Official Review
When considering how to prepare for the development of this article, I thought it might be a good idea to be as professional and thorough as one could possibly be. I’m not certain if this will ever become part of an “official” document, but you can be certain that it will be discussed as “official” business at some point. So, let’s “officially” begin!
As a former Certified Official for basketball and football, I thought that you might find it interesting to note the four definitions that Webster uses to define the word, “official”. They are as follows:
1. Of or pertaining to an office or post of authority.
2. One who is authorized by a proper authority.
3. Serving in a public capacity, authorized to perform a specific duty.
4. Formal.
So, meet Gary Gelvin, Chairman of the USA Track & Field Adirondack Officials Committee! I am not sure if he is in his office (pictured above), or if that picnic bench is considered a post of authority, but I can assure you that USA Track & Field has given him proper authority to perform a specific duty in a public capacity. I realize that his attire of the day does not appear to be “formal”, but Gary is donning his “official” USATF Golf Shirt, Cap, ID Tag, and Khaki Shorts.
There are actually 57 USATF Certified Officials in the Adirondack Association. Gary states, “Having Certified Officials at the Empire State Liberty Tour Track & Field Series of meets ensures that every athlete receives courteous, objective, and impartial officiating as a means of providing a fair competition for all participants.” According to Mr. Galvin, officials from the Adirondack Association have many years of experience, and several have worked at Indoor and Outdoor National Championships, Junior Olympics, Olympic Trials , and the Summer Olympiads. USATF Adirondack Association President Chris Rush (also a USATF Certified Official) adds, “Gary Gelvin is an outstanding Track & Field Official and Administrator. He has played a major role in restructuring the Adirondack Association’s organization of Certified Officials. Maintaining full compliance with National USATF standards, and providing a solid corps of trained and experienced officials, which will continue to support our Road Racing, Cross-Country, and Track & Field programs.”
There is no question, then, that Gary Gelvin is “officially” qualified, but what I find most peculiar, is that while he is reviewing the Rule Book during an Empire State Liberty Tour meet, Gary offers an incredible ear – to – ear smile. What do you think it means? I’m not sure, but perhaps it should be under “Offical Review”!
