Hello Everyone, July 4th 1776 the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.  Since 1980 the titles “Independence Day” and “Fourth of July” are both utilized to identify the event’s celebration.

The week of the Fourth is a festive time with family gatherings, food and fireworks.  Fireworks explosions are dangerous, from losing fingers, eyesight and even death so be safe.  Please be respectful of your neighbors by detonating at reasonable times and cleaning all debris from your fireworks.

Fireworks detonation times are: July 1, 2 & 3, 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM with July 4th being 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM July 5th.  Enjoy and be SAFE.

Summer goes so fast, gosh, we are nearing the fall sports season already with players, coaches and game officials in their early stages of preparation for her/his sport of choice. 

Last week I was privileged to work at the Sioux Empire Football Officials’ Clinic.  There were about 75 campers from nine different states who attended the Sioux Falls clinic.  Officials from Valley City and other North Dakota communities were there taking part in two days of classroom presentations and on-field officiating overseen by high school, college and NFL clinicians.

My profession was working with the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA).  The NDHSAA is located in Valley City and is the service organization of North Dakota’s member schools.  Some responsibilities are administering eligibility, providing rules clinics and administering the fine arts & sports region and state tournaments.  My purpose for sharing the aforementioned is, to have fine arts and sports competitions, judges and game officials are needed.  Because, “Without officials, they’re just scrimmages”!

Why consider officiating?  It is an opportunity to “give back”, it is a competition, it is physical fitness, you will network and realize lifelong friendships.  Please contact the NDHSAA at 845-3953 or ndhsaa.com.  Try it, you may love it.

Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this article.                                                                                                  

“The only way to have a friend, is to be one.”   ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Blessings, Pray, be Grateful and Respectful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud