Last week was our first meeting of the Winter Basketball season.  Sorry if you missed it!

Week 1 Recap

David Butts offered an engaging review and conversation on officiating Block/Charge and Verticality.  His perspective was based on his 25+ years of officiating.  I think most people attending got a fresh perspective on adjudicating these two aspects of the game that are most challenging to officiate.  I will be posting those materials on our website in the coming days for all that wish to review the slides or video again.  David's sidebar notes are included which will be helpful to those who were not in attendance or missed his comments.

We closed the meeting with a lively update on the game fee developments that have been emerging in advance of this season.  If you missed this, catch up with Jay, Jason, Pete or Jim after an upcoming meeting for additional details.

Onto Week 2!

The next meeting is this Wednesday, October 11 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Vernon Hills High School.

This week we will feature four area Varsity head coaches - 2 girls' teams and 2 boys' teams from Stevenson, Grayslake Central and Prairie Ridge High Schools. The coaches perspecitive is a unique one and we should all be interested in their views as mutual stewards of the game.  Each coach will offer their perspectives on the game:  officiating, challenges and their personal style of game management from the sidelines.  This will be a great opportunity to ask them questions and to become a familiar face once the season begins.  Jerry Ming will also be providing a game breakdown review before the close of this session.

The remaining meeting agendas are listed below

Don't forget to join other officials (including Football and Flag) for a post meeting/post-game social following this week's meeting at 8:45 at Emil's Pizza in Mundelein. (604 N Lake St, Mundelein, IL 60060)

The schedule for the rest of the season includes the following topics and speakers:

• Coaches panel, including:
  • Will Benson, Stevenson HS Boys' Coach
  • Regan Carmichael, Stevenson Girls' Coach
  • Steve Ikenn, Grayslake Central Girls' Coach
  • Brian Frericks - Prairie Ridge Boys' Coach
• Jerry Ming - Game breakdown

October 21:  

• Fred Allman - Rules update and shot clock review
• Jason Boston - Working with your crew

October 28:  

• Josh Schroder - Video Review
• IHSA Part 1 exam review

• Ken Pink - Working in and out of your primary coverage area
• Assignors Panel (Bellmore/Androus/TBD)

November 11

• Jay Lampel - You make the call
• Special Speaker - Troy Whalen - NOA State Finals Official

This year, we have enacted more rigorous requirements for meeting attendees to have paid their NOA Membership Dues prior to their first meeting.  These funds are critical to allow us to continue to support you all as officials and pay our bills.

This week, we will be verifying payments.  Please take care of this business BEFORE you come to the meeting.  If you are not able to pay your dues online in advance, please pay at the door.  Thanks for understanding and supporting the NOA mission.  Dues are $50 for one sport and $70 for two or more sports.

Use this convenient link or QR Code to pay 2026-27 NOA Membership dues.

Northern Officials Association - Lake County, Illinois - NOA Dues

Thanks, we look forward to seeing you this Wednesday!

Have a Great Week!