[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

To quote the Green H.S. girls' basketball coach Tony Whitmer: "They are finding more ways to chase good people out of coaching and increase the turnover in coaching," he said. "What's next, fines for officials? Fans? Players? I'll bet there are no fines for the officials."


Here is my response to Mr. Whitmer:

The OhioHSAA membership is made up of both public and private schools. I cannot speak for the private schools, but I do not know of a single public school in Ohio where assistant coaches are not paid; assistant coaches are employees of the school district for which they coach. And yes, officials can and are fined by the OhioHSAA for certain infractions, which can range from double booking, failure to fulfill a contract, failure to file an player and/or coach ejection report, or wearing an improper uniform. Regarding the last two general examples the I gave I can give specific examples. An entire football crew was fined and denied post-season tournament assignments for one year because the crew failed to file an ejection report. Two soccer officials were fined $100 each five years ago for wearing yellow soccer officiating shirts when the the only approved shirts were the black with white collar and cuffs. The best part of the soccer officials infractions was the fact that the officials were from Columbus (OhioHSAA headquarters are located in Columbus), the game was in Columbus on the same side of town that the OhioHSAA offices are located, and OhioHSAA VIP from the state headquarters was in attendance at the game.

MTD, Sr.