This was sent by the Dallas Chapter to all the members.
There has been a considerable amount of information, misinformation, and discussion concerning the relationship between the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) during the month on November.
As Secretary of the Dallas Football Officials Association (DFOA), I have been in communication with the TASO-Football Board of Directors throughout this period of time as efforts have been undertaken to attempt to resolve any differences. We should make no mistake; this is a serious matter which is not going to go away by simply doing nothing.
In October of this year, the UIL unilaterally changed the wording in Section 1204, which deals with officials, to remove TASO officials from working UIL varsity sports. A major factor in making this change according to the UIL was to seek "an alternative with more accountability". This is an insult to every official and officiating chapter in the state, and particularly to TASO-Football, which is recognized as the most effective organization in the nation with respect to training and development of football officials.
Texas has been a shining example of how schools and officials should interact. This was accomplished through the efforts of the UIL and TASO working together. Officials need to be represented by an organization that understands officials and is administered by officials. We have never demanded anything, but have always been willing to discuss what makes football better for all involved - never forgetting that the student athletes are the ultimate beneficiaries.
The DFOA President, Vice-President, Secretary, and District 7 Representative are in agreement that the DFOA should continue to operate as we have in the past with the expectation that reason will eventually prevail. We will pay our TASO dues as we have done in the past, contact schools for their schedules, and offer our services to the school districts as we have always done. This is the same approach that will be taken by the other large chapters in the state, such as Houston, Austin, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, with the desire that this will be the approach taken by all chapters.
We will meet with the TASO-Football Board of Directors on December 6th as we continue to explore various options. Many of you received a letter from the UIL indicating that they would have a registration meeting in San Antonio on December 18th. Our officers do not plan to attend that meeting unless there have been discussions with the TASO Football board, and they indicate that they would like for us to attend.
It is our interpretation that the UIL has not acted in good faith. The things that were said to us in the spring at the Presidents / Secretaries work shop have been violated over and over. As questions have arisen, their explanations change as in becomes obvious that problems have not been adequately addressed. A look at how they have acted with the other sports will tell you their intentions. At the present time, they indicate that they want the TASO chapters to continue, do all the training, administration, and other work as they have done in the past - but we should send dues to them.
The DFOA is a proud organization which believes that we have always operated openly and with integrity. We will continue to do that with the expectation that our customers appreciate the product that we are able to provide to them.