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 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
