Official-Assigner Relationship
As we begin to receive assignments for the 2022 season, some will begin to question why they were put into a certain game, at a certain school, or with other certain officials. Why does their schedule not look like the one they were hoping to get?
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There are many factors that go into assigning games that are not known to officials. Does your assigner need you in your assigned game because he wants you to take a look at a younger official? Is there a coach requesting a certain type of crew because of a tense rivalry? Is the assigner trying not to have you officiate a certain team more than once or twice a year? Are you on the school's non-preferred list?
The tendency of officials is to begin to question their relationship with the assigner because they did not get their idea schedule.
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Referee.com produced a great article called "You're Your Own Agent". In that article it suggested that "It is your responsibility to create your own schedule, be in demand and prove that you can do the job. You are responsible for the number and level of games you work." Further it goes on to state, " The more valuable you become as an official, the more games you work, the better games you work and the more satisfied you will be knowing that you are very good at what you do."
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So how do we make ourselves valuable as officials? The article explains 5 tips.
1. Hard, Hard Work
2. Work with the Rookie
3. Take the game nobody wants
4. Keep Up Your Availability
5. Network at Meetings
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"It won’t happen overnight. But with diligence, patience and hard work, you can get there."
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Good Luck this 2024 Season
Charlie Johnson
Dave Spizzirri receives his 30 years of service award from the PIAA
Dave Spizzirri Sr received his 30 years of service award in August at the PIAA Convention. Dave has held many leadership roles within the CAFOA chapter. Congratulations to Dave.
CAFOA officials prepping for the season
Newer officials and mentors of the CAFOA got an opportunity to participate in the 7v7 scrimmage between Steel High and CD East. Thanks to Coach Erby and Coach Deane for the opportunity to get better.
Retired officials attend 2024 Mid-Season Frolic
Dave Hollern elected to CAFOA Hall of Fame
Congratualtions to Dave Hollerm who was elected into the CAFOA Hall of Fame during the Mid Season Frolic.
2023 Pre-Season Gold Outing
CAFOA membersCAFOA members got a chance to enjoy one more round of golf prior to the start of a busy football season. got a chance to enjoy one more round of golf prior to the start of a busy football season.
CAFOA wins PIAA Convention's Chapter Recognition Award , AGAIN!!
Aaron Jayman, CAFOA Chapter President, proudly accepts the PIAA Convention's Chapter Award for the second year in a row at the PIAA Annual Convention in 2023. This award is presented each year to the chapter with the most amount of chapter members at the convention. The CAFOA had 31 members or 1/4 of its total membership in attendance. The CAFOA has made an effort to improve officiating in its chapter by attending and improving educational opportunities.
Tom Dunleavy retires after 35 years of service
5 Questions: Tom Dunleavy Jr. turns in the whistle after 35 years of football officiating. Click on Image above to be linked to Sentinel paper article
Tom Dunleavy retires after 35 years of service
On Friday 10/28, the CAFOA celebrated a great career and the retirement of Tom Dunleavy Jr. Tom's contributions to the CAFOA can not be measured. We will forever be grateful for his service to our chapter and the Mid Penn football community.
Please read the Penn live article which covered Tom's final game. Click HERE to read the article.
THERE IS NO OFFSEASON- IT'S THE "GET BETTER SEASON"
CAFOA chapter members have used this offseason to get better. Chapter members have been active participants in high school 7v7 scrimmages and tournaments this spring and summer.
Championship crew from the Penn State 7v7 tournament. Joe Gross, Sonya Essis, Greg Shambaugh, Mike Elroy and
25 chapter members officiated the 7v7 Red Zone Rumble tournament at Susquehanna Township High School
14 Chapter members participant in the Spring Fling at Susquehanna Township
During the Big 33 All Star weekend, the CAFOA was given an opportunity to recruit potential officials. A recruiting table was set up at the entrance of the gate to attract interest in officiating. The mission was to not only attract officials within the Central Pennsylvania area, but officials throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.
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Thank you to those that were able to volunteer time at the tent.
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On the Recruiting Trail
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Aaron Jayman presents at PIAA Convention
Aaron Jayman was selected to be a session presenter at the PIAA Convention on August 6th, 2022. Aaron presented on the philosophies of Defensive/Offensive Pass Interference. Feedback from the presentation was very positive.
Mike Swatt awarded 30 years of Service Watch at PIAA Convention
Mike Swatt was recognized at the PIAA Convention for his 30 years of service to the PIAA. In addition to his 30 years of service on the field as a referee and umpire, Mike has held several positions for the CAFOA. Congrats Mike.
CAFOA announces 2021 Chapter awards winners
Joseph F. Bruno Jr Sportsmanship Award
The Joseph F. Bruno, Jr Sportsmanship Award is bestowed each year to the high school that displays the highest level of discipline, graciousness and respect throughout the season.
Congratulations to 2022 honoree:
HALIFAX High School
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Lewis Clionsky/Jeff White Award
The Lewis Clionsky/Jeff White award was created to recognize brother officials who make significant contributions to the success of the chapter.
Congratulations to 2022 honoree:
Todd Rombach
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Robert Graybar Award
The CACPFO has a history of recognizing individuals who have provided both a positive influence and significant contribution to the success of the chapter. The Robert Graybar award was instituted to honor these types of individuals early in their career.
Congratulations to 2022 honoree:
Eric Galeano
THERE IS NO OFFSEASON- IT'S THE "GET BETTER SEASON"
CAFOA chapter members have used this offseason to get better. Chapter members have been active participants in high school 7v7 scrimmages and tournaments this spring and summer.
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Championship crew from the Penn State 7v7 tournament. Joe Gross, Sonya Essis, Greg Shambaugh, Mike Elroy and
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On the Recruiting trail
CAFOA member, Charlie Johnson, was given an opportunity to talk with the players at the Susquehanna Township Spring Fling about opportunities to become a football official.