2026 Election – Candidate Statements

Elections will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 7 AM to 8 PM. Your vote matters, and your engagement ensures a fair and representative process.

The nominees for each open position are listed below. Nominees listed alphabetically by first name. Each candidate has submitted a brief bio and campaign statement asking for your vote. Please review all candidate statements prior to casting your vote.

Nominees:

At-Large Board Positions (3) – 2 year term

Anthony Norris – Candidate for At-Large Board

My name is Tony Norris, and I am a 16 year veteran of OCFOA. I would consider myself a official’s official.

With my experience in OCFOA and my experience as a NCAA Division 1 baseball umpire since 1999, I feel that I have a good understanding of the officiating world. I have no problem standing up for what is right, and will not just go with the flow if elected.

Brian Brennan – Candidate for At-Large Board

With 55 years of service to the Orange County Football Officials Association, I offer the experience, institutional knowledge, and perspective needed to serve effectively as an OCFOA At-Large Board member.

I have served in numerous board positions, most recently as OCFOA President. Having held most elected roles, I understand their responsibilities and challenges, as well as the importance of a board working together for the benefit of the entire membership. The OCFOA is entering an important period of growth and change as flag football joins our traditional tackle football responsibilities. I understand the challenges of expansion and believe my experience can provide continuity and perspective as we move forward.

As an At-Large member, I would support each elected board member, help wherever needed, and serve as a trusted, accessible voice for the general membership. Members should know they have someone they can approach with questions, concerns, ideas, or suggestions.

I also strongly support more opportunities for in-person meetings and instruction. We become better officials by learning together, discussing situations, and sharing experiences. Quality instruction strengthens today’s officiating and helps those who aspire to advance to the next level.

After 55 years, I remain committed to giving back to the association that has given me so much. I would welcome the opportunity to continue serving the OCFOA as your At-Large representative.

Dan Pulos – Candidate for At-Large Board

I am writing to respectfully ask for your vote for a second term as an At-Large Member of the Board of Directors.

During my tenure on the Board, I have had the privilege of serving on multiple committees. Currently, I oversee the Referee Committee, where I successfully streamlined our game-week communication processes. My primary focus remains serving the best interests of the OCFOA membership.

I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving our association. Thank you for your consideration and continued support.

Don Ariosto – Candidate for At-Large Board

My name is Don Ariosto. I have been a member of this association for over 25 years and have served as a crew chief for the past 13.

My reason for asking for your vote is simple. When board members are re-elected again and again, they can become entrenched and begin to feel entitled to special privileges.
From the outside, this looks like a lack of transparency. If you aren’t part of the board’s inner circle, you end up feeling like an outsider.

Many of you, like me, have sent emails with basic questions and never received a reply.
The association’s bylaws have not always been followed.

If elected, I will push for a clear standard: every elected and appointed member must respond to questions and acknowledge members’ requests.

It is not acceptable for anyone to stand in front of the membership, say “send me an email,” and then never respond.

To show that I mean this, I commit to serving no more than one additional term. I have no interest in becoming entrenched or holding on to any sort of “power”.

I am asking for your vote so I can represent the membership, not my own interests. I will vote against procedures and policies that benefit a few at the expense of the association.

Thank you for your support.

Jim Ryan – Candidate for At-Large Board

My time with this association began in 2008 when I was honored to receive the Earl Engman Rookie of the Year Award. In 2019, I was equally grateful to receive the John McDonough Memorial Award—an honor that reflected the commitment, quality, and perseverance I have tried to bring to this association.

For 18 years, this association has been a major part of my life, including 12 years as a flank instructor. Two years ago, I took another step in committing my time to serving on the Board, and I believe the next two years will be just as important as we navigate the continued growth of Flag Football alongside Tackle.

Throughout my involvement, I have always made decisions based on what is best for the association as a whole—not an individual, crew, or small group. I believe strongly in protecting the standards, professionalism, training, accountability, and reputation that have made this one of the best high school officials associations in the country.

Recruiting and developing the next generation of officials must also remain a priority. Our membership is aging while the demand for officials continues to grow. We must attract younger officials and provide the support and resources they need to succeed.

I am incredibly grateful for the friendships, experiences, and opportunities this association has given me. If elected as Board Member, I will continue to listen, contribute, and give my all to help our association grow stronger and thrive.

I would be honored to have your vote and trust.

Matt Goda – Candidate for At-Large Board

I am submitting my candidacy for Member at Large on the OCFOA Board.  I have been a member of OCFOA since 2018 and currently officiate both Flag Football and Tackle Football.

One area I would like to support and strengthen is the Mentoring Program. I believe this program plays a critical role in the retention and development of newer officials. By facilitating opportunities for rookie and early-career officials to work alongside seasoned Referees on Frosh and JV games, we can provide meaningful feedback on mechanics and rule application—essential steps toward cultivating confident and capable High School Football Officials.

Professionally, I bring a diverse background to the role. I am a U.S. Army Veteran and have practiced as a Chiropractor for over 30 years, now semi-retired after successfully owning and managing multiple practices. I have been married for 30 years and am the proud father of two adult children.

With the time and dedication to serve, I am happy to contribute to the OCFOA Board and the Association. Thank you for your consideration.

Paul Hebbard – Candidate for At-Large Board

My name is Paul Hebbard, and I am running for an At-large position.  I have been blessed to be a part of this group for over 30 years as a member, former Ratings Chair, Instructional Chair, and Flag assignor.  If elected, here would be my priorities:

• Hold off-season seminars for our members to obtain education hours. We held four courses last year, and Marc Harrison saw their advantages.  I would like to continue to help him hold classes on various topics.
• Continue to improve and grow the flag program. We have definitely made positive strides with our core of flag officials, but we need to continue to expand our levels of rule knowledge and mechanics aptitude on the field.
• Continue to improve our corporate governance. By far, OCFOA is the best association when adhering to by-laws and policies and procedures.  That doesn’t make us perfect, however.  I want to make sure that we strive to be as close to perfect as we can.

Thank you for your consideration.

Todd Summers – Candidate for At-Large Board

My name is Todd Summers, and I have been a CIF official for more than 30 years, officiating multiple sports. I have served four years as an OCFOA At-Large Board Member, as well as Flag Assigner and AV Coordinator, and I have served on the Elections and Ratings Committees. I introduced Zoom meetings for the association in 2021 and have continued to coordinate them at no cost to OCFOA. I was honored to receive the 2022 Birchshires Award.

Over my years as a member of the OCFOA, I have recruited more than 100 officials into the tackle and flag programs. I have also helped train and mentor new officials and prepare new officials for both tackle and flag. I have devoted countless hours to evaluating officials and supporting their growth in training, skills, and professionalism.

If re-elected to another two-year term, I will use my experience to support meaningful training, advocate for our members, and help ensure the OCFOA serves its officials with fairness, integrity, and a strong sense of community. I would appreciate your support.

Flag Chair – 2 year term

Darren Gibson – Candidate for Flag Chair

In my over 40 years of involvement in youth sports, as an official (including the last six for OCFOA), high school coach, and league president, I have been motivated not by finances or status, but by ensuring fairness in the game for the kids. As an original and  highly-rated member of the OCFOA flag officiating roster, I have a unique perspective of the development and priorities of the association. The bottom line is Orange County has the best flag (and tackle) teams and officials, and it is my singular goal to restore OCFOA to its rightful place atop the hierarchy within CIF Southern Section with regards to this exploding sport. Therefore, I humbly ask for your vote for this new position.  Thank you.

Jason Cacura – Candidate for Flag Chair

Jason is the owner of FFSBO Arbitersports.  Flag Football Softball Officials Organization

Jason would like to see fairness and integrity brought back to Flag Football Officiating.  He is working with multiple leagues on unifying the Flag Football rules.

Jason Kacura is a Flag Football specialist who has refereed Flag Football for over 15 years and has assigned Flag Football Officials for over 10 years. Jason assigns in advance and pays Officials the day they work.

Kacura believes Referees should drive less and officiate with people they enjoy working with.  When it comes to assigning Flag Football Jason helps Referees get what they want, meaning number of games worked at preferred locations and partners worked with.  Yes, Jason takes request as an Assignor.

As an Assignor, Kacura has assigned over 10,000 games including the Under Armor National Championship at UCLA in 2016.  For over 15 years Jason has recruited and trained CIF playoff Officials from other sports to do Flag Football Officiating the right way.

Laurence Martinez – Candidate for Flag Chair

I am submitting my name for consideration for the OCFOA Flag Chair position. My years of experience as an OCFOA official, combined with my involvement in the association have given me a strong understanding of officiating, leadership, and the importance of developing and supporting fellow officials.

OCFOA Experience

• OCFOA Tackle Football Official
• Co-Chair of the OCFOA Golf Tournament
• 2025 Jack Brisacher Award Recipient
• Experience working with multiple officiating crews and crews led by experienced officials
• Previous Crew: Barry Souza — Umpire
• Current Crew: Jeff Roberts — Umpire

Flag Football Experience

• Flag Football White Hat
• Flag Football Instructional Official
• SCCFOA/NCAA Flag Football Official
• Recruitment of New Officials

Why I Am Seeking the Flag Chair Position I am interested in the Flag Chair position because I believe in the continued growth and development of flag football and the officials who make the game possible. My experience on the field, along with my involvement in OCFOA activities, has given me an appreciation for the importance of preparation, communication, and teamwork.

I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve the OCFOA membership in this position and contribute to the continued success of our association and its officials.

Martin Covarrubias – Candidate for Flag Chair

I am honored to submit my name for the position of FLAG CHAIR.  With 42 years of service in our unit and as a proud member of OCFOA, I have developed a deep appreciation for the traditions, professionalism, and teamwork that make our association successful.

Throughout my years of officiating, I have worked with officials at every level, gaining valuable experience both on and off the field. I understand the importance of strong leadership, clear communication, and consistent training to support the growth and success of our flag program.

As FLAG CHAIR, my goal would be to promote a positive environment where officials feel supported, respected, and motivated to improve their skills.  I am committed to helping recruit and mentor new officials while continuing to provide opportunities for veteran officials to develop and excel.  I believe that collaboration, accountability, and professionalism are key to maintaining the high standards of our unit.

My longevity in the association, combined with my commitment to service, provides me with the experience and perspective needed to serve effectively in this role.  I would be grateful for the opportunity to give back to the unit that has been such an important part of my life for more than four decades.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Flag Instructional Chair (non-voting) – no defined term, at the discretion of the President

Rick Langmeier – Candidate for Flag Instructional Chair

Rick Langemeier, officiating football for 40+ years, flag official for 4 yrs…Instructional Chairman experience for 2 yrs previous to this season….Been a high school classroom teacher for 15 yrs, so I have instructional experience outside of football…Looking forward to working with the flag officials and developing more consistency and better rules knowledge…I have a good repore with the coaches and understand what they are looking for when officials step onto the field. Always willing to listen to new ideas and answer questions. It would be an honor to serve this association again as the Instructional Chairman for flag football…We have some of the best teams in the nation…so we need to be able to step up and provide them with the best officiating possible.. To those who vote for me thank you, and to those who choose not to, I hope I can win your confidence over the next two years…

Tackle Instructional Chair – 2 year term

Marc Harrison – Candidate for Tackle Instructional Chair

It has been a privilege to serve this season as OCFOA Instructional Chair. I have learned a lot and have enjoyed leading the instruction. I have been officiating in this unit since the mid 1990’s and have been a crew chief since 2015. I am a retired teacher and believe in the power of education. This season I have focused on consistency and I believe that by reelecting me, we can continue to move forward in that endeavor. I appreciate the support I have received this season and would be honored if you choose to put me in this position again.

Michael Balourdas – Candidate for Tackle Instructional Chair

This is my eighth season with OCFOA, currently serving as back judge on Troy Leonard’s crew. For the last two seasons I have led the weekly association film reviews and instructed the back judge classes.

I am eager to take on this role because a strong instructional program is the foundation of a great officiating organization. My goal is to create a program that is valuable and accessible for all officials from rookies to veterans.

The core components of my plan are:

• Rule-Based Instruction: All instruction will be based in the rule book and mechanics manual, making sure each official shares the same foundation. I will create a curriculum that focuses on a different rule each week.
• Regular Film Review: Snaps are limited but we have hours of film. I will continue our weekly film review meetings and share weekly videos featuring additional learning strategies.
• Offseason Program: Expanding our offseason training with rules study and film sessions. Although most won’t be mandatory, it will be accessible for officials who want to stay sharp and enhance their skills throughout the year.
• Position-Specific Training: More position-specific breakouts, since these smaller group sessions are ideal for in-depth film and mechanics review.
• New Official Instruction: Prioritization of training our rookies and newer officials, so they are ready for varsity games and crews as quickly as possible.

I look forward to the chance to serve if elected. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Vice President – 2 year term

Chris Salio – Candidate Vice President