The Buffalo Bills, in partnership with the National Football League, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and the New York State Association of Certified Football Officials (NYSACFO), wish to honor five football officials from the Watertown Chapter as the "Crew of the Month" for September 2025 for enhancing the student-athlete experience for high school football players in the region.
The officials, with 164 combined years of officiating experience, include: Don Tremont, Robert VanCoughnett, Tom Steiner, Dan Salmon, and Brian Finn. Each member of this crew has officiated at every position on the varsity level, showcasing versatility, deep knowledge of the game, and leadership throughout their careers. Additionally, together they have more than 100 years of experience as Executive Board Elected Officers. They spearhead the development of football officials and maintain the Watertown Chapter's high levels of professionalism. Off the field, their lifelong dedication to community service and career professions speaks volumes about their character and commitment to giving back.
Don Tremont (Referee), a resident of Watertown, has 41 years of high school football officiating experience. He has refereed state semifinal and title games during his career. He is the current Past President on the Watertown Chapter's Executive Board, was awarded the New York State Merit Award in 2000, and the Dick McCabe Award, the Watertown Chapter's most prestigious honor. He has also been one of the most successful youth hockey coaches in Western New York, leading the 12U team he coached to a state championship in 1982 and a runner-up finish in 1985. He also served as the Coaching Program Director for USA Hockey Northern Zone, New York State.
Robert VanCoughnett (Umpire), a resident of Adams Center, has 25 years of service as a football official. For the past 10 years, he has served as President of the Watertown Chapter. He served four years on the New York State Association of Certified Football Officials (NYSACFO) Executive Board. He was elected NYSAFCO President in 2021, during which he made significant contributions to advancing the officiating profession in the state. Bob was the President of South Jefferson Pop Warner football, the local Little League, and the South Jefferson youth girls' softball program for 15 years. He also coached in those leagues for as many years. He, too, was the recipient of the Watertown Chapter Dick McCabe Award.
Thomas Steiner (Head Lines), a resident of Carthage, has been a high school football official for 17 years. He officiates football, volleyball, softball, and baseball at all levels: youth and adult. At the high school level, he officiates football and softball. He has officiated three state semifinal football games. He received the prestigious Watertown Dick McCabe Award twice. He was also awarded the New York State Merit Award in 2024. He proudly served for 23 years and retired honorably from the United States Navy.
Don Salmon (Line Judge), a resident of Lowville, has accumulated 45 years of experience in officiating high school football, a tenure that includes working state title games in 1998 and 2019. He is the current Mayor of Lowville and District 37 Administrator for Little League. He was the President of the Lowville Lions Club from 1992 to 1993 and currently serves as the Vice President of the New York State District Administrators Association of Little League Baseball.
Brian Finn (Back Judge), a resident of Lowville, has served the Watertown Chapter for 36 years. He has officiated various levels of football, including numerous NCAA Division III and high school state playoff games. Brian was elected chapter Assignor in 2000 and has held the position for 25 years, including serving as Chapter Secretary in 1988 and 1999. Brian served as the New York State Association of Certified Football Officials President from 1999 to 2000. He recently retired as Principal of Lowville Academy High School.
The Buffalo Bills are one of eighteen NFL teams participating in recognizing high school football officials for their contributions to their communities as officials. Each month of the high school football season, the Bills work with NYSACFO to identify officials who are deserving of the honor. The state association is made up of nineteen chapters across New York and consists of 1,500 members who support the game of high school football.
For additional information on the Crew of the Month program, please visit https://playfootball.nfl.com/resources/officiating/.
Anyone interested in becoming an official, please visit https://nysacfo.com/signupform/.
