Dale Ives, Connecticut – 2004
Dale has coached high school varsity field hockey, softball, and basketball as well as youth softball and basketball. She worked to establish grass roots squads in several sports as the Coordinator of Recreation in Goshen, Connecticut. She facilitates a multitude of programs in which young people participate.
Her league and board affiliations include: the Connecticut women’s Lacrosse Association, the United States Field Hockey Association, the National Federation of High School sports Officials Association, and the National Recreation and Park Association.
Dale has been active as an official/referee since she was 17 years old. During her career she has mentored many new officials in sports, served as the state treasurer for field hockey officials for 8 years, and has been the lacrosse officials’ record keeper for the past 4 years. She has officiated junior league basketball (on the national and local levels. She has officiated field hockey for 32 years, lacrosse for 15 years, and basketball for 20 years.
She has been recognized for her work in sports by: the CIAC Girls’ Basketball Merit Award in 2001, induction into the Wamego High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001, the Connecticut Field Hockey Coaches Association’s Outstanding Official Award in 1995, and the Goshen Sportsmanship Award in 1961 from Goshen High School.
Springfield college recognized her accomplishments by presenting her with the Dr. Ruth Evans Award for Excellence in Physical Education in 1965 and the Massasoit Award for women’s Recreation in 1965.
“If there is any validity in my nomination for this prestigious award it is probably found in my longevity in the area of working with kids. At age 60, I am still working college lacrosse and high school field hockey games, but probably find the most enjoyment in the 5th and 6th grade basketball contests where I volunteer my services. It is acceptable to help players avoid committing violations with a bit of subtle assistance.”