Manuel Ortiz, Jr. (TX)

   It is hard to believe that my term as president is nearly halfway over.   While many things have been accomplished there is much more that I want to initiate.  My initiative with diversity has moved forward with the appointments I have made to the Executive Board.  Also, this past summer, the Elizabethtown National Training Camp had several minorities and females in attendance.  This was due in part to the scholarships NISOA was able to grant through the foundation fund.  The generous donations from many of our members, corporate sponsorships, and grants received from the NCAA all help support the fund.  I encourage every member to make a donation in the future.

The agreement signed with the NCAA and Arbitersports continues to proceed.  This year NISOA and the NCAA introduced the on-line refresher test and plan on having mid-season testing.  Todd Abraham, National Director of Instruction, continues to work closely with Don Wilbur, NCAA Post Season Assignor, on this endeavor.   In the near future there should be numerous other training opportunities on line.

In 2012, NISOA will be sponsoring the National Referee Program certification and recertification.  Plans are well underway to make the clinics dynamic and interesting.  Also, NISOA received a grant from the NCAA to hold a National Referee Program clinic that focuses on the women’s game and it is anticipated that officials who will have the opportunity to be assigned future women’s post season games will be invited.

I am pleased to announce that the Executive Board voted not to raise dues for 2012.  Although we are now funding the cost of Arbitersports access for each member, the leadership felt that dues would not have to be increased because of other cost effective measures now being used on a daily basis.  Electronic transfer of information has reduced printing costs.  Reductions in administrative travel has saved money and overall more efficient operations has helped prevent a dues increase.

I look forward to my second year and office and with the help of the officers and leadership within NISOA I know we will have even more successes to report in the future.  I appreciate all that the membership does on a daily basis as professionals on and off the field.   If you have any ideas on how to improve the organization please let me know.