RAOA News Archives
Developing the Next Generation of Officials: Basketball Training at Pine Island
On Saturday, February 7th, 2026, Pine Island High School hosted a specialized training session for high school-aged athletes transitioning from the court to the whistle.
Led by RAOA veteran officials Jim Fall, Jess Krawlinski, and MJ Wagenson, these aspiring referees engaged in a rigorous curriculum focused on the technical aspects of basketball officiating.
February 13, 2026
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General News
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Save the Date - North Star Clinic
Save the Date
Third Annual North Star Football Officiating Clinic
Stay sharp and stay connected!
Mark your calendar - Third Annual North Star Football Officiating Clinic
University of Northwestern
Friday, May 1st through Sunday, May 3rd 2026
January 31, 2026
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Upcoming Events
Komets Boys Basketball Welcomes RAOA Crew
The Kasson Mantorville Komets Boys Basketball program recently extended a thoughtful gesture of appreciation to the officiating crew assigned to their contest. Upon their arrival, the officials were presented with blue gift bags, each featuring a label with the Komets logo and the message, "Thank You For Officiating! We Appreciate You!". Accompanying the bag was a bottle of Fruit Punch Powerade, providing a welcome pre-game refreshment. This display of hospitality and sportsmanship was gratefully received by the crew.
January 27, 2026
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Thank a REF
"Slim to None": A Clever Display of Appreciation
The Byron Girls Basketball program welcomed the officiating crew with a creative and humorous display of appreciation following a recent contest. The team provided the officials with Gatorade Zero and Slim Jim snacks, accompanied by a handwritten note featuring a clever play on words: "Chances we could play without you guys are SLIM to none!". This gesture not only offered nourishment but also acknowledged the crew's effort in "braving the cold" to facilitate the game.
January 27, 2026
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Thank a REF
Honoring Excellence in Officiating: Jared Butson Receives Region 1AA Award
Jared Butson, a dual-sport official in basketball and football with the Rochester Area Officials Association (RAOA), was recently honored with the Region 1AA Officials Award. This distinction recognizes his outstanding achievements and dedicated service to the member schools throughout the region. Butson's commitment to excellence was highlighted by his nomination from Curt Hughes, the Activities Director at Stewartville High School.
January 23, 2026
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Officials in the News, General News
Post-Game Hospitality: Warmth on a Cold Winter Night
Following a recent contest on a cold evening in Stewartville, Minnesota, the RAOA boys basketball officiating crew was provided with post-game nourishment by the host school. The crew discovered three paper plates prepared with slices of pizza and Snickers bars, accompanied by a handwritten note reading "Thanks for All you Do!". This thoughtful provision of warm food for the officials' return travel demonstrated exceptional hospitality and consideration for the crew's welfare.
January 23, 2026
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Thank a REF
Beyond the Whistle: A Declaration of Respect
The Plainview-Elgin-Millville (PEM) Boys Basketball program presented the officiating crew with brown gift bags attached to a detailed, signed letter expressing deep appreciation for the officials' role in the game.
The letter featured a black-and-white team photo and a powerful message acknowledging that "Without YOU – We don't play," while highlighting the team's core values of respect and constant self-improvement. This personalized gesture went beyond standard hospitality, serving as a testament to the character-building culture instilled within the PEM Boys program.
January 20, 2026
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Thank a REF
A Sweet Gesture from the Komets
The Kasson Mantorville Boys Basketball team welcomed the RAOA officiating crew with a thoughtful display of sportsmanship. Upon entering the locker room, officials found blue gift bags containing a sports drink, pretzels, and chocolate, accompanied by a custom "Thank You" label featuring the Komets logo. This kind gesture of hospitality was highly appreciated by the crew and set a positive, respectful tone for the evening's contest.
January 14, 2026
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Thank a REF
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