AboutRichard Howland Expertise I am a master USATF Track and Field official and can answer questions about officiating high school (NFHS), college (NCAA), National (USATF) and international in field events. I am not a coach except for other officials. My specialties are the Field events except pole vault.
Experience I delight in meeting athletes from all backgrounds and ages. I have even officiated field events for a one hundred year old long jumper as well as many "Master" and "Senior" athletes. Special olympics is a great event for officials to volunteer and see the essence of good sport on the faces of the athletes.
After thirty three years as a trial lawyer in Massachusetts with a focus on sports law, among others, I retired and devote much of my time to officiating. I referee soccer, time football, officiate swimming and diving, and officiate and start all events in track and field. My special focus in field events.
In high school and college I played soccer, squash and lacrosse, but track was not available in any depth then. Since I was a lawyer I began officiating and training to officiate sports which I could fit into my schedule. I honestly do not remember when I first started track and field officiating, but estimate that I have been very active for at least fifteen years.
I regularly officiate all events and levels.
Question QUESTION: My son is completing his sophmore year at Hampshire Regional and has improved quite a bit on his discus and would like to work on it this summer. His coach recommended a throwing camp but we will be away during that time. Do you know of any private trainers/tutors who might be interested in helping him work on his form so he can continue to improve over the summer? I thought of contacting the local colleges but am not sure wher to start. We are in Western MA.
ANSWER: Ann:
You might call running track clubs like Sugarloaf runners to see if there is an adult member who does weights. Before the year ends you might call Agawam High School and Minnechaug High School as they both have weight coaches whose throwers do very well. Ernie Goff who is now at Holyoke High School is a veteran throwing coach now retired, but not from track. The former head coach at Holyoke Bill Kane is also very knowledgeable. The last two and perhaps others might be willing to spend some time with your son. all now since they can be reached through their schools (I think). Williams College and Umass may also have summer programs you can have your son join. (I live in WMass.)
Good luck, Dick Howland
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QUESTION: So do you think he should be doing weights? He has his own discus (the regulation size for highschool) My concern is that the MIAA rules won't let a high school coach work with him off season- or does that apply to only his coach. By the way small world my husband knows you Jay Morin he is an Asst. Clerk Mag in Northampton, he had no idea you were into track and field :)
Answer Ann (and Jay):
I am not a coach and have not been (in track and field). I am very uneasy about giving any specific advice about training or performance and instead try to guide people to a source of solution which they can access themselves. First, I usually suggest going to this British Athletic Website where an enormous amount of specific training and performance information is found. Becoming a subscriber is not necessary unless you find the offers useful for yourselves.
For discus athletes these articles are listed and along with general throwing articles should give you an idea for training and competing. While not a substitute for a coach, they are a good template for designing a program that works for each athlete. They can also be applied to many future situations.
Discus Technique
Discus Photo sequence
Discus Training Program
As far as restrictions upon any coach whether his or any high school coach I do know that his own coach is restricted. I believe other coaches are not. In any event, you might contact Bill Kane who has retired from coaching at Holyoke High School and lists 536-7531. He was an official at the Atlanta Olympics and is highly regarded as a coach. You may tell him that I referred you to him or not. It does nothing for me and might complicate things him or you.
As for your specific question about weights, I would postpone changing the routine his coach may have set up. Weights as with many athletic programs can be dangerous and harmful when used incorrectly. A trainer or physical therapist can give good advice and programs as well as monitor the subject.
I am one who without guidance overdid almost every exercise following old axioms and did considerable damage to parts of my body. I now sport two replaced knees, shoulder has had two replacements and needs another and rheumatoid arthritis is well-established. I also love what I do and continue to officiate soccer, football, track and field and swimming and diving. I am out almost every day involved in athletics and kids as well as teaching at Springfield High School of Science and Technology.
I am legally handicapped which is great for parking but I walk a mile or more on a regular basis and complain about nothing. However, abusing weights during a fitness club program I tore the rotator cuff which may have contributed to the shoulder's vulnerability to RA. I mention this only to emphasize the injuries that follow innocent use of one's body, lifting, running, jumping without proper supervision.
You can contact me more directly if you wish: dick.howland@gmail.com 413-531-7888 326 North Pleasant Street in Amherst. Keep in mind that I am only an official and do not coach, only guide it I think I can help. Dick Howland
