[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

The OhioHSAA and the MichiganHSAA have standard contracts that spell out the who, what, and whys between the school and the official. These contracts are binding no matter how the assignment was made: 1) Directly by the school. 2) A league or assignor. Or 3) A local officials association. The position of the OhioHSAA and the MichiganHSAA is that no matter who signed the contract on behalf of the school, is that the contract is between the school and the official.

Having said that, I would like to ask tjones1 a question. Did you confirm your assignment with the school's athletic director at least one week in advance either by letter, fax, or email? This goes a long way in heading off disasters like yours. No mattter which of the three methods you use to confirm, always make sure all of your telephone numbers and your email address are listed somewhere in the letter and also include a copy of your contract.

Now lets get down to the real nitty gritty. Far too many schools look upon game officials as a necessary evil. These schools expect officials to be ethical and professional except when an official who acts in an ethical and professional manner causes the school discomfort. When that happens, the official is always the one who is being unreasonable. I think that one can see where this is heading. Lets face it, sports officiating is a business, and we should be compensated per the contract. When a school is allowed to breach a contract without being subject to the contract provisions then that school will continue to breach contracts.

MTD, Sr.