The CFOA would like to announce and congratulate John Paul Chorney of the MFOA
as the 2024 Michael Grouleau Award of merit winner.
J.P. has been a valued member of the MFOA for 17 years and in that time has served
the association in many different roles. He has served on the executive as Member of
Large in charge of equipment, and most recently as the Referee-in-Chief. J.P. has been
recognized by the executive as a recent winner of the Rose Bowl Award, for major
contribution to the Association both on and off the field, and recognized by the
membership as a winner of The Jim Vokey Memorial Award, presented in recognition of
an individual’s contribution in terms of friendship and support to members of the
Association.
Over the last few years, J.P. has emerged as a leading official in the association, always
willing to work with any members on and off the field to improve their skill and
knowledge. He is always one to reach out to you postgame for a check in, review how
you did, or to follow up with a question. He pushes membership to better understand the
rules and works with them to deepen their understanding of the intent of the rule rather
than just giving away the answer. He always double checks the rulebook with you to
make sure we get it right rather than just relying on the idea that he knows the answer.
Over the last few years, J.P. has led a movement to connect those that are selected to
work Canada West and Prairie Football Conference in Manitoba to a level never seen
before. He has created group chats that allows members to connect and talk football, he
has spearheaded off season get togethers both informal and study focused and has
been one of the loudest voices for improving fitness while leading by example. Those
actions led to the MFOA being extremely successful at the high level amateur levels.
J.P has also been a key force in bridging the gap between our association and the
leagues we serve. He has worked hard to set up clinics with high school coaches,
worked to connect with commissioners, built documents that are shared by coaches and
officials across Manitoba, and is always willing to give explanations to teams when they
reach out. The relationship between our association and the leagues we serve has
never been better and J.P. is a key reason for that.
At the interprovincial level, J.P. is well known across Western Canada. As a Referee at
the Canada West and PFC level, J.P. has worked to better the level of officiating across
the provinces. He has been selected as a member to provide feedback, test new
mechanics, and has been selected to most major assignments. Well known and well
respected by officials everywhere, people know that when J.P. arrives in town you will
leave the assignment a better official for it.