Training Camp 2009

Although much of the summer is spent relaxing with family and friends, officials spend a good portion of the time preparing for our training camp.

Under the watchful eye of Dave Smith.

Before anything gets done at training camp, all the officials must undergo medical and fitness exams. After being cleared by all the different doctors, the officials go through their fitness tests.

Derek Nansen preparing for the long jump.

A summer's worth of training in the gym gets measured in an hour or so by our fitness director, David Smith. Every official is expected to report to camp in top shape and be ready for the physical demands of a long season. Every person on staff trains in their own way - biking, running, swimming, weight lifting, etc. - in preparation for the test.

Mark Shewchyk does the stretch test.

We go through a bike test [to measure strength and endurance], pushup test [upper body strength], situp and core hold tests [core strength], long jump [leg strength] and a flexibility test.

Tony Sericolo about to start the bike test.

A huge weight is lifted off of everybody's back after the tests are successfully completed and the focus shifts to the challenges of the coming season.

Lyle Seitz doing the core hold.

Dan Schachte and Brad Watson on the bikes.