HFOA

The HFOA Social Committee has been busy in the off season planning events for our members. This last week they hosted the 2nd Annual Bowling Extravaganza where members along with their friends and family were invited to participate. 🎳

A good time was had by all and the membership is looking forward to the next event!

The 2026 football season is almost here—and we’re still recruiting new officials!

Join us on Saturday, April 11th in Hamilton for our Level 1 Clinic, the perfect introduction to officiating tackle football. There is a small fee of $20 to participate but lunch & snacks will be provided.

Interested in getting involved?
Email us at [email protected]

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It’s with heavy hearts to announce that one of our long time members Joe Monaco passed away suddenly last week.

Joe began with the HFOA back in 1987.
He spent many years on the field, then became our preeminent Downs Box working the Ti-Cat games for many years. Joe’s calming presence on the sticks brought confidence to the newer officials he was tasked with mentoring and allowed them to focus on the game with the knowledge that Joe had their back. Over the years he served in varying capacities with our executive and was always available to offer words of wisdom to our young officials.

Joe has been a constant figure in the HFOA and his love of the association was felt by all who knew him. His presence both on and off the field will be missed by us all.

A Celebration of Life will be held
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Salvation Army Mountain Citadel
835 Stone Church Rd E

The annual Steel City Bowl took place on November 30 at Hamilton Stadium!

This all-star matchup features teams from Hamilton’s Public and Catholic school boards, with the Public board claiming this year’s victory. The time-honoured tradition marks the end of the HFOA football season and is the one game each year in which our officials volunteer their time.

Well done to everyone involved—and hopefully everyone managed to stay warm!

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The amateur football season is drawing to a close with the OFSAA finals taking place at Guelph University this week. Big congratulations to our members Mathieu Birtles and Jeff Mooney who were selected to participate. They were part of the officiating crew for the Western Bowl between London Crusaders and Bishop Ryan Celtics.

Great job guys!

We’re offering another MASSIVE congratulations to our member Ryan Mickleboro who will be working as Down Judge today at his 1st Vanier Cup game in Regina, Saskatchewan. 🎉

Bundle up Ryan and have a great time!

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This crew got to experience one exciting Catholic Junior Championship game today!
At half the visitors lead 28-0. The home team responded in the second half with 28 points and a rouge to seal the win.

Congratulations to our crew for getting selected for the final today and for both teams who participated in a memorable game.

Congratulations to everyone’s favourite human and our member, Colin Sutherland who was selected to be the umpire at the Mitchell Bowl this Saturday in Saskatoon!

Have fun and stay warm Colin!

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A HUGE congratulations to our very own Marc Cobb who will be officiating his 1st Grey Cup this Sunday in Winnipeg as the Down Judge!! 🎉

Your friends at the HFOA will be cheering you on Marc!

2025 Yates Cup Crew: (Left to Right)

Supervisor - Murray Drinkwalter
BJ - Andrew Murray (Bay of Quinte)
DJ - Eric Gyebi (Lakeshore)
U - Al Gyemi (Windsor District)
R - Adam Hinks (Hamilton)
SJ - Bill Szigeti (Lakeshore)
FJ - Scott Valberg (Kingston)
LJ - Craig Trimble (Toronto)
Alt - Brent Webster (Windsor District)

Be great, gents!

A big congratulations to our member Adam Hinks who this week was the recipient of the Ken Green OUA Officials’ Award of Merit!This award is voted on by all the OUA coaches and was presented to Adam at the OUA awards on November 6th.

Adam will also be on the field today at Laurier University as he officiates the 117th Yates Cup. Be great Adam!
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