Coach’s Concerns Post-Championship Win
The Freeport golf team achieved victory in the Class B championship, winning by 12 strokes in 2020. However, Coach Jason Ouellette expressed lingering worries.
Desire for More Officials
“I worried someone might say, ‘This kid did this,’ or ‘This kid didn’t score correctly,’” Ouellette stated. “Winning a state championship under such circumstances wouldn’t feel right. I believe other coaches would agree.”
Advocating for Enhanced Oversight
This concern underscores Ouellette’s wish for increased officiating presence during state championships. He believes having more officials would alleviate the responsibility on players regarding rules and scoring.
Current Championship Setup
The Class B championships are set for Friday at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro, with Classes A and C following on Saturday. The Maine Principals’ Association oversees the tournaments, ensuring proper play regulation with support from Maine Golf. Six officials will be available at Natanis, where two 18-hole courses, Tomahawk and Arrowhead, are located.
Concerns from Other Coaches
Despite some states having fewer officials, Maine plans to have a dedicated official for each course and several PGA-certified officials across the 36 holes to assist players. Some coaches have expressed the need for more on-course support, particularly during high-stakes scenarios.
Player Experiences Highlight the Need
Gardiner senior Jack Quinn, the reigning Class B individual champion, noted instances of confusion among players that could be resolved with additional officials. “Having a couple more officials would definitely help,” he remarked.
Exploring Possible Solutions
Finding qualified personnel for each hole is a challenge. Suggestions include recruiting local pros, while coaches could organize themselves to monitor groups. However, doing so may keep coaches from supporting their players effectively. Brian Bickford of Maine Golf suggested that having spotters could enhance play speed and provide basic guidance when necessary.
