Meehan Named MIAA Football Official of the Year

FRANKLIN, Mass. -- Adams resident and long-time Berkshire County youth sports official Jeff Meehan has been recognized by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association as its 2021-22 Football Official of the Year.

 

"Having been selected for this award among multiple candidates, you stood out based on your dedication to the sport and officiating credentials," MIAA Associate Athletic Director Richard L. Pearson said in a letter commending Meehan. "It is with pride we will honor you as a representative of this important aspect of athletic competition."

 

Meehan will be recogizned at the MIAA's game officials banquet on Oct. 25 at the association's headquarters.

 

Meehan joined the Berkshire County Football Officials Association in 2001 and last fall completed his 20th year of service on the field.

 

He has served as the primary assignor of officials in the county since 2019 and, on the field, has officiated MIAA state finals in 2015 and 2016 and state semi-finals five times, most recently last fall when Wahconah defeated Northbridge to earn a trip to Gillette Stadium.

 

Meehan also has served youth sports as a baseball umpire since 2010. In that capacity, he has worked games at the high school, Babe Ruth and Little League levels and has been a member of the North Adams Little League's Board of Directors and a coach in the Drury High School and McCann Tech programs.

 

In Meehan's nomination letter for the statewide honor, his colleague Mark Popmpi talked about what sets Meehan apart.

 

"Jeff’s knowledge of the rules and mechanics of football are excellent but it’s his ability to communicate with players, coaches’ parents and other officials that sets him above his peers," Pompi wrote. "He is friendly, calm, professional and has a wonderful sense of humor, which, in the current climate, can help to de-escalate tense moments during games.

 

"He is a mentor, a teacher, a coach and a facilitator. He is also approachable and non-confrontational. Jeff can be firm and recite rules when he needs to but most often will apply the rules of the game not based on the rule book but the actual game situation."