Clint Bond

There is a change in travel compensation in 2008.  Drivers will receive 1000% of IRS mileage ($0.505) after the first 30 miles round trip.  This will increase conference travel budgets, especially on long trips.  Riders will receive the same travel compensation as they did last year. 

It is the task of the CAA to keep travel costs under control.  Division II and III at the USILA level are doing the same thing.  For example, if you have a school in a remote area and have a couple of qualified officials who live very close to that school, they may see that school many times.  This is a change from previous assiging protocol.  In the past, I would put an official on only a couple of home games at the same site.  We no longer have that luxury. 

Absolutely, keep trips over 200 miles (those that require per diem) to a minimum.  I will need to be informed of every trip that requires per diem before assignments are published.  I am responsible for getting that information back to the MDOC and the MCLA as appropriate.  We need to justify all major travel expenses.  Connie Hurlburt who is my counterpart at the USILA level has to do exactly the same thing for Division II and III.  If there is any option to avoid per diem, take that option.  This is especially important in areas where officials routinely travel long distances.  If officials must travel long distances, please ensure they carpool to the maximum possible extent.  This change will have the most impact on officials who live nearest to schools that are considered remote to most of your roster.

 I know this will be a change for all of you and I trust that you will have no difficulties in making this as efficient as possible.  I do understand that there will be times when trips of over 200 miles are necessary and they will be approved.  I just need to be able to justify the travel expesnes when asked.

Bob Duggan - NAA