WHO WE ARE AND HOW DO I JOIN?
The Northeast Kansas Officials Association is an organization of dedicated, reputable and committed regional sports officials serving multiple counties in northeast Kansas. Membership is open to all officials and the emphasis of our association is on the high school sports level. To become a member simply attend any event posted on the 'Important Meeting Dates' page and register. You can also contact any of the officers listed on the 'CONTACT US' page for more information. The cost of membership is a mere $10.00 per year (one fee for all sports) which is the best investment an official can make.
HISTORY OF NEKOA
The Northeast Kansas Officials Association came to existence around 1979 through the ideas and efforts of 5 Manhattan area officials: Jack Clanton, Rod Franz, Brad Hall, Garry Patterson and Meryl Wilson. According to Jack Clanton, the idea of the association was originally discussed to resolve some challenges primarily caused by a lack of networking amongst Manhattan officials. Jack stated that "most Manhattan officiating crews were comprised of officials from several area cities" due to a low number of Manhattan officials. Clanton also stated that no system existed of tapping into the local university (Kansas State University) to recruit and mentor new officials. So, initially, the concept of the NEKOA was brought to fruition, but largely the initial purpose of the association was to benefit Manhattan officials. The original association name discussed was something similar to the "Manhattan Officials Association". Over the next 2-3 years officials from outlying communities started attending the association's meetings and clinics and the decision was made to expand the purpose of the association and the Northeast Kansas Officials Association (NEKOA) was "officially" chartered. The NEKOA has members from as far west as Salina, as far north as Marysville and Beattie, as far east as Topeka and as far south as Council Grove.
Over the last 20 years the NEKOA has consistently hosted football and basketball clinics each year and bring together many officials. The clinic formats revolve around rules interpretation, mechanics and networking between veteran officials, newer officials, league commissioners and area athletic directors. Equipment can also be purchased at the clinics.
The NEKOA hosts a football, basketball, baseball and volleyball clinic within two weeks of the start of each season. The association also hosts a golf tournament annually the last weekend of April in Waterville, Kansas. This tournament is open to any official, coach, athletic director and league commissioner (active or retired!).
A "Lifetime Achievement Award" program was developed in 2003 to honor those officials who have served exceptionally as officials. Today the NEKOA is still going strong and would encourage anyone who is interested in helping today's youth to become an official. It is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
If you are interested in joining the NEKOA contact any of the officers listed on the 'CONTACT US' page or contact the webmaster at [email protected] for further information.