[Tim C]

I just received the following from Todd:

"The media coverage was orchestrated by a member of the PNFOA. There is little truth to the story. The sound bites they used support their issue. This is not about pink whistles. I stated to them before this event happened that "the officials would not be penalized for using pink whistles". The issue WOA has with PNFOA is that this is not the first time they have ignored a rule, regulation, or interpretation and done what they wanted to do. Since Thursday's story, I have had four associations discussing that they will not adhere to four other rules, regulations, or interpretations because if PNFOA can do it why can't we? I think the four other groups have a solid argument. There is a process in place that PNFOA could have requested a change in the interpretation. They made a decision to not go through the process and "accept the penalty for not doing so". Rather than accepting the penalty for not following process (as they stated to me), one of their officials took the issue to his day job and made the issue about the WOA against pink whistles. If we were against pink whistles, why would four other sports be able to use pink whistles?

"The WOA has a track record of supporting awareness programs: Blue Flag Tribute for Prostate Cancer Awareness - football officials use blue flags the third week of the season. Our basketball, volleyball, wrestling and soccer officials use pink whistles for Breast Cancer Awareness (our volleyball officials even wear pink polo shirts). As well as the other community based programs where officials donate a game check to a local cause. We encourage officials to look for these opportunities, all that we ask is that they do it in a professional and responsible way.

"If you would like to discuss this issue further, please call me on Monday."