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IRISH OFFICIALS ATTEND 2004 EFAF OFFICIATING CLINIC IN FINLAND

IAFOA Officials (left to right), Michael Smith, Steve Stacher, Oskar Nilsson & Cillian Smith at the 2004 EFAF Officiating Clinic in Finland.

4 Officials from the Irish American Football Officials Association attended the 2004 EFAF Officiating Clinic in Jarvenpaa, Finland from 20-23 February. The Officiating Clinic is organised annually and is attended by Officials from domestic leagues across Europe, who hope to improve their skills, with a view to officiating in EFAF tournaments such at the EuroBowl and European Championship. This year's clinic was hosted by AJEK, the Finnish Officials Association.

The clincians (trainers) included Rom Gilbert, one of the top officials from the SEC Conference (College football in USA); former NFL Europe Official Ari Ollila and former Superbowl Official Jim Daopoulos, who is now Director of Officiating for NFL Europe. Over 60 offiicals from all across Europe attended the the clinic. The clinic included classroom sessions, presentations and video material. In addition, 4 Officials from the EFAF panel were hired by NFL Europe for the 2004 season.

However, it wasn't all hard work in Finland - most of the officials, including 3 of the Irish Officials (Steve opted out) took the opportunity to go on an evening snow shoe hike across a frozen lake and through a forest. The hike was followed by some traditional Finnish drinks and raindeer meat for dinner. The Irish officials also renewed acquaintances with some old friends including Veikko Lamminsalo, who used to officate in the IAFL (now officiates in Finnish League) and Jim Briggs from Britain who officiated in the first ever game involving an Irish team back in 1983.

The venue for next years clinic will be decided at the upcoming EFAF AGM - probably either Czech Republic or Russia. And some good news for Irish American football - there is a good possibilty that Ireland will be chosen as the host country for the 2006 clinic.

Presentations given at the clinic (including those relating to new rules changes) can be found on the clinc website - http://clinic2004.ajek.org

Cillian Smith, Veikko Lamminsalo & Oskar Nilsson on the evening hike.

 

 


 

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