Commissioner’s Corner
by Dick Smith
I have many mixed emotions as I write this
column for the Digs for the last time. As everyone knows by this time,
I have been replaced as Commissioner and will no longer be in a position
to provide you with official answers to your many questions.
If you have questions that you cannot find
answers for, you can feel free to contact me and I can either give you
an immediate answer, or can find an answer for you. The first year in a
Commissioner’s position is a learning one because of the complex nature
of the Regional Operations Division structure and requirements.
I don’t know whether to offer Anne Hughes
congratulations or sympathy on her successful bid to become Commissioner.
I have had to answer many phone calls seven days a week during the past
3 years. With e-mail now the big thing in communications, it is not
unusual for me to receive from 10 e-mails on a quiet day to as many as
40, three or four days each week.
This year I will be returning to the National
Championships for my 24th consecutive year as a USA National referee and
will be accompanied by my wife who is also a USA National. Both of us will
then be working the AAU National Championships in Orlando and then will
be going directly to Chapel Hill, NC to work in the World Special Olympics.
With the referee program providing quality
training, this would be a great time for many of you to enter the upgrade
program and become involved in the tournament programs. In addition, we
have many referees from our programs who are working in recreation, high
school, and collegiate matches in addition to the CHRVA events. In Maryland,
Virginia and DC, we now have contracts that require certified referees
in recreation programs where you can pick up $63.00 for a three hour night
or over $100.00 in Virginia on a four hour night. It is a great part time
job and will certainly quickly pay for the cost of the training and uniforms.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits is the experience that is gained by
working all levels of competition and learning how to cope with a myriad
of personalities. The experience gained will greatly assist in
working towards higher ratings that can get you up to the collegiate
level where a single match can net you up to $150.00 if you qualify for
the Division I level. If you have any questions about the programs, contact
Larry Liden (lawrence.h.liden@bge.com),
Cornelio Galdones (Cornelio_Galdones@hud.gov),
or me (smithavo@erols.com) and
we can give or get answers to your questions.
I certainly want to thank all of you who have
given me your support and encouragement over the years and will be looking
forward to seeing many of you at tournaments in the future. I have thoroughly
enjoyed having been given the opportunity and honor to serve all of you.
It is hoped that you will give Anne your full
support to keep the Region’s programs on track. If you have suggestions
for her, she can be reached at 703-451-3082 or by e-mail at ahughes890@aol.com.
For now, it is goodbye and good luck to all
of you.
Thanks for all of your
great help and support.
— Dick Smith
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