Michael Groleau Award of Merit “Raising the Stripes”
The award is created in honour of former CFOA President Michael Groleau (1957-2016). While Mike had a brilliant on-field career that spanned close to 30 years, including numerous championship assignments, his off-field contributions were equally if not more impressive.
Mike was an integral part of his local association (Lakeshore Football Officials Association -LFOA), his provincial association (Ontario Football Officials Association – OFOA) and OUA (U Sports) Officials Panel. He served as CFOA President from 2008 to 2014.
Michael worked tirelessly and selflessly at all levels of football, whether it was at the local level or the national level. He was an important contributor in the rewriting of many CFOA policies and documents. Michael was instrumental in the creation of and having the Tom Cheney Award placed in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame thus enabling amateur officiating being recognized as an important contribution to the sport of football.
Michael understood that the game of football is only as strong as the sum of its parts. Thus, he was constantly working towards building a strong officiating network and strengthening the relationship among key stakeholders – the provincial FOA, Provincial Sports Organizations and Football Canada.
The Award of Merit will be presented biennially in alternate year from the Tom Cheney Award. In each presenting year, there will be a maximum of one winner for each member (provincial FOA).
Award Selection Criteria
⦁ The award recipient(s) will embody the spirit of Michael – an unparalleled dedication, demonstrated leadership and effect positive change through collaboration.
⦁ The award recipient(s) must have made a significant and tangible contribution to the betterment of amateur officiating locally or provincially over the previous two to five years.
⦁ On-field accomplishments are not part of the criteria.
⦁ Each member (provincial FOA) can submit multiple worthy nominees.
⦁ A selection committee, comprised provincial reps and chaired by a CFOA Executive, will make the selection(s).
⦁ A member (provincial FOA) with no nomination will not be invited to participate in the selection committee in that particular year.
⦁ Recipient(s) will be selected based on majority vote by the committee members.
⦁ Nominations, detailing the nominee’s accomplishments and contact info, must be submitted to CFOA by March 31. See nomination form for further details.
For additional information, please contact: CFOA VP Nigel Bushe (nbsh38@gmail.com)