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Suffolk County officials have still not reached a contract agreement, and a fact-finding process with the state is expected to begin August 17, while the start of the fall season is scheduled to begin August 28. RON ESPOSITO
A fact-finding process that will hopefully lead to a contract resolution with Suffolk County scholastic sports officials isn’t scheduled to begin until August 17. Because of that, Southampton Athletic Director Darren Phillips is worried about its effects on the fast-approaching fall season.
“I think there is a definite concern regarding the potential of not having a contract in place in time so that it won’t impact the season start dates for games,” he said Friday. “I think it is important for parents and the community to understand that one of the main concerns with officials is that they feel like they are under assault at most contests they work by the fans and coaches, without any protection. This is something we as a Section speak about at every meeting.”
Tom Combs, the executive director of Section XI, the governing body of academic sports in Suffolk County, said that fear was the driving force behind a newly-adopted rule that ejects unruly fans, coaches and players, and even bans anyone penalized from the next scheduled contest.
Marc Negrin, president of the Suffolk County Football Officials Association, said in a statement on behalf of the President’s Council of Suffolk County Officials that it is crucial to establish a robust abuse policy to protect sports officials from any form of mistreatment or harassment.
“This policy should outline clear procedures for reporting incidents, investigate complaints thoroughly and impose appropriate penalties on those found responsible for abuse,” he said. “By implementing such a policy, we can create a safer and more respectful environment for sports officials, promoting their well-being and enabling them to perform their duties effectively.”
Ultimately, enforcement falls on school security, athletic departments and district administration.
“As the athletic director at Southampton, it is my job to make sure our coaches are treating officials with respect even if they disagree with a call,” Phillips said. “The same goes for parents or fans who come to games and feel they can berate or use profanity toward officials. Instead, we need to thank them, because without officials, there are no games. Officials are doing this tough job because they love the game and want to provide student athletes the opportunity to play. They deserve better, and we need to keep reminding our coaches, players and fans that sportsmanship matters.”
Negrin said it is critical to prioritize respect and recognition, ensuring that officials’ contributions, he said, are not diminished as mere footnotes in athletic events.
“These conditions make for a hostile work environment and are simply not acceptable and will no longer be tolerated,” Negrin said. “They need to put an end to the volatile behavior. It is crucial that our contract negotiations establish tangible consequences for such behavior, as failing to do so may result in the mass exodus of officials. Be assured, it already has begun. Our commitment to fairness, integrity and the pursuit of excellence drives us to ensure that each competition is officiated fairly and with the utmost impartiality. Drawing upon our extensive knowledge and experience, we strive to create an environment where athletes can showcase their skills and sportsmanship to the fullest.”
At the crux of the issue, though, are fair and equitable fees, the football officials association president said.
Referees and umpires for varsity baseball, basketball, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer and softball made $124 per game in the first year of their previous contract that went into effect on July 1, 2018 — which included incremental raises — and $131 last season. Varsity football officials made $127 per game in the first year and $134 in the last. Varsity wrestling referees were paid $139 this past fall. The deal that the officials’ negotiating committee and Section XI’s Executive Board ratified called for phased-in raises of 2 percent in the first year and 3 percent in the second and third years, and for a pay increase for playoff officials and rules interpreters for each sport. The President’s Council of Suffolk County Officials voted that contract down, 44-3, on July 25. The most recent offer this week upped each of those by a percentage point. Officials were originally requesting a 33 percent raise. It was an ask Combs said Section XI was not comfortable with, first, being that the organization is a nonprofit, meaning districts foot the bill for the operation, and second, since Suffolk County’s referees are already the highest paid not just in the entire Northeast, but are in the top 10 percent in the country. It is also a part-time job, but Negrin said that should not have any bearing on the compensation rate.
“One key aspect that I believe should be included in our contract terms is the consideration of consumer price index values based on the cost of living,” Negrin said. “We must account for this factor to ensure our financial well-being and maintain a sustainable livelihood. While some may argue that we are already the highest paid officials in the state, this argument lacks relevance when considering the cost of living here in Suffolk County. This is also a much-needed administrative position that makes the event a meaningful game. It should be obvious how much we are needed.”
What was also needed, though, was officials’ availabilities by their June 1 due date. Combs said only 60 of the over 1,300 officials have done so, but since then, several have rescinded their submissions until a deal is reached. New York State Public High School Athletic Association Executive Director Robert Zayas did not respond to requests for comment regarding the details of the fact-finding process, or the potential ramifications of it. Combs said the procedure calls in an independent person or group to review negotiations to this point, evaluate past contracts and make a recommendation. It is unclear if a proposal is then made, and if so, what would happen if officials do not accept it, or if there is still a hefty shortage of officials come the start of the fall season.
Teams need six practices to be eligible to compete, and the first nonleague games for boys and girls soccer, volleyball and field hockey are scheduled for August 28.
Hampton Bays girls volleyball head coach Andy Fotopoulos, who said he was unaware of the stall in contract talks while he was away in Greece this past month, said he’s optimistic.
“I learned a long time ago that I shouldn’t worry about things that were out of my control,” he said. “I hope that Section XI and the officials figure this out before the start of the season.”
