WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS TRACK & FIELD OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
WMTFOA HISTORY
The Western Massachusetts Track and Field Officials Association has been serving local high school and colleges in WMASS for over 40 years.
The objective of the WMTFOA is to provide knowledgeable personnel and to encourage improvement in officiating in all phases of track and field athletics.
Membership is open to all men and women, minimum age 18, who are interested in officiating track and field athletics.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President - Rick Lajoie
Vice President - Jennifer McDiarmid
Secretary - Deb Pelletier
Treasurer - Jonathan Dias
Tina Crocker
Matt Griffin
Elizabeth Haygood
AJ Provost
Erin Pollard
CODE OF ETHICS
1. Be knowledgeable of and abide by the WMTFOA Constitution, Code of Ethics, and other policies, procedures, and guidelines.
2. Be fair, consistent, and impartial to ensure equitable treatment for all competitors.
3.. Have a thorough knowledge of the rules and procedures for the particular event or position assigned and review them prior to a competition.
4. Cooperate with fellow officials to conduct competition in a safe and professional manner. Be courteous and avoid confrontations or making derogatory comments to athletes, coaches, spectators, or other officials.
5. Demonstrate respect and courtesy for other officials. Avoid interfering with duties assigned to other officials or publicly questioning the performance of other officials. Assist in correctly applying rules and support final decisions rendered by chief officials. Provide and accept performance feedback in a positive manner.
6. Honor all assignments and agreements made for performance of officiating and support duties.
7. Not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or other protected characteristic.
8. Not engage in harassment by making unwelcome advances, remarks, or display of materials where such would create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
9. Not fraternize with athletes or coaches, provide tips or comments which could be construed as coaching for any athlete, nor cheer for or provide encouragement to particular athletes or teams during a competition.
10. Not use tobacco products while in the field of competition, nor consume alcoholic products befoe or during a competition.
11. Not seek recognition or attention during a competition
12. Conduct an honest self-evaluation after each competition, to identify errors made and areas of improvement; and be receptive to suggestions for conducting events in the best possible manner in the future.
PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES
1. Comply with the WMTFOA Code of Ethics.
2. Be punctual in reporting for assigned officiating duties, including allowing time for venue inspection and set-up prior to the warm-up period and competition. (recommended report time is no less than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of competition).
3. Possess the appropriate rules book(s) for the competition.
4. Possess and maintain clean and presentable uniform items. Wear the uniform prescribed by meet management neatly. Be prepared to continue duties in all types of weather.
5. Inspect assigned venues to ensure the safety of athletes, officials, and spectators. Correct and report apparent or suspected dangers to meet management before beginning a competition.
6. Be calm, positive, and polite. Refrain from dialog with athletes, coaches, and spectators regarding disputed calls or decisions, and instead refer coaches to the referee, protest table, or games committee for resolution. Report abusive behavior towards officials to meet management
.7. Not use any electronic or photographic devices, INCLUDING CELL PHONES, while officiating.
8. Assist in submitting competition results, cleaning the event area, and returning equipment. Before departing the site determine if any other venues need officiating assistance
9. Attend training sessions and clinics to maintain or update officiating skills. Assist, as appropriate, in developing and presenting training materials.
10. Maintain your own personal fitness, and advise assigners of officials of physical limitations on the ability to perform any assigned duty.
11. Mentor less experienced officials by sharing information and techniques, demonstrating the use of equipment, identifying potential problems or issues and recommending solutions, and encouraging questions.
12. Assist in recruiting new officials.
13. Consider active involvement in association committees.