Basketball Update November 19, 2022:

1.  Reminder the annual Gopher State Basketball meeting is Sunday, November 20 at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center (5600 85th Ave N, 55443). The meeting starts at 6:00pm.  The meeting will be a "NO VIKINGS TALK ZONE" so those that choose to DVR the game can watch it after the meeting!!

 2.  All officials who have been with Gopher State Officials for at least one year will be eligible to vote for the new position of basketball-specific representative to the Board of Directors. We have four outstanding candidates who have put their names forward for your consideration. Below is some brief background of each candidate:

STEPHEN KENT

I have officiated HS Varsity around the world since 2000, professionally in Korea in 2015-2016, and NCAA Mens 2017-2019 and NCAA Women 2020-Present). I am a retired Army Veteran, culminated at the rank of Colonel, currently serve as the Vice President of Finance and Operations for Metro State University and on the Board of Trustees of the College of Saint Scholastica.

I appreciate the opportunity to add value and make a difference in every aspect of my life and after participating in Gopher Officials’ Association since 2017, I believe I’ve learned enough while in the association to make a significant positive impact.  I believe that my 25 years in the Army, leading people from all cultures and experiences affords me the opportunity to understand, connect, make a difference in peoples’ lives, which will empower me to make a larger impact for the Gopher.

RICK BAKER

Rick Baker, been a member of Gopher for approximately 25 years and have been on the Varsity level for all of those years.  Have had the privilege of being selected to work numerous state tournaments including a state final.  I only officiate basketball so being on the board would give a voice to the basketball officials about association decisions.  My goal is to keep Gopher State basketball officials at the highest level of performance which we have accomplished throughout the years and remain the association most represented in the state tournament.  This would include mentorship, shared communication about situations officials have had in their games, shared videos, training etc..  I am a big rules knowledge and consistency guy.  I would like to see basketball officiating consistent on all aspects of the game which makes it easier for one crew to follow another on any given night.  I would like to be a person that fellow officials can reach out to and ask rules questions or share situations and how they were handled either right of wrong.  I have learned many things in officiating in the past by the things I have done wrong.  I have been in the past and want to continue as a basketball board representative if, i get elected, to give feedback to the assignor about Gopher State officials' abilities when it comes to amount and types of games. 

ROB BISSONETTE

My name Rob Bissonette. I have been with Gopher State Officials for 28 years, working Baseball, Football & Basketball. I also work college basketball for 8 Conferences within the Midwest. I have worked many State Tournament games, most recent a Semifinal for Girls Basketball.

 Why I want to serve? I believe strongly about basketball and have the passion that goes with it. I feel serving on the Board for Basketball would be a big stepping stone for me in providing a strong leadership for the organization and you, the members.

 Why I am the person to elect? I have strong leadership skills, both on and off the floor. Communication is big for me, and being an effective communicator to you is something I will do. I have an ear to listen to your needs, and do what I can to help you grow as an official and become leaders as well.

What I will bring to being your Board Member is a strong relationship going forward. I believe Gopher is strong, and we can get stronger. I want to be your go-to person for any questions, concerns, mentorship and leadership. I will strive to help put Gopher higher on the list for newer officials to join and pave the path for success. I want Gopher to put the best officials on the floor every night. I will help mentor, train and get you to your goals you want to achieve.

 My goals are to continue making Gopher stronger. Being your leader, I will make every effort to see you succeed as an official with Gopher. 

ANDREW COOK

Here is the quick 101:

about who you are? I am grew up with a large family, 7 siblings, and moved around the Midwest, living mostly in small towns. I have been blessed to be married to my wife for 31 years, and have 2 adult children, and 1 grand-daughter. I am a career sales person, mainly working in business to business technology sales. I enjoy golf, immensely. Most importantly, I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

why you want to serve on the board? I see an opportunity to server by using my relationship building skills to strengthen the connections between all members of GSO and continue to build a great organization.

why you are the person who should be elected? At this time in my life, I am able to serve in this volunteer capacity.  My mind and mental capacity needs to be challenged, and I believe this role will challenge me to grow personally and professionally.

what you would bring? Loyalty and perseverance, and a listening ear.

what your goals are? To strengthen relationships, understanding, and trust in the great organization that has helped me grow in officiating.

  Reminder that only those eligible to vote and present at the meeting are eligible to cast their vote. See you Sunday!!

Basketball Update November 11, 2022

1.  The Gopher State Officials Basketball Committee has put together a great agenda for the November 20 annual meeting. In addition to our basketball Board member election, we will be talking about general topics including addressing fan behavior, "Action and Attitude", Arbiter, and provide updates on fees, conferences, and scrimmages.

After the general meeting is concluded, officials will have the choice to attend either of the following break-out sessions:

Experienced/Varsity Officials - Review test answers, review restricted arc plays, "Screw Up Session", shot clock update, general discussion on any topic!! (please email Mike Gearman at mlgearman@gmail.com of any questions or topics you want discussed at the meeting so we can better prepare).

Newer/Lower Level Officials - Discuss mechanics, signals, positioning, philosophy, mentorship program, resources, proper uniform, and answer any questions you have!!!

The meeting is on Sunday, November 20 at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center (5600 85th Ave N, 55443). The meeting starts at 6:00pm.

 2.  At the basketball meeting on November 20, all officials who have been with Gopher State Officials for at least one year will be eligible to vote for the new position of basketball-specific representative to the Board of Directors. We have four outstanding candidates who have put their names forward for your consideration. They are:

Rick Baker

Rob Bissonette

Andrew Cook

Stephen Kent

Our candidates will have the opportunity to speak a little bit at the meeting and tell you about why they want to be the basketball representative on the Gopher State Board of Directors. We're looking forward to hearing from them and are excited to move forward with this process. Only those officials present at this meeting are eligible to cast their vote.

3.. We are looking for experienced officials that are willing to be connected with a newer official to provide some guidance before and during the season. This will consist of a few check-in phone calls throughout the season, and we will be suggesting that the mentee attend one of your varsity basketball games to observe you. If interested, please email Mike Gearman at mlgearman@gmail.com prior to the Nov. 20 meeting.

Basketball Update November 5, 2022

1.I have pretty much completed the December varsity assignments on Arbiter. As indicated previously, there are not many varsity slots in December compared to January and February. I tried to spread out the games as much as possible. If you want to work basketball on any of your open dates in December, I suggest you take look at self-assign on Arbiter. While most of the games listed on self assign are lower level, there are some varsity slots at North Branch, Chisago Lakes, North Lakes Academy, Cristo Rey, and Liberty Classical. All of these varsity games are 3 person crews (except Liberty). Having varsity officials taking some lower level games would provide a great opportunity for our non-varsity officials to work with an experienced official.

2. Schools continue to add games, cancel games, change start times, etc. I will continue to keep Arbiter up-to-date, and appreciate everyone's patience.

3. We have many new basketball officials that have joined gopher State Officials. WELCOME!!!!! There are many officials that I don't know much about. If I don't know your background, what levels you are comfortable working, what city you will be leaving to games, etc, please send me an email at rickdeg@comcast.net. This goes for returning officials as well. If you don't provide me pertinent information, I won't know it!!

4.  I still need several more officials for the Saturday, November 26 Girls scrimmage at St. Michael. Three officials per court. Shifts are 9:30-11:30am and 11:30-1:30pm. Pay is $40 per shift. Please sign up on self-assign.

5.  For those that have recently been linked to the Gopher State Officials Arbiter account (MN Official 112731), all of the recent emails that I have sent out are listed at www.gopherstateofficials.org. It would be worthwhile to read through the previous emails to get up-to-date on whats happening. The informational letter and 2022-2023 Game Fees are available in pdf format in the upper right.

6. Reminder the annual Gopher State Basketball meeting  is Sunday, November 20 at 6:00pm at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center (5600 85th Ave N, 55443).

Basketball Update October 31, 2022

1. Happy Halloween!!!!!

2. Just started the assigning process and some officials are already complaining about traveling. Here's some background..... Gopher State Officials covers a wide geographic area including Princeton, Big Lake, Becker, New Prague, North Branch, Cambridge-Isanti, Chisago Lakes, Dassel-Cokato, and Waconia. Assume each Boys team and Girls team plays 12 home games. For varsity level games there are 3 officials assigned per game, Therefore, I need to assign 36 slots for each Boys team and 36 slots for each Girls team. That's 72 slots for EACH school previously listed. While we have many officials living outside the metro area, a majority of Gopher State officials reside in the metro area. I can't assign the same officials who live near a school to work more than a few varsity games each year. The bottom line is Gopher State has an obligation to get all these games covered and all officials are expected to contribute to get ALL games covered. Hope this helps.

3. The 2022-2023 Game Fees are listed at www.gopherstateofficials.org under the basketball section.

Basketball Update October 30, 2022

1. Games have been inputted into Arbiter. Even though schools are still making changes, I am starting to assign games. I'm focusing on games thru January 6. This is a LONG process so please be patient. Games start gearing up December 1.

2. I can't stress enough the importance of blocking off dates you don't want to be assigned. Not available to officiate until January? Block off all dates in December!! Can't officiate on Fridays? Block off all Fridays!!

3. I still need several more officials for the Saturday, November 26 Girls scrimmage at St. Michael. Three officials per court. Shifts are 9:30-11:30am and 11:30-1:30pm. Pay is $40 per shift. Please sign up on self-assign.

4. For those that have recently been linked to the Gopher State Officials Arbiter account (MN Official 112731), all of the recent emails that I have sent out are listed at www.gopherstateofficials.org.The informational letter and 2022-2023 Game Fees are available in pdf format in the upper right.

5. I am fully aware the November 20 annual Gopher State Basketball meeting conflicts with the Vikings game. The Brooklyn Park Activity Center (5600 85th Ave N, 55443) did not have any rooms available on November 13 and we didn't want to hold the meeting on Thanksgiving weekend. The meeting starts at 6:00pm.

6   Remember to pay dues by Tuesday, November 1 to avoid the $25 late fee. Dues this year are $100 if they are paid before November 1, 2022. After that they become $125. (except for new basketball officials to Gopher are exempt from the late fee). There are two methods of payment:

Online - Gopher State Officials is now offering officials the opportunity to pay their dues online at www.gopherstateofficials.org/pay-dues. Basketball dues are $100, plus a $3 processing fee

By check - Send your check for $100 (payable to Gopher State Officials) to:

Gopher State Officials Association

P.O. Box 24052

Minneapolis, MN 55424-9998

Basketball Update October 28, 2022

1.  All basketball games that Gopher State Officials have been requested to assign are now posted on Arbiter. Gopher State Officials is now part of MN Officials (112731) on Arbiter, not GotOfficials.  Please carefully review the date, time, location, and level for each event. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP YOU CAN TAKE TO ENSURE THAT ALL GAMES WILL HAVE OFFICIALS ASSIGNED!!! Please notify me via email at rickdeg@comcast.net of any corrections or additional/cancelled games. Also let me know if you need any help logging into Arbiter.

2. I want to express my appreciation to those schools that have made the extra efforts to move games off of Tuesdays and Fridays (in addition to the required week that each Conference was assigned not to have Tuesday and Friday home games). With the number of games still assigned on Tuesdays and Fridays in January and February, and the continued shortage of officials, we will do our best to get every game covered.... Jan 31 and Feb 14 (Valentines Day) look especially daunting.

3. If you are hosting any Holiday basketball tournaments and want Gopher State Officials to assign officials, please send an email to rickdeg@comcast.net once the dates, times, and locations are finalized.

Basketball Update October 26, 2022

1. I finally finished inputting all the games into Arbiter. The amount of varsity games in December is unusually low. The low amount of varsity Boys games in December is even more alarming. I will do my best to spread the available December games around, but feel free to secure games elsewhere for December, so there will be more games left for other Gopher Officials. For those officials that have chosen to only work Boys games, the amount of games you will be assigned in December will be limited. Once January rolls around, there is a full slate of games every Tuesday and Fridays, as well as many Thursdays. Not too many Monday and Wednesday games.

2. Please log into Arbiter and block off dates you do not want to be assigned games. If you only want to work Tuesdays and Fridays, simply block off the other days.

3. For those that have recently been linked to the Gopher State Officials Arbiter account (MN Official 112731), all of the recent emails that I have sent out are listed at www.gopherstateofficials.net. The informational letter and 2022-2023 Game Fees are available in pdf format in the upper right.

4. The format for the Wayzata Basketball scrimmage on November 26 has completely changed. Now there are only two courts from 9:00am - 11:40am. Doesn't make sense to split into two shifts so I will be reassigning the slots on Arbiter. Pay will be $75 for the entire 9:00am - 11:40am shift. If I assign you the slot, and you don't want to work it, just turn it back and I will reassign someone else.

5   Remember to pay dues by November 1 to avoid the $25 late fee. Dues this year are $100 if they are paid before November 1, 2022. After that they become $125. (except for new basketball officials to Gopher are exempt from the late fee). There are two methods of payment:

Online - Gopher State Officials is now offering officials the opportunity to pay their dues online at www.gopherstateofficials.org/pay-dues. Basketball dues are $100, plus a $3 processing fee

By check - Send your check for $100 (payable to Gopher State Officials) to:

Gopher State Officials Association

P.O. Box 24052

Minneapolis, MN 55424-9998

6  The annual Gopher State Basketball meeting will be held at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center (5600 85th Ave N, 55443) on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 6:00pm.

Basketball Update October 22, 2022

1. I only have a few hundred more games to input into Arbiter, so I am planning on starting to assign varsity games within the next week or so. Please spend some time on Arbiter and block off dates you don't want me to assign you any basketball games. This will minimize the number of turn backs.

2. For those that have recently been linked to the Gopher State Officials Arbiter account (MN Official 112731), all of the recent emails that I have sent out are listed at www.gopherstateofficials.org.  The informational letter and 2022-2023 Game Fees are available in pdf format in the upper right.

3. Remember all Gopher State Official will be needed every Tuesday and Friday in January and February (including Valentines Day!) Please do not accept games from other associations on these dates. There are much less games during December.

4.I suggest non-varsity officials spend some time on self-assign to start securing games. It will be many weeks before I start assigning lower level games. Officials that utilize self assign are expected to work for Gopher State most Tuesdays and Fridays. For example, its not permissible to secure games from another association on Tuesdays and Fridays, then sign up for games from Gopher State on the other days of the week.

Basketball Update October 18, 2022

1. The self assign feature is functional but its not as easy to navigate as GotOfficials. I called Arbiter support twice to see if there was anything I could do to make it easier, and the answer was negative. So, self assign is working, but carefully read thru the following:

A. There is no way to filter games (even though there is a filter box in the upper right). Just have to scroll around.

B. If you have a date blocked or already have a game on a particular date, it won't show up on the self assign list. Not sure if you have a single 7:00pm game, if you are able to see 4:00pm single games.

C.  A majority of the lower level games are linked together to create a 2 game set, yet its difficult to see that on the self assign list. As far as I can tell, you may not know its a two game set until you select GO. If you discover its a two game set, and you can't work both games, then turn the game back.

D. Once you press GO, the game is yours!

E. Please manage your self assign schedule responsibly. This means, only assign levels you are comfortable working. Don't see the same team very often. Move around to different schools.  Make sure to self-assign a few no-metro games to help Gopher State get all games covered. I need alot of coverage at Buffalo, New Prague, St. Michael, Delano, Waconia, Dassel, etc.

F. Check back often!!!!! More self assign games are being added daily.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!! The annual Gopher State Basketball meeting will be held at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center (5600 85th Ave N, 55443) on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 6:00pm.

Rick DeGardner

Basketball Update October 16, 2022

1. No Hopkins scrimmage. Gopher State  is providing basketball officials on Saturday, November 26 for Wayzata and St. Michael. Need 66 officials!!! Need alot of help!!! 

Wayzata, Nov 26

9:00am - 11:00am $40 12 officials

11:00am - 1:00pm $40 12 officials

9:00am - 10:00am $25 6 officials

12:00pm - 1:00pm $25 6 officials

St. Michael, Nov 26

9:30am - 11:30am $40 15 officials

11:30am - 1:30pm $40 15 officials

Email me at rickdeg@comcast.net if you can help out. Please specify what shift. Hope to have this on self-assign also.

2. Seems that there are a lot of problems with the self assign feature. Best for everyone to hold off and I will contact Arbiter on Monday. Seems there may be some administrative settings that need to be adjusted. I'll keep everyone posted when the self assign function is ready to go!!

Basketball Update October 11, 2022

There are hundreds of lower level games on self assign. Feel free to start filling up your dates with those games. When selecting self assign games, make sure not to sign up for games involving the same team too often. Best to switch locations. Note many games are linked together, meaning you must accept both games. For example there are a lot of B games followed by a JV game, so we need to assign the same two officials for both games. I'm not very familiar yet with the self assign function so you'll have to explore on your own for now.

Gopher State Officials Basketball Update - Sept. 30, 2022

ARBITER - Gopher State Officials has switched from GotOfficials to Arbiter. Arbiter will be the method in which officials will indicate availability, accept/reject assignments, contact schools and partners, receive informational notices, etc. Gopher State Officials is part of the MN Officials Group (112731) along with St. Paul Capital City (SPCC), Suburban Officials, and other officials groups.

RETURNING OFFICIALS - Since Gopher State Officials is transitioning to Arbiter we need all returning officials to send an email to rickdeg@comcast.net indicating whether you plan on officiating basketball this year. If you have an existing Arbiter account, be sure to indicate the email address you are registered under. Once you have communicated to me that you plan on working basketball for Gopher State Officials this year, I will input you into the Arbiter system and you will receive a welcome email from Arbiter outlining the steps you need to take to complete the process. If you do not have an Arbiter account, indicate the email you want to use for Arbiter. DO NOT SET UP AN ARBITER ACCOUNT ON YOUR OWN. I will create an Arbiter account for you and you will then receive a welcome email.

NEW OFFICIALS - If you are new to Gopher State Officials you must complete the Basketball Officials Information Form (available on our website at www.gopherstateofficials.org). If you have an existing Arbiter account, be sure to indicate the email address you are registered under. Once you have communicated to me that you plan on working basketball for Gopher State Officials this year, I will input you into the Arbiter system and you will receive a welcome email from Arbiter outlining the steps you need to take to complete the process. If you do not have an Arbiter account, indicate the email you want to use for Arbiter. DO NOT SET UP AN ARBITER ACCOUNT ON YOUR OWN. I will create an Arbiter account for you and you will then receive a welcome email.

SCRIMMAGES - Gopher State Officials still has some basketball scrimmages that we need assistance covering. I expect more scrimmages openings as the season approaches.

St Michael is hosting a 10 team Girls Varsity/JV scrimmage on Saturday, November 26. There are 5 courts with 3 person crews. Time slots are 9:30am – 11:30am and 11:30am – 1:30pm. Pay is $40 per slot.

Wayzata is hosting a Girl’s Varsity/JV scrimmage on Saturday, November 26. More details to follow, but we will likely need up to 30 officials (who will be compensated)!!

Please consider signing up by emailing Rick DeGardner at rickdeg@comcast.net.  This is a great opportunity for those officials who feel they are ready to work varsity level games to get observed and gain experience with 3 person mechanics.

INFORMATION IS KING!! The more detailed information you provide me (ie. preferred partner(s), willingness to travel, etc.) the better chance I have of preparing a schedule that fits your expectations. Please email any information that has changed since last year, or that I may not be aware of.

MSHSL CERTIFIED? - Even if you only work lower level games, please consider getting varsity certified thru the Minnesota State High School League. Gopher State Officials is assigning many charter schools including Cristo Rey, Cambridge Christian, Liberty Classical, North Lakes, Kaleidoscope, and Groves Academy. The caliber of competition for many of these schools is B/JV levels, yet the official’s pay are varsity rates ($82 for single game). I can only assign officials to these games that are certified thru the MSHSL. If you have never been registered with the MSHSL, its only $15 for the first year, and $30 the second year. In addition to being eligible to work varsity games, you get a rule book and liability insurance. Give me a call if you want more information.

If you only want to work non-varsity contests, you are still required to get certified thru the MSHSL via Arbiter under the Central Hub view. Under the registration tab, there is a 2022-2023 School Year (Lower-Level ONLY) tab.