There have been several suggestions that we move to a facility that can hold additional mats or use an auxiliary gym. This would be an ideal time to discuss one of the great needs we have in our state - recruiting new officials.

At this year's tournament we had every active freestyle/Greco official in our state at the tournament. In addition, we had a very fine official from Oklahoma who agreed to come up and help us with our state tournament. There were barely enough officials to handle the six mats that were used - it would not have been possible to open up other mats, even if they had been available.

This has been an item of discussion at our board meetings for the past several years. We've tried several things to increase the numbers of officials, including a long-term plan which provides incentives for Juniors and Cadets who perform some officiating at tournaments in which they are competing (this particular programs gives the athletes a way to help pay for their trip to Fargo while also exposing them to officiating). Fees paid to officials, which used to be next to nothing, has increased to a respectable level (although still less than a typical folkstyle event). However, we still don't seem to be able to grow our pool of officials.

If anyone out there has a love for the sport and would be interested in becoming a freestyle/Greco official, please contact our State Officials' Director Mark Anderson (matman033@yahoo.com or 913-645-8438).