer. Off‑season topics will include rule changes, mechanics and in‑depth
study of specific rules, such as ineligibles downfield. During the season the
committee will produce updates focused on hot topics and situations that occur
each week.
Mechanics
While there are no major changes for the
2015 season, the board did approve some
revisions to the manual to improve play coverage and communication. These
changes, along with editorial changes, are being added to the manuals now and will
be available in the Members Portal at taso.org after the final
NCAA rule changes have been approved. Here is a summary of the changes.
·
The new 2‑1/4″ stripes shirt is optional for all games and
the entire crew must wear matching shirts
·
During the coin toss R
should let the coin hit the ground
·
When counting players, a closed fist will indicate 11
players, and open hand 10 or fewer players
·
New language adding responsibilities for the B during substitutions
·
A wider pre‑snap position for the R, usually 12‑14 yards from the position of the ball
·
Added responsibility for H after field goals and trys with a focus on the interior line
until players separate
·
During the “Swinging Gate” the L will remain on the LOS until players shift to scrimmage kick
formation
·
When announcing fouls, the dead ball signal is no longer
required for pre‑snap fouls and visible signals are now allowed by all
officials, especially for pre‑snap fouls, when appropriate and clearly
communicate the needed information
·
After a try, the R,
L, U and H should proceed
directly to the sideline and then to their positions, clearing the sideline and
preparing for the free kick
·
After the half time intermission, all officials should arrive
at their free kick positions at least 1 minute prior to kickoff
·
Microphones for officials other than the R are prohibited. Protected wireless
communication systems open only to the crew and observers may be allowed if
approved by TASO prior to use on the field.
Clinics
On‑field and classroom clinic sites for
2015 were approved. Two new locations were added for this year, increasing the
availability and convenience for all members. A few of the submitted dates are
currently being revised, but the complete list will be available soon in the
Football section at taso.org.
