Hurley @ Ashland
Aug. 27, 2021

Our officiating crew would like to extend its gratitude for the fine sportsmanship displayed by the Ashland Oredockers and the Hurley North Stars during the Week 2 contest in Ashland. First, we wish to say thank you for the outstanding communication and hospitality received from the staff. We were provided escorts, refreshments, and accommodations that allowed to us prepare for and review after the game. Both teams’ coaching staff did a tremendous job of modeling positive sportsmanship. They kept their sidelines clean, coached in a positive manner, and assisted the officiating crew with preventative officiating and correcting potential player issues. The officiating crew appreciated the communication with the coaching staff and head coaches. The wing officials commented how the coaches were always confidently coaching, requesting for perfection even when plays ended on a positive note. The coaches’ reverence for officials modeled the behavior expected from the players. It is evident both coaches are well respected by their players as they listened well, played hard, and exhibited positive sportsmanship. The players managed their actions, listened to officials and were respectful. Both teams possessed great players who showed positive leadership and aided the crew with preventative officiating and correcting player infractions.Both teams played hard and showed respect for one another. We were grateful for the backs handing the umpire the ball so the pace of play could run consistent and smooth. The fans were loud and proudly cheered in an encouraging manner. No discouraging comments were heard, so it is clear the school districts and their coaches take pride in how their communities are viewed and the importance of demonstrating the proper competitive spirit. Again, we would like to acknowledge the clock operator, chain crew and announcer. They are so crucial to the success of a contest, and they are one of the best we see every year. We appreciate these competent people who help make the officiating crew’s job easier and enjoyable. We tip our caps off to Coach Larson and Coach Erickson for exhibiting positive sportsmanship that bled to the players, staff, and fans. It is important to teach youth about winning, but it’s even more important to educate our youth about handling adversity, problem solving, executing strategy, and proper sportsmanship. We thank Ashland High School for their outstanding hospitality and congratulate both schools for their efforts in teaching and demonstrating positive sportsmanship.

Reporting Official:  Shawn Umland