Covid

[thumpferee]

OK, let’s try to get back on track here. It just seems ridiculous to me that a state association can require vaccinations for officials, as independent contractors, but not for players and other participants. Officials with exemptions seem to not be recognized by requiring vaccinations with no mention of any exemptions.

Could it possibly be that the higher ups are limiting the playoff pool?

Just trying to understand how this can be enforced.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by thumpferee

OK, let’s try to get back on track here. It just seems ridiculous to me that a state association can require vaccinations for officials, as independent contractors, but not for players and other participants.

Our state association (CIAC) based it's protocols (see post #4) in full coordination with the State of Connecticut Public Health Department. Officials, players, coaches, and fans are under the same protocols. Same thing last year, across the board, but with slightly different protocols than this year. My local interpreter actually had a seat at the table when the CIAC (we have a CIAC Officials Association) came up with the protocols, both years. We were kept in the loop all along the way.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by SNIPERBBB

... an official shortage.

Last year (before vaccination) 40% of our local guys chose not to be assigned games due to COVID.

This year (with vaccinations) 20% of our local guys chose not to be assigned games due to COVID.

We also had a ton of guys retire over that time period, with many saying that while they were thinking about retiring, COVID was the tipping point that pushed their decisions.

Over the past few years our local membership has gone from 320 members (active and inactive) to 270 members (active and inactive), baby boomers now getting too old to run up and down the court, pulling up roots and heading south for warmer temperatures, cheaper taxes, early bird dinner specials, and pickle ball courts.

Trainee classes have been in single digits over two consecutive years.

Still covering the same 70 high schools and many middle schools.

Every year officials get a year older and the schools stay the same age. Wait ... I'm being told ... Players? ... Really? Never mind.