SR0156 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0156 LRB100 11331 MST 21706 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, One hundred years ago, in 1917, the Athletic Officials Association (AOA) was established as a not-for-profit member association with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA); and

WHEREAS, The AOA became the first association for sports officials in the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, The AOA now serves over 400 officials from all over Northeastern Illinois with divisions in football, basketball, baseball, and softball; these divisions and the Executive Board are governed by an all-volunteer staff made up of IHSA officials and umpires, dedicated to furthering the careers of AOA officials by providing educational opportunities in rules knowledge, holding instructional meetings, professionalism training, and promoting sportsmanship amongst officials, players, coaches, and fans; and

WHEREAS, In furtherance of AOA goals, the AOA instructs each division to design and implement an observer program using members of a certified level with IHSA, with NCAA experience, professional experience, or ISHA State tournament series level experience to observe and advise new AOA members and all non-certified level association member officials; and

WHEREAS, The AOA annually recognizes individuals for their contributions to the continuing education of sports officials with the Abe Glick Award and inductions into the AOA Hall-of-Fame; and

WHEREAS, On the 20th day of May in the year 2017, the AOA will be celebrating its 100th anniversary; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the Athletic Officials Association and all of its members for its continued support and dedication in their respective sports and in honor of its 100th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare May 20, 2017 as "AOA Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Athletic Officials Association as an expression of our appreciation for its continued support and dedication to the success of high school sports in the State of Illinois.