If there is one word that best describes the illustrious career of Len Maida, it is "service." His love of sports extended beyond his own playing days at Proctor High School and in the MUNY Basketball League, and prompted him to enter a field with different challenges - the world of officiating.

Maida was born in Utica in 1932. He graduated from Proctor High School and attended Utica Tech (now Mohawk Valley Community College). He was employed at Griffiss Air Force Base in the Transportation Squadron.

Maida has been an active member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) for 44 years, and has held many offices and committee assignments. Over the years, Maida has officiated some of the most important league, sectional and state championship games in both basketball and football.

In 1994, he was named Outstanding Basketball Official in New York State by the New York State Basketball Coaches Association.

For 25 years, he has served on the New York State Basketball Board #19, which represents 3,000 officials statewide. While serving as state president, he pioneered the concept of appointing four regional rules interpreters throughout New York State.

In 1986, as a member of the National Federation of Interscholastic Officials Association, he received the Distinguished Service Award for exemplifying the highest standard of conduct in officiating.

Maida has served on various international committees for IAABO dealing with rules, constitution, membership and the recruitment of women basketball officials. He is presently in his third term (ninth year) on the IAABO executive committee, representing New York State, Region 1.

Len has been a member of the Mohawk Valley Chapter Certified Football Officials for more than 42 years, and is a two-time president of the local board. In 1987, he received the coaches' Merit Award for dedicated, outstanding and meritorious service to interscholastic football officiating in New York State.

Maida has brought the same level of dedication to his work. While employed at Griffiss, he was named the Eighth Air Force Civilian Transporter of the Year in 1987. Since his retirement, he has been employed by the Utica City School District as a hall monitor, continuing his good rapport with young people.