MOA History

First MOA Logo

From the beginning, the MOA's primary goal has been that of providing the highest quality sports officials possible to all sports programs contracted. Initially contracting only with MCB Camp Pendleton, for the past 19 years the MOA has gradually added other programs. The MOA's primary focus now is San Diego North County; however, the association routinely provides officials to sports contests and special events throughout Southern California. MOA members officiate baseball, softball (both fast pitch and slow pitch) and volleyball from the Youth level to the Adult level, High School to Collegiate Division I, and International level (softball). Members are routinely assigned to officiate District, State, Region, Sector, Area and National Championships; several of our members serve on the Southern California ASA Umpire-in-Chief Staff. The great weather of Southern California presents our members with the opportunity to officiate nearly year round. The busiest months of the year are March through July and September through November; however, a limited number of assignments are available during the other months.

 
The MOA is recognized as one of the best amateur sports officiating organizations in the nation
Keep in mind, amateur sports officiating is an avocation, not a profession. Do a good job, but remember to always have FUN!

 The MOA is a not-for-profit, membership organization existing for the sole purpose of providing sports officials to amateur sporting contest. To this end the organization:

• Provides training to advance the skills of sports officials.
• Facilitates the contracting and assigning of sports officials to amateur sports contest.
• Works with sports administrators to provide qualified sports officials to amateur sports contest.
• Maintains the highest standard of sports officiating.
• Encourages the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
• Promotes the welfare of amateur sports by working with organizations and other sports officials' associations affiliated with amateur sports.

• Established in 1985 as the "Senior Achievement Award"
• Renamed in 2004 in memory of Harry Caston Jr.
• Established to recognize members with at least 10 years continuous service for their leadership, dedication and contributions to the MOA.
• From 1986 to 1997, the Board of Directors selected the Recipient.
• Since 1997 the selection has been made by the general membership.

• Established in 1978
• Established in memory of Garth K. Sturdevan 
  to recognize a new, first year official that demonstrates high character and professionalism, and the potential to contribute greatly to the future of the MOA.
• Selection is by the Board of Directors.
  The selectee is not announced until the MOA's Annual Banquet and Christmas Party.

   Criteria for selection is contained in the citation,
 which reads:

   Criteria for selection is contained in the citation,
 which reads:

"The Harry Caston Jr. Memorial Award for Achievement is presented to a senior member that has demonstrated over at least 10 years of service to the association, personal conduct qualities of leadership, dedication and expertise, both on
 and off the field, which reflect honor and dignity on the association and their fellow officials. This award is presented with the respect and admiration of all amateur Officials."

"This award is presented in memory of Garth K. Sturdevan to a new, first year official that most emphasized the high character and professionalism expected of an official in this association.   
Garth's love for sports and enthusiasm while working with youth was a special quality. He never complained or had an unkind word for anyone. Garth's dedication to this association and his fellow officials made him one of the most respected officials in the Margarita Officials Association."

       1986         Jack Downey
       1987         Orbay Schultz
       1988         Rich Lee
       1989         Lou Roane
       1990         Harley McFarland
       1991         No Recipient
       1992         Clair Willcox
       1993         Clair Willcox
       1994         Thomas Qualls
       1995         Eddy Edrozo
       1996         Phil Gutierrez
       1997         Phil Gutierrez
       1998         Jack Downey
       1999         Patrick Penrod
       2000         Michael Savino
       2001         Mark Hunt
       2002         Marie Nielsen
       2003         Timothy Dickey
       2004          L.V. McCree
       2005          David Cozakos
       2006          L. "Faye" Fayson
       2007          Christina Drumm
       2008

Selection for this award is held at the General Meeting Elections in October.

Selection for this award is by the Board of Directors and IC's