North Oconee radio contract attempts to circumvent 1st Amendment

Once again Oconee County high school athletics manages to shoot itself in the foot on the brink of a brilliant season.  Too bad for the Titans. Too bad for the football playing kids who are giving it their all. Too bad for the parents who have to stay at home with young ones. Too bad for the people from other counties enjoying North Oconee's fantastic season.

Remember the Titans, but forget this BS propagated by a few selfish bureaucrats and administrators who should be banished immediately from having anything to do with our kids' athletic endeavors. I also feel badly for the coaches who are doing a magnificent job with the young people at North Oconee High School without having to worry about some selfish decision that flies in the face of the freedom of the press. For their sake, I hope the Titans make it to the State Playoffs where their administrators' petty contracts will be laughed at and rendered meaningless.

Keep in mind WMOQ 92.3 FM already broadcast a North Oconee game this season against without incident or complaint (except for maybe Commerce's lackluster performance in a 42-0 shut out). I am criticizing North Oconee athletic director Luis Varela and calling for his immediate termination and or resignation. He brought this on himself with this ill advised attempt at circumventing the First Amendment to United States Constitution.

This is not a very good lesson to teach our children.

Even the University of Georgia now allows political advertising on their athletic games. No wonder 960 the Ref decided not to broadcast High School games this season.

Woven sadly, 

Daniel J. Matthews, Jr.

---

From: charlesbelflower@charter.net
To: danmatt@hotmail.com
Subject: FW: radio contract
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2010 13:42:05 -0400

Dan,

I thought you might be interested in why WMOQ will no longer be broadcasting North Oconee football. I think some of your friends in the ACLU might be interested in the attached contract. Not only do they wish to restrict the reporting of the announcers but also will not allow political advertising with an election upcoming.

Charles

From: David Kopp [mailto:dkopp@koppboys.com]
Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2010 1:00 AM
To: charlesbelflower@charter.net
Subject: Fwd: radio contract

Here is NOc contract - if it doesn't come thru let me know / dgk

From: Barbie Kulp bkulp@oconeeschools.org
Date: October 22, 2010 11:54:48 AM EDT
To: dkopp@koppboys.com
Subject: radio contract

Thank you for your interest in broadcasting the NOHS vs. Elbert Co. football game on Oct. 29th. We are very excited and it should be an exciting game!

Attached is the form that needs to be signed and returned to NOHS should you decide to come and broadcast.

Thank you again,

--
Barbie Kulp
NOHS Athletics
   GO TITANS!!!

--Forwarded Message Attachment--

North Oconee High School
1081 Rocky Branch Road
Bogart, Georgia 30622
Ph.706-769-7760/ Fax 706-769-4766

RADIO CONTRACT
General Provisions:
1. Broadcasting / Webcasting of any NOHS sponsored contest or event is prohibited without prior written consent of NOHS. All arrangements must be made in advance of the contest through the Athletic Director.
2. Expenses incurred in the broadcasting of a NOHS sponsored event shall be the sole responsibility of the originating station. The football stadium press box at NOHS is the only athletic venue that has one standard phone line. The radio station must order phone service and pay for any charges incurred for use of this service. No athletic venue has internet connections.
3. The stations will be assigned to the best facilities available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
4. Advertising of and announcements relating to, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or political candidates, parties, or political organizations are strictly prohibited. Commercial announcements should not be made during playing time.
5. There shall not be any criticism of the game officials and their decisions either directly or indirectly. Also, announcers shall not criticize players, coaches, or schools, and shall be fair and impartial in their descriptions.
6. A maximum of three (3) passes will be provided for any broadcast crew.
7. The copyright privileges for regular season events belong to and shall remain the property of NOHS.
8. The copyright privileges for region tournament events belong to and shall remain the property of the region.
9. All inquiries should be directed to:
a. For regular season contests: Mr. Luis Varela, Athletic Director 706-769-7760.
b. For region playoff contests: Contact Region Secretary. (contact NOHS for info.)
c. For state playoff contests: This contract is not applicable. Please contact G.H.S.A. 706-647-7473
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Radio Station Information
Radio Station Call Letters _____________
Street Address______________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________ State _____________ Zip ______________
Contact Name ______________________________________________________
Phone:________________________________________ Fax: _______________________________________
Contract Agreement:
___________________________ radio station is authorized to broadcast the following NOHS sponsored event:
Name/Location of Event: _______________________________________________
Date of Event: ________________________________________________________
Broadcast fee: ________________________________________________________
Radio Station ___________________ agrees to abide by all of the above stated conditions of the contract.
Acknowledged by:
_________________________________________________ ___________________________
Station Authorized Representative Date

________________________________________________ ____________________________
Athletic Director/Principal of NOHS Date