According to the MIAA, more than 700 officials from Massachusetts enrolled individually this year -- which is about half the number that were enrolled last year. That should be more than enough to cover the state tournament. I don't know the exact number of officials that were used last year, but have been told it was about 200. The tournament has enough slots for almost 800 officials, but most officials get several games, so the number actually used is much less.
To help get officials, the MIAA waived the enrollment fee of $6 per official. Last year, it took in about $8,400 from that fee. It has asked officials who enrolled individually to pay the $6, if their IAABO board reimburses them. My board has offered to do that.
I was told this week that at least one IAABO board had enrolled its officials. That is contrary to what we had been told...that all 13 IAABO boards would not send in the fee.
The MIAA sent an email to officials that includes this:
Be assured that safety and security continues to be a primary MIAA objective in all of our sanctioned and sponsored activities. This basketball tournament will be no different. As a matter of fact, because of concerns some of you have expressed, additional efforts and strategies will be undertaken in your behalf. Earlier this week, for example, the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors' Association Executive Board committed their membership to the support of your presence during the post-game handshake ceremony. If you have any substantive concerns for your safety as a game concludes, you may follow the policy adopted in November for such circumstances (i.e. leave the playing area and submit the report designed for that purpose).
My IAABO board has its monthly meeting on Thursday night. It should be interesting.