'Doc' Davidson to be inducted in OHSAA HOF

The longtime official was nominated by two area associations.
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Phil "Doc" Davidson has seen just about everything in an officiating career that has spanned more than 50 years.
The Youngstown podiatrist will enjoy a unique experience in his second career, though, July 22, when he is inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Association's Officiating Hall of Fame.
Davidson was nominated jointly by both the Youngstown District Football Officials Association and the Mahoning Valley Basketball Officials Association.
He is the third member of the YDFA, following Fred Vicarel and Mike Butch, to join the hall.
"I am very honored to be nominated by both associations," said Davidson.
"I would also like to thank Jim [Gahagan] and Fred [Vicarel], two tremendous guys who championed this for me."
Gahagan is secretary of the local football officials association.
All over
Davidson has officiated at every level of both sports, from high school to the professional ranks.
He was a referee in the World Football League, a short-lived venture in the mid-1970s that tried to raid established NFL players with big money contracts.
But it was basketball that Davidson considered his favorite sport.
"The heat of the game, the intimacy of the fans ... I really loved basketball," he said, "and the fact that I did enjoy some notoriety [as an official]."
Davidson was first certified as an official at age 19 in 1952 and officiated his first varsity game that season.
By the age of 21 he was selected to work the prestigious Cleveland city championship game at the Cleveland Arena between East Tech and Holy Name.
Davidson worked countless tournament games over 44 years, including numerous regional and state appearances.
He also worked in the collegiate ranks for 29 years, including 22 years in Division I.
"Working [basketball] put me through college," Davidson said. "I could work 20 games a week in the [Cleveland] Industrial League, then do [high school] varsity games on the weekend."
His pay for those weekday games -- $2.50 per contest.
Giving back
Davidson also gave back, training countless young officials and serving on a number of committees.
He was rules interpreter for the Ohio Athletic Conference from 1974-80 and worked a wide variety of clinics as an instructor for over 15 years.
Davidson was also rules interpreter for the local basketball officials association from 1969-2002 and served as president of the football officials association in 1969-70.
His influence was such that Youngstown State officials asked him to be part of a committee to select the men's basketball coach in 1982.
He can still be seen at local rules interpretation meetings and is counted on constantly for his opinion of a rule.
"I enjoy going to the meetings," he said.
"It's great to be around the new [officials]."
Davidson's influence is great, as evidenced by the estimated 60-to-65 e-mails he received from officials upon learning of his induction.
"Those messages meant a lot to me," he said.
Davidson, who lives in Liberty Township, has been successful with a basic philosophy: "The kids can play. I like the idea of letting them decide [the outcome] of the game."
Davidson's induction will be at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus.