1998-99 OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK
Published by
The Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc.

1661 Ramblewood Drive
East Lansing 48823
Telephone 517-332-5046
Fax 517-332-4071
www.mhsaa.com
CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the exciting and critically important avocation of interscholastic athletic officiating.
The OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK has two purposes. First, it is intended to provide prospective officials with the information necessary to determine if they have the desire, character and ability to become one of the essential ingredients of interscholastic athletics in Michigan. Second, it provides both new and veteran officials with reminders of policies and procedures which must be followed if they are to remain in good standing with the Michigan High School Athletic Association and its more than 1,300 member junior high/middle schools and senior high schools.

The MHSAA’s investment in preparing and distributing this OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK prior to officials’ registration allows the MHSAA and its member schools to hold officials accountable for its content. Registration as an MHSAA official is a privilege and, as with all privileges, there are responsibilities, outlined in this OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK, for which officials will be held accountable.
All MHSAA member schools are provided with a copy of this OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK to be reminded of officials' responsibilities to them and, just as importantly, their responsibilities to officials.
Again, welcome; but please read all of this OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK before you send in your registration materials.

— Notice —Throughout this publication, where regulations or interpretations of the MHSAA Handbook are quoted or paraphrased, the words are in bold italics. All MHSAA officials must comply with these regulations. Failure to do so shall cause the official to be censured, placed on probation, suspended, or refused registration in one or more sports for one or more years.

GENDER AND ETHNICITY — POSITION STATEMENT
The MHSAA believes that gender and ethnicity equity is more than being in compliance with the law. It is a spirit. It is a personal ethic. It is a commitment to do what is right and fair for all athletes, officials, coaches and athletic administrators, it means creating an atmosphere and an environment when opportunities and resources are distributed fairly to all. An atmosphere where no person experiences discrimination on the basis of gender or ethnicity.

It is the position of the MHSAA that its member schools monitor their athletic programs to ensure that athletic offerings are equitable and meet the interests and abilities of student-athletes.
While the MHSAA does not have the authority to promote specific interpretations or to rule on compliance issues regarding federal and state laws, it does believe that all concerned should take steps to promote the spirit and intent of gender and ethnic equity.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS
While officials are contracted to perform services by schools, their function is by definition independent and the officials have complete control of the contests they officiate.

As independent contractors, officials are responsible for their own scheduling, personal equipment, uniforms, insurance, transportation, education and training expenses associated with officiating. MHSAA registered officials are deemed “Independent Contractors” who are contracted to perform a specific task. The official is an independent contractor who offers services and is not an employee of the person or institution contracting for those services. The official is not eligible for unemployment compensation, disability or workman’s compensation benefits and the contracting entity is usually not liable for the independent contractor’s actions. However, counsel for the MHSAA has advised the MHSAA that the question of workman’s compensation insurance coverage is unsettled. Therefore, each contracting entity should review this matter with its local counsel to enable it to make its own determination regarding the practice to follow with regard to officials who serve its needs as independent contractors.
OVERVIEW OF MHSAA OFFICIALS PROGRAM
The Michigan High School Athletic Association was founded in 1924. It became a private not-for-profit corporation in 1972. Membership in the MHSAA is comprised of individual junior high/middle schools and senior high schools, approved annually through resolution by their respective boards of education.

While athletic contest officials do not have direct membership in the MHSAA, in 1977 the Attorney General, in an opinion upholding the pre-eminent authority of local school boards with respect to interscholastic athletics, stated “boards of education could provide in their rules that interscholastic contests engaged in by their respective schools be refereed by officials certified by the association.”

The policies of the MHSAA are determined by a 19-member Representative Council, 14 of whom are elected by the schools, four of whom are appointed by the Council to provide for representation of females and minorities, and one of whom is the designee of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Contest officials serve on many of the committees which develop recommendations for the Representative Council. In May of 1987, the Representative Council authorized the Executive Director to conduct regular meetings with representatives of local officials associations in order to facilitate more direct communication between officials and the Representative Council.

At the same meeting the Representative Council adopted a “Masterplan for Officials” as a guideline for the MHSAA to follow to improve its activities in recruiting, registering, training, and evaluating officials.
In 1987, the MHSAA began publication of the newsletter STRIPES and became the only state high school association in the nation to publish a separate publication exclusively for athletic officials.

In December of 1987, the Representative Council approved the establishment of the position of Supervisor of Officials on the MHSAA administrative staff. The MHSAA became only the third state association in the country to fund such a position.

Unlike every other state high school association in the country, the MHSAA receives no dues or tournament entry fees from member schools. The fees charged officials to register with the MHSAA are among the lowest in the nation. Still, MHSAA services to member schools are among the most complete of any high school athletic associations in the country and MHSAA services to registered officials are becoming the most extensive provided directly by any state high school association in the United States.
CODE FOR ATHLETIC OFFICIALS
Created 1947, Revised 1988, 1998
1. Register with the MHSAA each year on a timely basis (by July 1) and attend all required meetings. Work no interscholastic contests with officials who do not hold current registration in the sport.
2. Join and actively participate in an "Approved Association" for officials.
3. Accept contracts for and officiate only contests for which you are qualified and experienced. Execute and honor contracts in a timely and ethical manner. Complete reports and follow-up all obligations resulting from a contest.
4. Be prepared, physically and mentally, to officiate according to the principles and philosophy promoted by the MHSAA.
5. Refrain from use of tobacco or alcohol within sight of players and spectators and avoid use of alcohol any time before a contest on the day of the contest.
6. Cultivate professional relationships with partners, players, coaches, administrators and spectators. Refrain from comment to the media.
7. Commit to a personal lifestyle which avoids sexual misconduct, use of illicit drugs, and public abuse of alcohol and will not in other ways impinge upon your perception in the community to fulfill the obligations and standards of the MHSAA "Code for Athletic Officials."
8. Officiate according to the rules and manuals adopted for MHSAA competition. Admit and correct one's own errors, hold to correct but unpopular decisions, and support the decisions of other officials.
9. Exercise self-control at all times. Guard against baiting or taunting which may generate a loss of poise or demeanor which can erode the professionalism expected of officials in even the most difficult circumstances.
10. Hold to and maintain the basic tenets of officiating which include honesty, integrity, neutrality, respect, sensitivity, professionalism, discretion and tactfulness.
EFFECTIVE 1998-99 SCHOOL YEAR
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN OFFICIAL
(Adapted with permission from the Missouri State High School Activities Association)
Many things go into the making of a good official. Knowledge of the rules and officiating techniques are very important. However, there are other details that may determine whether a man or woman becomes a good official or just someone registered to officiate.

The life of an official is not an easy one. Perhaps the first year or two are the toughest, but like the formative period in anyone's life, these first years are all-important. The most important requirement is that you must gain experience. That means you have to work all the games you can find. Be ready and willing to work YMCA games, church and industrial league games and scrimmages. Somehow you have to get the feel of it, and the only way to do that is to officiate. The key is to be patient, and when you get your first interscholastic game, make sure you are prepared to properly handle the assignment.

Here are steps that have been designed to help an official.
• THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR STUDY. Textbooks are made available through your state association, such as rule books, case books, and officials manuals which contain many items of importance to officials. Game rules are generally complex and you don’t learn them without extensive study. Many experienced officials still average several hours each week of solid study of the rules publications. There is no sadder spectacle than an official who doesn’t know the rules. You learn the rules by means of thorough intensive study.
• ATTEND ALL RULES INTERPRETATION MEETINGS WITHIN YOUR REACH. They are arranged for the purpose of reviewing old rules, explaining new ones, and giving positive interpretations on the more tricky ones. It is also a good place to get acquainted with fellow officials, coaches and athletic directors.
• JOIN A LOCAL OFFICIALS GROUP. There may be one in your area or not too far away. Many of these local groups meet regularly for rules discussion and for discussing common problems. The state-sponsored meetings are important, but local groups must take over in a follow-up program of rules study and interpretations.
• SEE ALL THE GAMES YOU CAN, especially games worked by the most capable officials. It is one of the best ways to learn about the technique and mechanics of officiating.
• ALWAYS STRIVE TO IMPROVE. The game of officiating has no place for an official who doesn’t want to improve himself/herself. Here, you either get someplace or drop out; you can’t stand still. Give attention to such factors as rules examination grades, ratings received from schools and assistance from rules meetings.
Several other things go into the making of a good official.

When you start out for a game, plan to be there early. It is better for you to help the janitor open the front door than it is to rush in breathless at the opening whistle. The time preceding the game can be used to confer with fellow officials. Go over some pertinent phases of the rules. Talk over the general plan of administering penalties, positioning at key situations, and pre- and post-contest procedures. A good pre-contest conference is very necessary and a must.

During the contest, be in position. In your attitude toward players and coaches, be kind and polite but firm. It is a big order, and few ever fill it completely. But this is what it takes! Be firm but not overbearing. Be courteous and never rude. Be dignified but never cocky. Be friendly to players but avoid “kidding” on the floor or field.

With the contest at an end, your duties are over. It isn't your job to congratulate the winner, console the defeated, or offer advice to losers. It is businesslike for officials to leave the floor or field together, neither seeking out nor deliberately avoiding coaches. Make no statements and offer no comments concerning the contest to members of the press or radio. Shower, dress, collect your gear, and head for home; not because you are afraid or ashamed to talk to anyone, but the contest is over and your job has been completed. There is no need to hang around.
REGISTRATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
— Why Registered Officials? —
Michigan High School Athletic Association Regulation II, Section 7 (high schools) and Regulation IV, Section 7 (junior high/middle schools) requires the use of MHSAA registered officials in all interscholastic contests involving member schools.

In swimming, cross country, and track and field meets this means the referee and/or starter must be an MHSAA registered official. In volleyball, the referee and umpire must be registered. In baseball, basketball, football, ice hockey, gymnastics, soccer, softball, and wrestling all the officials must be registered. There are no registered officials in golf, skiing or tennis.

Schools may be certain that officials are registered with the MHSAA for a current year by requesting to see the official’s current Identification card or consulting the OFFICIALS DIRECTORY in which the names and classifications appear for all officials who register by July 1. Registered officials also should present a current year’s registration card to the scorekeeper, coach or athletic director and be wearing the MHSAA officials emblem for the current school year.

Schools put themselves at unnecessary risk when they hire unregistered officials. No matter how competent the individual, if there is an injury, the school which hired the unregistered official has placed itself in a precarious position for its legal defense.

Schools which allow unregistered personnel to officiate their contests subject themselves to the penalties outlined in the MHSAA HANDBOOK, including but not limited to censure, probation with or without competition, loss of revenue sharing privilege, and/or expulsion.

Schools that receive officiating services through a local officials association pool of officials must be certain all officials working senior high as well as junior high/middle school games are registered.

Officials jeopardize their sports officiating future when they work sports for which they are not registered; and the MHSAA catastrophic accident insurance plan excludes them from coverage during such activity. In addition the Liability Insurance required of each registered official does not exist for a person not registered with the MHSAA.

An official who officiates in an interscholastic athletic contest without having completed the required registration for a current school year will have the case reviewed by the Supervisor of Officials before any subsequent registration will be accepted. The official may be censured, placed on probation (no tournament assignment), suspended, or refused registration in one or more sports for one or more years. A person may be reinstated to good standing as an athletic official at the conclusion of a period of suspension upon payment by that person of all registration fees for which he or she is in arrears.

— Who Must Register —
All officials who work interscholastic contests (grades 7-12) must be registered for the current year with the MHSAA in the following sports: baseball, basketball, competitive cheer, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, soccer, softball, and wrestling.
In volleyball, the referee and umpire must be registered. It is not required that line judges be registered.
The referee and/or starter must be registered in the following sports: cross country, swimming and diving, and track and field.

REGISTRATION OF OFFICIALS
Officials who visit the MHSAA office to register for the first time should plan at least one hour to complete the registration and testing process.

Renewal registrations require about 15 minutes if the registering official is prepared with all necessary forms and information.

In any case, if there is not sufficient time to complete the registration procedure in the office, the application will be processed the next business day.

— Specific Procedures —
1. The registration year (not the officiating year) extends from August through June.
2. Renewal applications are mailed in May to all currently registered officials.
3. All officials who were registered the previous year in any sport are required to renew registration no later than July 1 in all sports. Failure to renew by July 1 will result in the assessment of a $20.00 late fee, which will not allow the official to be listed in the OFFICIALS DIRECTORY but will allow the official to receive all publications intended for officials commencing from the time of registration. Registration in additional sports after July 1 requires a processing fee plus the sport fee for each sport added.
4. No person may be permitted to register for a sport after these deadlines:
A. For football, October 15, 1998.
B. For basketball, competitive cheer, gymnastics, ice hockey, swimming, volleyball, and wrestling, February 15, 1999.
C. For baseball, soccer, softball, and track/cross country, April 30, 1999.
5. The late fee will not be waived for any reason. If an official fails to receive a renewal application in May, it is his/her responsibility to contact the MHSAA and request a duplicate form before July 1, 1998. The MHSAA is not responsible for mail or delivery delays or failures.
6. Officials are required to notify the MHSAA if they have a change of address. Late penalties will not be waived because of an incorrect address.
7. High school seniors 17 years old or older are permitted to register as participants in the MHSAA student officials’ program “LEGACY.”
8. All new officials as well as those persons not registered the previous year are required to take an OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK test and pass with 70% The purpose of this test is to acquaint new officials with MHSAA protocol.
9. Mechanics examinations are mandatory for officials registering for the first time in either football or basketball and for those who were not registered in these sports the previous year.
A. Upon receipt of the application, the examinations and manuals will be mailed to the registrant by the MHSAA.
B. Registration will be confirmed after successful completion of the exam.
C. Mechanics examinations are waived for Reciprocal Officials. (see page 45)
D. Other out-of-state registrants will be tested.
E. Multiple Registrations (one check for two or more applications): separate payments are required of each individual applicant if an exam is involved.
10. When registering in more than one sport, registration will not be confirmed in any sport until requirements to register for all sports are completed.
11. The basic registration fee for processing each registering official is $15.00. An additional $7.00 fee is charged for each sport, so the minimum amount to register for one sport totals $22.00, and the minimum amount to register for two sports totals $29.00. High school students registered under the LEGACY student officials’’ program will have the processing fee waived for one year.
12. Officials who register by the July 1 deadline will be listed in the OFFICIALS DIRECTORY and will receive the monthly BULLETIN. Beginning with the 1992-93 school year, all officials regardless of the date of registration receive the BULLETIN because the late fee was increased to $20.00.
13. All registered officials will receive an identification card, at least one MHSAA officials’ emblem, the rule book for each registered sport, and the case book and officials manual if available. In addition, they will receive all issues of the MHSAA publication STRIPES.
14. Officials must carry their identification cards with them. Protocol requires the official to show his/her current ID card to the home school athletic director or scorekeeper each time he/she officiates at that school in each sport for which registration is held for the school year.
15. Officials must wear the MHSAA emblem when officiating (see pages 13, 14).
16. There are three levels of classification for rated varsity officials in all sports. A rating average of 3.0 or lower is required to maintain a classification level.
A. General (0-5 ratings)
B. Supplemental (6-15 ratings)
C. Approved (16 or more ratings)
17. Penalties:
A. Working Unregistered: An official who is reported to have worked a junior high/middle or senior high school contest without being registered will be assessed $42.00 which must be paid prior to future registration. Payment of a penalty fee does not register the official for the current year. Such action also may result in probation and/or suspension.
B. Insufficient Funds: If an official issues a check which is returned by the bank, it is required that he/she clear up the situation prior to future registration. If the delay causes the registration to be late, the late fee is charged.
C. Penalty Payment: An official must issue two separate checks when simultaneously clearing up penalties and fees for one year and registering for the next.
18. The MHSAA reserves the right to reject or revoke the registration of any person who (a) officiates contests for which he/she does not hold a current year registration; (b) fails to honor contracts; (c) fails to present a positive model for youth in terms of personal habits and conduct; or (d) if in its discretion the MHSAA determines that it is unlikely the applicant can comply with requirements set forth, the MHSAA reserves the right to reject the application.

—Processing Fee —
The basic registration fee of $15.00 will be charged for processing each official each time he or she registers.

— Fees and Deadlines for 1998-99 —
Late Registration Fee (Maximum one late fee per official per school year) — If registration is after July 1, 1998, and if you were registered in any sport during 1997-98, an additional $20.00 late fee is required.

Amended Registration — Officials who wish to add sports by amending their existing annual registration, may.
The official is required to submit the $7.00 sport fee for each sport added and return the current ID card. In addition, the fee of $15.00 is necessary each time a registration is amended. The late fee for amended registrations is waived.
 SPORT APPLICATION DEADLINE SPORT FEE
 Football  October 15, 1998  $7.00
 Basketball (boys & girls)  February 15, 1999  $7.00
 Swimming (boys & girls)  February 15, 1999  $7.00
 Wrestling  February 15, 1999 $7.00 
Ice Hockey  February 15, 1999  $7.00
Gymnastics (girls)  February 15, 1999  $7.00
Competitive Cheer  February 15, 1999  $7.00
Volleyball  February 15, 1999  $7.00
Track/Cross Country (boys & girls)  April 30, 1999  $7.00
Baseball  April 30, 1999  $7.00
Softball    April 30, 1999  $7.00
Soccer (boys & girls)   April 30, 1999   $7.00

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES FOR MHSAA OFFICIALS
It is the policy of the Michigan High School Athletic Association to share with each official any written criticism which is received by the MHSAA regarding the actions of that official, and to invite that official’s written response to the critique.

If there is a substantiated allegation about an official’s misconduct, failure to adhere to the “Athletic Code for Officials,” or regarding the official’s mismanagement of contests or persistent misapplication of playing rules, the official may be censured, placed on probation (no tournament assignment), suspended, or refused registration in one or more sports for one or more years. Such actions may be taken by the MHSAA Supervisor of Officials after the official has an opportunity to respond in writing to the allegations, but a personal conference is not required. The action may be appealed by the official to the MHSAA Executive Director. The request to appeal must be received in writing within 14 days after notice of the Supervisor of Officials’ action is postmarked or personally received, and may include a personal appearance if requested.

If there is a substantial allegation that an official violated a Regulation of the MHSAA HANDBOOK, the official may be censured, placed on probation, suspended, or refused registration in one or more sports for one or more years. Such actions may be taken by the MHSAA Executive Director and are governed by the Due Process Procedure of the MHSAA, as published in the current HANDBOOK of the MHSAA.
VIOLATION PUBLICATION POLICY
Adopted by the MHSAA Representative Council, December 5, 1989. Revised March 27, 1992.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc. has determined that in an effort to assure that member schools are aware of officials who are not in compliance with MHSAA procedure, certain action taken with regard to officials shall be reported in the MHSAA BULLETIN.

The reporting of action taken regarding officials has these goals. First, in order to support the large majority of officials who maintain their professional obligations, the MHSAA will identify those who are negligent. Second, it is important to inform schools regarding the status of the officials they employ to promote the use of qualified persons and to protect schools from liability or embarrassment caused by unqualified or unprofessional persons.

1. Officials who violate MHSAA regulations shall be reported in the BULLETIN upon the first instance which results in MHSAA penalty. The report will include the person’s name, city, violation, the comment VIOLATED MHSAA REGULATION (specify) and the action taken.
2. Officials disciplined for behavior deemed unprofessional by their conduct or failure to adhere to the “Code for Athletic Officials” may be reported in the BULLETIN upon the first instance. The report will include the person’s name, city, the comment UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR and the action taken.
3. Officials who fail to fulfill a contract or fail to provide a replacement who is accepted by the school prior to the contest shall be reported in the BULLETIN upon recognition of the second incident within a three school year period. The report will include the person’s name, city, the comment FAILED TO FULFILL CONTRACT and the action taken.
4. Persons who officiate any contest involving an MHSAA member school without being registered or with someone unregistered may be reported in the BULLETIN. Those working unregistered must complete the late registration procedure and pay related fees within 30 days of the violation to avoid publication of their name. The report for those who fail to comply will include the person’s name, city, the comment WORKING UNREGISTERED or WORKING WITH UNREGISTERED and the action taken.
5. An official who submits registration fees by checks which are twice returned for "Insufficient Funds,” “Closed Account” or any similar reason will be reported in the BULLETIN. The report will include the person's name, city, the comment UNRESOLVED BUSINESS and the action taken.
6. Persons who have unresolved or pending business with the MHSAA Officials Registrar for two full school years will be listed in the BULLETIN. Officials and school personnel will be urged to contact the MHSAA to assist in locating the person in order to resolve the matter. The report will include the person’s name, city, the comment UNRESOLVED BUSINESS and the action taken.

Probation applies to all sports in which an official is registered. One result of probation is that an official is declared ineligible to officiate MHSAA tournament contests in all sports in which the official is registered, throughout his/her entire probation period.

The policy will annually appear in the OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK and MHSAA HANDBOOK.

CATEGORIES OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION
CENSURE: a written reprimand.
PROBATION: a period of review during which MHSAA tournament officiating opportunities are withheld.
SUSPENSION: a period of temporary inactivity as a registered MHSAA official.
PERMANENT SUSPENSION: expulsion, denial of MHSAA Officials registration privilege.

IDENTIFICATION PROTOCOL
“Show The Card”
It is important that prior to each contest schools involved be assured that all officials contracted for the contest are currently registered MHSAA officials.

The official can help this situation by presenting the current MHSAA ID card or valid copy to the AD or coach before the contest. When a scorebook is kept, the official can present the card to the scorekeeper so the number and name can be written in the book for future reference.

Whatever the situation, it is the responsibility of the school to assure that each official is registered. The official creates a cooperative and professional tone by offering the information before being asked.

UNIFORM AND EMBLEM
Officials’ emblems are TO BE WORN BY EACH OFFICIAL REGISTERED with the Michigan High School Athletic Association during the current school year in boys and girls athletics, including baseball, basketball, competitive cheer, cross country, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.

Officials are expected to wear the proper attire for the sport to be officiated. It is significant that the proper attire means more than the proper shirt, pant, jacket or shoes. It is important that the striped shirt is retired before it becomes yellowed from age, perspiration and repeated washings. Collars with buttons are never acceptable. Beltless trousers have a much neater look than belted. The fitted hat adds a touch of professionalism to the official’s appearance.

The proper equipment and uniform means quality attire properly fitted and cleaned. Corduroy and denim are never acceptable uniform fabrics. Brushed cotton is not desirable because it lacks the “professional look” officials strive for. Trousers and uniform shorts should be colorfast. Faded clothing casts a doubtful air about the official. Clothes do influence the perceived image of the official and help to build confidence with players, coaches and spectators because the official looks the part.

The emblem should be worn as directed to give evidence that the officials’ registration has been completed for the current school year. It also indicates to school officials, players and spectators that, as an official in the performance of your duties, you are affiliated with and have the support of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc.

Additional emblems, up to a maximum of four, may be purchased for $1.00 each at the time of registration. A single local, state or national officials association emblem may be worn on the right sleeve of any required officials’ uniform. The White or Gold Trainer emblem may be worn on the left sleeve.
MHSAA Final Officials’ emblems will be issued to all registered officials selected and assigned to officiate the final event in any sport. This emblem may be worn by the official when officiating the sport in which he/she received the final assignment.

Following the finals, the official may elect to wear the emblem in conjunction with the current patch in the sport in which the final assignment was made or the official may elect to wear the final emblem and that year’s patch on the right sleeve of the referee’s jacket.

General Instructions
Baseball Umpires — The proper uniform of an umpire consists of a powder blue shirt (oxford style — no collar buttons) and heather gray trousers and the proper umpire’s cap. An umpire’s cap with the MHSAA monogrammed logo is permitted. All other articles (i.e., socks, turtleneck, undershirt, and jacket) shall be navy blue. The ball bag shall match the pants in color. The belt and shoes shall be solid black. The current MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM shall be visible and WORN ON THE LEFT POCKET.

Basketball Officials — MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM for current year to be WORN ON LEFT POCKET AREA of black and white striped shirt (v-neck or Byron collar: all members of a crew shall wear like shirts); black trousers; solid black basketball shoes with black laces and black belt. (Black socks are to be worn with low-cut shoes.) A navy blue warmup jacket has been recommended for several years. Black jackets are now optional and will be required in the school year 1999-2000. In every situation officials for a game will wear the same color jacket. Women officials may substitute a skirt or culottes in place of slacks and all white shoes and socks.

Competitive Cheer Judges — Judges are required to wear a white blouse or top and navy blue skirt, dress, jumper or dress slacks. Any additional garments such as a blazer shall be navy blue. Judges must wear the current MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM on the left pocket area of the blouse or jacket/blazer.

Cross Country and Track Officials — The current MHSAA EMBLEM shall be WORN ON THE LEFT POCKET AREA of the uniform, which is a long sleeved jacket, sweater or shirt with a red body and collar and full yellow sleeves. The uniform includes tan slacks or shorts. A red baseball-style cap is optional.

Football Officials — Black baseball cap with white piping; Referees — white cap; MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM for current year to be WORN ON LEFT POCKET AREA of black and white striped shirt; white knickers or white officiating shorts (5” inseam) may be worn in place of knickers. If a belt is required it shall be black. All officials, in a given game, are to wear the same type shorts; solid black football shoes; and black and white vertically striped jacket (to be worn outside when worn during the game). Black stockings (stirrup maximum 5 inches) with modified northwestern stripes, complete the required uniform.

Gymnastics Judges — Judges of girls gymnastics are required to wear a white top and navy blue skirt, dress, jumper or slacks. Any additional garments should be navy blue. Judges must wear their MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM on the LEFT POCKET OF THE BLOUSE/SHIRT OR COAT/BLAZER.

Ice Hockey Officials — Black trousers; black and white striped shirt; black skates are required; the current MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM to be WORN ON THE LEFT SLEEVE of shirt. A black ice hockey helmet is required equipment.

Soccer Officials — The current MHSAA EMBLEM is to be WORN ON THE LEFT POCKET AREA of a solid black shirt with white collar and cuffs. Black shorts four inches above the knee are recommended, or long trousers, black shoes and socks, or black stockings with white tops or three white stripes are required.

Softball Umpires — The proper uniform of an umpire consists of a powder blue shirt (oxford style — no collar buttons) and heather gray trousers and the proper umpires cap. An umpire’s cap with the MHSAA monogrammed logo is permitted. All other articles (i.e., socks, turtleneck, undershirt and jacket) shall be navy blue. The ballbag shall match the pants in color. The belt and shoes shall be solid black. Umpires shall comply with Rule 10-4-1. The current MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM shall be visible and WORN ON THE LEFT POCKET.

Swimming Officials — The current MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM shall be WORN ON THE LEFT SLEEVE OR LEFT POCKET AREA. The proper and required uniform on deck is a white shirt, white trousers or shorts and white shoes and socks. If a belt is worn it shall be white or black.

Volleyball Officials — The official’s uniform shall consist of a short sleeve or long sleeve alternating black and white vertically striped knit shirt; black slacks, and black belt if worn; solid black or solid white shoes and socks. A navy blue or black warmup jacket is recommended. All officials wearing a jacket will wear the same color. The MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM for the current year is to be WORN ON THE LEFT POCKET AREA of the shirt. Undergarments, sweatshirts or shirts which extend below the cuff of a short sleeve officials shirt are prohibited.

Wrestling Referees — MHSAA OFFICIALS EMBLEM for current year to be WORN ON LEFT POCKET AREA of a short sleeved knit shirt, with alternating black and white 1-inch stripes, full length black trousers, black belt, black gym shoes, black socks and one red (left wrist) and one green (right wrist) wristband.

1998-99 MHSAA RULES MEETINGS SCHEDULE
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MHSAA TOURNAMENT OPPORTUNITIES
— All Sports —
To be eligible for tournament invitations officials shall have attended a current rules meeting in the sport and meet the specific requirements published for each position or sport. Tournament opportunities are limited to officials who reside within the state of Michigan.

Terms and Conditions for Tournament Officials

1. TOURNAMENT FEES: Officials will receive remuneration according to information published in the current MHSAA Officials Guidebook. Specific information is printed under the title “Tournament Fees,” which addresses per diem, housing, mileage and contest fees. Questions regarding fees which cannot be answered by the official and tournament manager should be directed to the Supervisor of Officials. Officials who attend as spectators are not afforded free admission to regular season contests or MHSAA Tournament events.
2. If it develops that the services of any official invited are not needed for any or all dates involved, the opportunity may be withdrawn.
3. In the event an official requires a substitute, the official shall notify the tournament manager, the MHSAA Supervisor of Officials or the appropriate Assistant Director immediately.
4. Invited officials may not provide a substitute for any tournament assignment.
5. Officials for which substitutes are arranged may expect to relinquish additional tournament opportunities for that tournament season.
6. Officials agree to report to the contest site no later than 60 minutes prior to the contest start time.
7. Tournament managers will provide local information (maps, times, dates and other appropriate information) which will assist the official in fulfilling the tournament opportunity.
8. Officials afforded housing reimbursement are required to complete the appropriate Housing Request form, and shall stay in the designated MHSAA facility. Officials who accept housing reimbursement are responsible for returning any unused portion of the housing allotment to the MHSAA or making the appropriate guaranteed payment to the designated facility.
9. Officials agree to comply with all uniform requirements outlined in the current MHSAA Officials Guidebook.
10. Officials must be neutral. It is expected that officials will notify the MHSAA when any condition or relationship exists with a school, player or team which may suggest conflict of interest. If there is any question, contact the MHSAA Supervisor of Officials who will determine if action is necessary. When possible, the MHSAA will transfer an official rather than deny him/her an opportunity to officiate.
11. Officials who accept invitations for which they do not qualify are subject to MHSAA disciplinary action.
12. By signing and accepting any tournament invitation, the official acknowledges compliance of all requirements and conditions outlined within the “Tournament Invitation,” the current MHSAA Officials Guidebook and especially that section entitled “MHSAA Tournament Opportunities,” and will fulfill officiating duties expected by the MHSAA.

— Tournament Recommendations —
Annually, Officials Associations, Leagues and Conferences are invited to recommend individual officials as candidates for all levels of baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, football, wrestling, and softball tournaments.
The due dates are recommendations for each sport include:
September 4, 1998 Football
September 4, 1998 Girls Basketball
November 17, 1998 Wrestling
January 5, 1999 Boys Basketball
April 12, 1999 Softball
April 12, 1999 Baseball
Recommended officials are not guaranteed tournament assignments.

— Conflict of Interest–MHSAA Tournaments —
In all cases, officials must be neutral and may not officiate in any contest involving relatives or similar close relationships. Officials from small communities may not be invited to officiate tournaments in which their communities are involved. Metropolitan areas such as Flint, Grand Rapids and Detroit are generally excluded from this consideration.

This policy is recommended for regular-season junior varsity and varsity contests.

An official who receives such as invitation is expected to notify the tournament manager of his/
her need to decline the opportunity. Usually, given sufficient lead time, a switch in tournaments is arranged by the MHSAA.

— Baseball —
Umpires invited to officiate at the District, Regional, Quarterfinal may be nominated by a league/conference and/or a local association which services baseball umpires. A geographically representative committee appointed by the MHSAA Executive Committee invites officials for each tournament.
To be eligible, an official must have attended the current year’s rules interpretation meeting and officiated a minimum of 12 high school varsity baseball games during the year. Officials associations or league or conferences may recommend any official who has met these minimum requirements.
Semifinal/Final officials are nominated by associations and will be invited by the MHSAA and the tournament manager.

— Basketball (Boys & Girls) —
Officials for all tournament contests are selected from a list of officials who have an "Approved” rating classification, attended a current years rules meeting, submitted a current officiating schedule and completed a rules meeting attendance form. A geographically representative committee of over 30 member school representatives appointed by the MHSAA Executive Committee, invite the tournament officials in the Lower Peninsula while the Upper Peninsula Athletic Committee invites officials for those tournaments held in the Upper Peninsula.
District and Regional selections require a 2.7 three-year average rating; for Quarterfinal and Semifinal officials a 2.5 rating is required while Final officials are limited to those with a 2.1 rating. To be considered for any tournament contest an official must have officiated ten (10) or more varsity contests in the tournament year. Officials recommended by one or more league may be elevated to the next higher rating category.
At every level the most qualified officials are preferred. Unless the MHSAA finds it necessary to do otherwise, an official may be invited to no more than one District or Regional tournament. Location, varsity schedule, rating, experience, number of ratings and travel will each be considered in making assignments.
Officials will be selected for Regional and Quarterfinal games that do not include teams seen in earlier tournament contests.
The selection committee will recommend officials to officiate the Semifinal contests representing the seven geographic zones of the Lower Peninsula. The MHSAA will make the actual game assignments. Semifinal officials are not eligible to work the Finals.
Final officials are selected for one year by geographic zone. The 12 selected officials will be assigned a Final game by the MHSAA.

— Competitive Cheer —
Judges who work Regional and Final Tournaments are invited by a committee of Competitive Cheer coaches, judges and school administrators who are currently tournament hosts.
In order to be considered for tournament judging, an official must attend one of the COMPETITIVE CHEER JUDGES CLINIC MEETINGS held during the current year and be a registered judge. In addition, recommendations are sought from every varsity Competitive Cheer coach to determine who should be considered for MHSAA tournament judging.
— Cross Country and Track & Field (Boys & Girls) —
The tournament invitations are derived from the list of officials who have attended a rules meeting that year, received the recommendation of one or more conferences, and received the recommendation of the Association of Track Officials of Michigan or a Regional or Final Meet manager.

— Football —
Playoff officials are selected by a committee of athletic directors, appointed by the MHSAA Executive Committee, representing the geographic zones of the state. Five (5) person crews will be invited to Pre-regional and Regional contests. (Available four-person crews will be assigned a fifth crew member.) Individuals, (split crews) will be assigned to semifinal and Final contests. In either case, each official must have attended a current year rules meeting, be approved with 16 or more ratings and officiated a minimum of five high school varsity contests during the selection year. Crews and individuals indicate their availability by completing the attendance form at the rules meeting and are required to submit a schedule of games for the current season as a final selection requirement.
Experience, ratings, recommendations from leagues/conferences and officials associations and the number of games worked are elements reviewed when considering crews and individual officials. Each crew member shall have officiated a minimum of four (4) regular season varsity games at the crew position nominated. In addition, officials of crews selected for the Pre-regional and Regional contests must have a 2.5 three-year average rating while Semifinal and Final officials must have a 2.1 rating.
When substitutes are required they must meet the stated criteria and be approved by the MHSAA. When one or more crew members decline an invitation to officiate at the Pre-Regional or Regional level the entire crew may be replaced. When substitutes are required for the Semifinal and Final contests, individuals will be replaced by the MHSAA office. The MHSAA reserves the right to make assignment changes.

— Gymnastics —
Judges who work Regional and Final Tournaments are invited by a committee of gymnastics coaches, judges and school administrators who are currently tournament hosts.
In order to be considered for tournament judging, an official must attend one of the Gymnastics Rules Meetings held during the current year and be a registered judge. In addition, recommendations are sought from every varsity gymnastics coach to determine the judges they feel are highly qualified in selective events who should be considered for MHSAA tournament judging.

— Ice Hockey —
Officials for Regional Tournaments are invited and contracted by Regional managers. They are chosen from a list provided to the managers by the MHSAA staff which indicates registration and current year rules meeting attendance. Each coach is invited to provide a list of recommendations to the managers.
A committee of athletic directors and school administrators invites all officials for Quarterfinal, Semifinal and Final contests from the recommendations from coaches, tournament managers, referees-in-chief, and supervisors of officials, as well as MHSAA staff.

— Soccer (Boys & Girls) —
Officials invited to work MHSAA tournaments must be currently registered with the MHSAA and have attended one of the rules meetings held during the current school year. District selection is based on recommendations submitted by coaches to the tournament managers.
A committee, comprised of soccer coaches, officials, school administrators, and tournament managers assists the MHSAA staff in the selection of Regional, Semifinal and Final Tournament officials. The committee extends invitations from the list of officials who were highly recommended to work District games, as recommended by their local officials associations, and who worked a substantial schedule of high school varsity games during the current season.

— Softball —
Umpires invited to officiate at the District, Regional, Quarterfinal levels shall be nominated by an approved Association which services softball umpires. A geographically representative committee appointed by the MHSAA Executive Committee invites officials for each tournament.
To be eligible, an official must have attended the current year’s rules interpretation meeting and officiated a minimum of 12 high school varsity softball games during the year. Officials associations or league or conferences may recommend any official who has met these minimum requirements.
Semifinal/Final officials are nominated by associations and will be selected by the MHSAA in conjunction with the tournament manager.

— Swimming & Diving (Boys & Girls ) —
Officials for all MHSAA championships are invited by the MHSAA staff. Coaches, officials, and Final meet managers are asked to make recommendations of officials to officiate the Final meet.
Rules meeting attendance is required for swimming and diving officials to be invited to MHSAA Regional diving and Final swimming and diving meets.

— Volleyball —
Officials invited to work tournament matches must be currently registered with the MHSAA and have attended one of the rules meetings held during the current year. District and Regional managers contract officials for their meets who are recommended by the competing schools in their local areas.
A committee, of school administrators, coaches and officials who are currently Volleyball Tournament managers or active coaches or officials, meets with MHSAA staff to invite Quarterfinal, Semifinal and Final officials. The committee considers individuals from a list officials who were highly recommended to work District and Regional Tournaments, and considers the officials' current season schedules of varsity matches and ratings.

— Wrestling —
The tournament invitations are extended by the Officials Committee from the list of officials who have attended an MHSAA rules meeting for the current season and are “approved” officials. A rating of 3.0 (three-year average) is required for the Team District, while a rating of 2.6 is required for Individual District events; a rating of 2.3 for Regional events; and a rating of 2.0 for Final events. To officiate all but Team Districts an official must have officiated 10 varsity dates during the assignment year. An official may be elevated to and considered for the next highest level of service if two or more leagues recommended him/her. Peer evaluations may be presented by the MHSAA which would indicate an official may qualify for a level of competition beyond the level suggested by his/her rating and league recommendations. Proximity of the contest to the officials’ home is a final consideration in extending invitations.

1998-99 MHSAA Tournament Dates
FALL
Basketball-Girls--Districts Nov. 16-21, Regionals Nov. 23-25, Finals Dec. 1, 3, 4, 5
Cross Country LP--Regionals Oct. 31, Finals Nov. 7
Cross Country UP--Finals Oct. 17
Football--Pre-Regionals Nov. 6 or 7, Regionals Nov. 13 or14, Semifinals Nov. 21, Finals Nov. 27-28
Golf-Boys LP--Regionals Oct. 9 or 10, Finals Oct. 16-17
Soccer-Boys--Districts Oct. 19-24, Regionals Oct. 26-31, Finals Nov. 4, 7
Swimming Girls LP--Diving Finals Nov. 17, Swimming Nov. 20-21
Tennis-Girls LP --Regionals Oct. 9-10, Finals Oct. 16-17
Tennis-Girls UP -- Finals Oct. 2

WINTER
Basketball-Boys--Districts Mar. 8-13, Regionals Mar. 16-20, Regionals Mar. 23, 25-27
Competitive Cheer--Regionals Feb. 27, Finals Mar. 6
Gymnastics LP--Regionals Mar. 6, Finals Mar. 12-13
Gymnastics UP--Finals Mar. 6
Ice Hockey--Districts Feb. 25-Mar. 3, Regionals Mar. 1-6, Finals Mar. 10, 12, 13
Skiing Boys & Girls--Regionals Feb. 11, Finals Feb. 22
Swimming-Boys LP--Diving Finals Mar. 9, Swimming Finals Mar. 12-13
Boys & Girls Swimming UP--Finals Feb. 20
Volleyball LP--Districts Mar.5 or 6, Regionals Mar. 13, Finals Mar. 16, 19, 20
Volleyball UP--Regionals Mar. 13 or 14, Finals Mar. 20
Wrestling LP--Ind.--Districts Feb. 20, Regionals Feb. 27, Finals Mar. 11-13
Wrestling UP--Ind. Finals Feb. 19-20
Wrestling LP--Team--Districts Feb. 17 or 18, Regionals Feb. 24, Finals Mar. 5-6

SPRING
Baseball--Districts Jun. 1, 4 or 5, Regionals Jun. 12 , Finals Jun. 15, 18, 19
Golf-Girls LP--Regionals May 21 or 24, Finals Jun. 4, 5
Boys & Girls Golf--UP Finals Jun. 4
Softball--Districts Jun. 1, 4 or 5, Regionals Jun. 12, Finals Jun. 15, 18, 19
Soccer-Girls-- Districts May 24-29, Regionals Jun. 1-5, Finals Jun. 9, 12
Tennis-Boys LP--Regionals May 21-22, Finals Jun. 4-5
Tennis-Boys UP--Finals Jun. 4
Track & Field--Regionals May 21-22, Finals Jun. 5

RATING OF OFFICIALS
— Schools Must Rate Officials —
The Michigan High School Athletic Association Representative Council adopted, in May of 1987, a HANDBOOK regulation which makes clear and emphatic the responsibility of MHSAA member high schools to rate officials who work contests (home and away) involving their teams in sports for which officials’ ratings are maintained (football, boys and girls basketball, ice hockey, wrestling, volleyball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, and softball).

High schools which fail entirely to rate any varsity officials during the season shall be subject to the penalties outlined under Regulation V, Section 4(A), including any or all, but not limited to, censure, probation with or without competition, loss of privilege of revenue sharing, and/or expulsion.
Regulation II, Section 7(B) applies only to high schools. Junior highs and middle schools are urged to rate officials as well.

It is expected that athletic directors rate the officials or monitor the ratings by their coaches. While notes might be kept on officials during the season, the MHSAA rating forms should be filled out and mailed to the MHSAA office at the end of the season when emotions are settled and evaluators can consider all of the contests each official worked. Schools should rate, one time only, each individual who works their varsity games, whether home or away. The same procedure applies to officials who officiate subvarsity contests.

The MHSAA does not maintain this system to be a true or perfect evaluation procedure. To make it so it would require the use of observers, more comprehensive forms, and possibly some give and take by officials and evaluators.

The current procedure for basketball, football, wrestling, ice hockey, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and softball, simply provide the MHSAA an additional tool for the assignment of tournament officials. It also gives officials, when their average ratings are determined, an idea of how they rate in comparison to other years and other officials. The revised rating procedure is explained in this Guidebook. In either case, the MHSAA does not inform officials of the ratings given them by individual schools.

Currently officials may receive two ratings for the year. Sub varsity ratings have been developed to give officials an idea of their work in all but varsity officiating in grades 7-12 and were established initially during the 1993-94 school year.

The varsity rating will not change in concept except that it will represent exclusively varsity contests officiated by the official being rated.

— Specific Procedure for Basketball, Baseball, Ice Hockey, Softball Football, Soccer, Wrestling and Volleyball —
Over the years, coaches have wanted to have input into the rating of officials. The officials also have wanted to know what the coaches think of their work. The current system serves these purposes.

The MHSAA defines a RATING as a subjective estimate of an official’s ability as observed by a coach involved in the contest for which the official is rated.

The ratings are determined on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the best. The average rating shown on the official’s registration receipt is a composite of three years of ratings. Every year the ratings from four years ago are dropped and the current year is added.

Officials are listed as Approved, Supplemental or General. An Approved official must have received 16 or more varsity ratings over a three-year period with an average of 3.0 or less. Supplemental officials include those officials with 6-15 varsity ratings or officials with 16 or more varsity ratings whose averages are greater than 3.0. General officials include those officials with 5 or less varsity ratings or those officials with 6-15 varsity ratings whose averages are greater than 3.0.

While it is recognized ratings are not exact, they are used as one of several factors in extending tournament officiating invitations.

— Comment Procedure —
The comments to the rating system is devised to evaluate officials so that member schools have the opportunity to contract officials with good ratings as a part of their credentials. This rating system will also provide general feedback to the official who needs improvement in certain areas of his/her officiating.

Each official is to be rated in the following categories: (a) knowledge of rules; (b) proper positioning; (c) consistent judgment; (d) ability to prescribe proper fouls/penalties; (e) proper mechanics; (f) physical appearance; (g) contest management; (h) professionalism.

Rating Value — Each varsity official shall be given one of the following rating values: 1-excellent; 2-above average; 3-satisfactory; 4-below average; 5-unsatisfactory.

— Varsity Rating Definitions —
Excellent — Very good, first class, surpasses all others. Typically, the quality of performance required to officiate tournament contests.
Above Average — Better than the mean, high quality, better than the accepted level of performance. Typically, the quality of performance required to officiate mid and lower level tournament contests.
Satisfactory — Adequate, average, a solid performance. Typically, the quality of performance required to officiate seasonal and lower level tournament contests.
Below Average — Deficient, lacking the skills and/or knowledge to earn a higher rating. Typically, an official who would benefit from training and education.
Unsatisfactory — Not desirable, definite improvement required. Typically, a performance that lacks accepted mechanics, has limited knowledge of the rules, demonstrates weak people skills. Requires Written Explanation.

When an official receives a rating value of 3 (satisfactory), 4 (below average) or 5 (unsatisfactory), the school is required to indicate up to three categories (a-h) where the official needs improvement.

At the conclusion of the season, each member school will be required to submit the ratings of all officials observed to the MHSAA. Each rating will be included in the official’s record in order to compute an average rating for the season. Each official who receives ratings for the season of 3 (satisfactory), 4 (below average) or 5 (unsatisfactory) will receive notification from the MHSAA of the categories listed by rating schools where improvement is needed.

— Sub-Varsity Rating Definitions —
1 - A sub-varsity official who has demonstrated officiating skill and knowledge which suggests readiness for advanced officiating opportunities. Continued evaluation and advanced education will assure steady development and advancement opportunities.
2 - A sub-varsity official who has demonstrated continued growth in officiating skill and rule knowledge. Readiness to advance as an official is apparent but the official can benefit from game experience and evaluative guidance.
3 - A sub-varsity official who has a command of the skills and knowledge necessary to develop into a quality official. Continued education and evaluation will provide opportunity to advance and grow as an official. Enforcement philosophy is apparent and rule knowledge is expressed in confident explanations.
4 - A sub-varsity official who is beginning to demonstrate awareness of specific officiating techniques and mechanics. Participation in extensive training and education will benefit officiating development. Study and discussion will foster a clear understanding and knowledge of rules and enforcement philosophy.
5 - A sub-varsity official embarking on an officiating career path. Growth and improvement will develop through officiating experience, approved training and evaluation while rules book study will assist the official in grasping concepts of rules and enforcement philosophy.

— Evaluations —
The MHSAA is encouraging Approved Associations to conduct an evaluation program within the association. An evaluation is a written explanation of an observation by another official or MHSAA designee. It is accepted that the evaluator will be a person skilled in officiating and recognized as capable of technical interpretation of the contest performance.
The criterion included in the Contest Official Evaluation form have been defined by the “Evaluator Pilot” committee (James Massar, Ron Stelter, Fred Briggs, Karl Newingham, Jim Robinson, Don Button) and those definitions are detailed here.

— Criterion Explanation —
1. Appearance
• Weight management
• Physical Condition
• Hair, facial hair, mustache neatly trimmed.
• Uniform clean and pressed, shoes shined.
2. Enthusiasm
• Demonstrate “attention to detail”, i.e., scoreboard ready, timing devices, meet coaches.
• Move briskly when fouls are administered.
• Reflect pride of being an official.
3. Poise
• Remain calm and be objective when others are losing their composure, i.e., players and coaches, especially in administration of unsportsmanlike conduct infractions.
4. Signals
• The signals dictated by the National Federation should be sharp, clear, crisp and are the only ones authorized. This is the primary means of communication to inform timer, scorer, players, coaches, and spectators, exactly why a whistle was blown.
5. Hustle/Anticipation Professionalism
• Be in position to make the call
• Be mentally ready to make the call or more important, no call.
• Be businesslike in administering your duties.
6. Rapport with Players
• Avail yourself to captains in regards to rule interpretations.
• Discuss judgement calls with no one.
• Voice/whistle/body language must reflect rules knowledge and enforcement consistency.
7. Rapport with Coaches
• Maintain a strict businesslike relationship.
• Treat coaches with full respect; tolerate no disrespect.
• Avoid “rabbit ears” but have guts to take care of coaches conduct if unsportsmanlike.
• Communicate during “hidden dead ball intervals,” i.e. before/after time-outs, before free throws, between quarters and half-time — if there are concerns.
8. Coverage
• Be in position to make the call.
• Utilize mechanics manual nd coverage protocol.
• Move constantly to maintain proper angles, i.e. to call charge, block, boundaries, no calls.
9. Mechanics
• Officials must move in “concert” to insure coverage.
• Specific areas and responsibilities must be accepted and enforced.
10. Whistle/Voice Command
• Strong forceful blast — medium length accompanied with a firm voice that reflects sureness.
• “Selling a call” begins with a strong whistle and voice of authority.
11. Knowledge of the Rules
• Knowing the rules is a black and white issue, but enforcing rules based on the “spirit” of the rule and not the “literal” intent of the rule is the skill officials strive for.
12. Application of the Rules
• Apply the rules consistently from the start of the game to the end.
• Enforce all rules according to the intended “Spirit of the Rules.”
13. Judgement
• Use fundamental principal of “who was where first”, then an only then can contact be judged correctly and taken to an advantage/disadvantage degree.
14. Consistency
• Treat coaches and players of both teams the same with regard to communications.
• Call the degree of contact the same in the 1st quarter, 2nd quarter, 3rd quarter and 4th quarter.
• Consistency allows coaches to coach accordingly, whether “loose” or “tight.”
15. Contest Management
• Officials report to game site one hour before game time so athletic directors can be at ease and go about other duties.
• Scorer and timer are embraced as part of the team because of their importance to game administration.
16. Attitude
• Be professional, be positive. Don’t have a chip on your shoulder. Maintain your poise, avoid getting upset.
• Treat each game, each day, regardless of the level (A, B, C, D) as the most important game on your schedule.

The evaluation form can be sent to each association for use upon written request.

Rating Programs — Additions — The MHSAA is continuing to evaluate the rating program and will add sports to those to be rated periodically. Announcements regarding the additions of sports officials to be rated will be provided to schools and officials when appropriate.
Approved Associations and Registered Assignors may request Contest Official Evaluation forms from the MHSAA.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS
While officials are contracted to perform services by schools, their function is by definition independent and the officials have complete control of the contests they officiate.

As independent contractors, officials are responsible for their own scheduling, personal equipment, uniforms, insurance, transportation, education and training expenses associated with officiating.

MHSAA registered officials are deemed “Independent Contractors” who are contracted to perform a specific task. The official is an independent contractor who offers services and is not an employee of the person or institution contracting for those services. The official is not eligible for unemployment compensation, disability or workman’s compensation benefits and the contracting entity is usually not liable for the independent contractor’s actions. However, counsel for the MHSAA has advised the MHSAA that the questions of workman’s compensation insurance coverage is unsettled. Therefore, each contracting entity should review this matter with its local counsel to enable them to make its own determination regarding the practice to follow with regard to officials who serve its needs as independent contractors.

TOURNAMENT PAYMENTS
Biannually the MHSAA reviews the payments to officials for each sport and level of MHSAA tournament competition. The next review of tournament officials compensation and reimbursement is scheduled for 2000.

The Representative Council provided that a per diem for officials invited to officiate semifinal and final contests in all sports may be authorized by the MHSAA director coordinating the event. If a per diem is authorized, it is established at $14.00 per day which includes; breakfast $3.00, lunch $4.00, dinner $7.00.

Officials invited to officiate semifinal and final contests are eligible for overnight lodging to be determined by the MHSAA director coordinating the event. If lodging is afforded an official, it will be the daily single rate at a hotel/
motel designated by the coordinating director. If an official elects to have his/her spouse accompany him/her to a semifinal or final assignment, the official will be responsible for the difference between the daily single rate and the room cost for the official and spouse. Lodging may be available to officials who travel in excess of 50 miles one way to the tournament site, although other factors such as the hour of the day or MHSAA needs may be considered.
All officials assigned to all levels of tournament competition will be reimbursed at the rate of 15 cents per mile round trip for the shortest highway mileage from the home city of the official to the tournament city.

MHSAA OFFICIALS TOURNAMENTS PAY SCHEDULE

 Sport Dist./Pre-Reg. Regional First-Round Semifinals Finals
 Baseball $35 $35 $45 $50 $50
 Basketball $35  $40 $45 $50 $50
 Competitive Cheer   $50     $75
 Cross Country   $40     $50
 Football $40 $40   $50 $50
 Gymnastics   $75     $100
 Ice Hockey   $40 $45 $50 $50
 Skiing   $50     $50
 Soccer $30 $35 $40 $45 $50
 Softball $35 $35 $45 $50 $50
 Swimming: Diving   $50      
 Swim Starter/Asst. (2-day)       $90  
 Swim Ref./Start/Asst. (2day)          $90
 Swim Ref (2-day/1-day)         $90/$70
 Swim Turn Judge (2/1)         $75/$50 
 Track Starter   $60     $75
 Track Asst. Starter   $50     $75
 Track Referee   $50     $75
 Track Clerk   $50     $50
 Volleyball (per match) $25 $30 $35 $40 $45
 Wrestling-Individual $120 $110     $325
 Wrestling Team (per dual) $30 $30 $30   $250

CONTRACTS
Officials in Michigan are independent contractors and are responsible for arranging their own schedules. Upon completion of registration, officials may contact junior and senior high schools and/or assignment secretaries in their area to advise them of their interest and availability.

Regular season contracts should be completed well in advance of all contests. They should include specific dates, times, locations, gender of teams, levels of competition, and financial provisions.
The practice known as “double contracting” is unprofessional and when discovered will subject the official to school, league and state association sanctions.

Substitutes: In the event an emergency causes an official to be unable to fulfill a contract he/she shall contact the athletic director or principal to advise him/her of the problem. Never expect or allow another person to make the contact for you. Do not send a substitute unless you have prior permission from the host school.

Failure to Fulfill: An official who fails to honor a properly executed contract may be required to work a subsequent contest or contests without charge, pay the school the face value of the contract in question and/or be subjected to additional actions by the MHSAA, including probation or suspension from interscholastic officiating for a period of one year.
Contract Disputes: In accordance with the MHSAA HANDBOOK, no dispute alleging failure to honor a contract will be considered by the MHSAA staff or Representative Council unless there is a properly executed contract on file for the contest in question.
Officials are not obligated to work voluntarily — extended periods (for example, fifth quarter in basketball, third game in a volleyball match settled after two games) unless the official’s contract stipulates such may or will occur.
Quantities of blank contracts are available from the MHSAA and are sent to schools each year, upon their request.

— Schedules —
Officials may not agree to officiate more than one contest on any day except when all contracts after the first include written notification that the official is contracted for an earlier contest which may cause late arrival and subsequent delay of that contest.
Professionalism dictates that the attention and consideration given each contract shall be absolutely equal and that no student athlete or contracting school shall be jeopardized because an official may be obligated to another contest on the same day.

— Assignors —
1. When schools secure the services of a Registered Assignor to arrange or contract officials for their contests, contracting of those officials ultimately remains the responsibility of the school even though a school or league/
conference authorized the assignor to issue contracts.
2. Registered Assignors hired or whose services are sought by schools, leagues or conferences should not officiate any contests for that school or any schools within that league or conference.
3. Contracts extended by a Registered Assignor may not be withdrawn or reassigned to another official, except in cases of personal emergency, which will not permit an official to officiate any contest on the contest day once that sport season has begun as prescribed by MHSAA Regulation II, Section 11 (D).
4. In the event a Registered Assignor, school, league or conference does not utilize the MHSAA contract for officials, all comments, actual and implied and all terms and conditions which appear on the published MHSAA contract shall be acknowledged and will be applicable to any MHSAA Registered official secured to officiate any contest involving an MHSAA member school.
5. Conflict of Interest–Regular Season–Guideline adopted by MHSAA Registered Assignors–April 4, 1998
Officials shall exercise self-discipline and self-disclosure in accepting a contest in which their presence may cause an appearance of impropriety due to an existing or past relationaship with the schools involved. Common sense and integrity are key components of an assignor’s performance and professionalism. Assignors will assign officials to avoid conflict with respect to:
a. Relationships–Family, Employment, Relatives and Graduates (5-10 year) of the school affected.
b. Persons who coach or have coached at the school.
c. School personnel are to avoid games in their school or conference.

— Contract Compensation —
In 1991 the MHSAA added language to the Official’s Contract (back) which is intended to present the school and official with an agreement to govern cancellation of contests. These conditions promote “fair-play” and are listed below.
The MHSAA requires that each official contracted for a contest be issued an individual contract and will not be involved in disputes where this is not the case. Unless other provisions are made in advance by schools and officials involved, these conditions shall apply:
1. Officials who work alone or with an incomplete crew are entitled to the fee or an equal portion of the fee for which the absent official(s) is/are contracted.
Note 1: When a crew works as a group, this condition will not apply unless there is prior notification to the Athletic Director who accepts that he will locate a replacement.
Note 2: A contract must exist for each individual official in order for this condition to apply.
2. Contracts affected by acts of God shall be maintained according to this schedule:
a. Contests cancelled prior to the departure of the official for the contest shall present no financial obligation to either party.
b. Contests cancelled or postponed after the arrival of the official but prior to the beginning of the contest shall result in payment of one third of the contract fee or round trip mileage if mileage is a part of the original contract.
c. Cancellation or suspension of contests begun shall result in full payment of contracted fee.
NOTE: When an official is hired to officiate more than one contest on a day at one site he/she will be only entitled to receive pay for contests concluded or underway prior to suspending play. EXAMPLE: A baseball double header suspended before the second game begins entitles the official to pay for game one only.
Officials and school representatives agree to communicate directly with the contracted official and/or the contracting school representative, prior to the contest, in the event changes or alterations of this contract are necessary.
3. Failure To Fulfill – Guideline adopted by MHSAA Registered Assignors–April 4, 1998
Officials will adhere to the MHSAA policy printed in the OFFICIALS GUIDEBOOK which addresses failure to fulfill obligations for all contests. Violations which do not include:
a. Family Emergency
b. Personal Injury
c. Employment Obligations
can expect discipline which will include censure, probation, contract reimbursement, suspension or dismissal.

ELIGIBILITY OF ATHLETES
It is the responsibility of schools to enter into competition only those students who are eligible under MHSAA regulations.
Under MHSAA rules, for example, a student may not participate on a junior varsity and varsity team in the same sport on the same day, and a student disqualified from a MHSAA Contest is ineligible for the next game as outlined in Regulations V, Section 3 (D) and the “Disqualification Primer.” Schools, not officials, must monitor adherence to these rules and all other MHSAA HANDBOOK regulations.
If officials suspect violations, they should report them to the MHSAA. Officials should not delay or cancel a contest when they believe ineligible athletes may be entered in the contest.

“ALL-STAR” CONTESTS/NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
According to the MHSAA HANDBOOK, no athletic director, coach, teacher, or administrator of a Michigan high school, and no athletic official registered with the Michigan High School Athletic Association, shall at any time, during the school year, assist either directly or indirectly with the coaching, management, direction, selection or transportation of players, promotion, or officiating of any “all-star” exhibition or similar contest, or of any contest that is or purports to be a national high school championship event or the qualification thereto in any MHSAA sponsored sport if one or more of the participants is currently enrolled in a high school.

GAME SUSPENSION GUIDELINES
I. On threatening days, game management should consult with contest officials about steps to be followed if conditions worsen.
II. When suspending an outdoor contest, officials and game management shall follow these guidelines.
A. Lightning necessitates that contests be suspended. The occurrence of lightning is not subject to interpretation or discussion — lightning is lightning.
B. Severe weather in the form of rain or snow may make the field unplayable, creating a safety concern.
III. When a contest is suspended, the home school administration shall attempt to arrange for the security of all participants.
A. Contestants and support personnel shall be moved to appropriate indoor facilities.
B. When lightning is observed and the contest is suspended, contestants shall not return to the playing field until lightning has been absent from the local sky for 15 minutes.
C. Spectators shall be advised of the action being taken to seek shelter. (Some hosts may be able to offer shelter to spectators but are not required to do so.)
IV. In considering resumption of competition, the following steps should be followed.
A. Suspension for contest scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. should not exceed three hours. Delays for contests scheduled for 3:01 p.m. to 6:59 p.m. should not exceed one and one half hour. Delays for contests scheduled for 7:00 p.m. or later should not exceed one hour. A postponed contest should be rescheduled on a date/time mutually agreed to by the schools involved.
B. A decision to resume the contest within the time frame must be made by the officials who will consult the home team administration and visiting school administration present at the contest.
C. The home school is responsible for facilities and will be given priority consideration in the final decision if there is not consensus among the three parties.
D. The final decision shall consider liability, safety and conditions of facilities as well as future schedules, need to play the contest and finally the quality of all other options.
NOTE: More restrictive local policies and MHSAA tournament policies would supersede these guidelines and should be shared with the opponents and officials prior to the contest, preferably in writing.
Otherwise, and to the extent allowed by the playing rules code, the official(s) will make the final decision regarding game suspension once the game begins.

“ACTS OF GOD”
Officials are to take action according to the rule book in the sport. Terminated contests count as a game or day of competition. Suspended contests, continued from the point of interruption, will not count as an additional day of competition. Any contest or game which starts over is to be counted as a new game or day of competition.

OFFICIAL FAILS TO ARRIVE
In the event a contracted official fails to arrive for a scheduled contest, those officials who are present may 1) officiate the contest with less than the usual number of officials; 2) replace the absent official with a local registered official to fill-in or 3) cooperate with the involved teams to postpone the contest.
Note: It is never an option to accept or use the services of an unregistered official.

UNREGISTERED OFFICIALS
Registered officials are never to work with anyone who does not hold current MHSAA registration in the sport. While it is the responsibility of the host school in particular and all schools in general to use only currently registered officials in those positions which require MHSAA registered officials (“Who Must Register,” page 7), each contracted official has a responsibility and obligation to assure that he/she works only with MHSAA registered officials.

If it is learned that an unregistered person is present to function as an official, the MHSAA registered official shall 1) advise the host, 2) remind the host that no MHSAA registered official may work any part of a contest with an unregistered person, 3) delay the start of the contest until a replacement is provided, 4) work the contest only with the registered officials present with the mutual consent of all schools, or 5) postpone the contest.
It is never an option to accept or use the services of an unregistered official.
PROTESTS
According to the MHSAA HANDBOOK, a protest of a contest is not allowed by the MHSAA when it is based on judgment decisions of officials or on misinterpretation or misapplication of playing rules.
Officials are required to adhere to all provisions of the playing rules which allow for the review of decisions during contests.

TEAM REMOVED
According to MHSAA regulations, if a team is removed from competition in protest, the contest is forfeited to the opponent. The coach and principal of the removed team must appear before the Executive Committee to indicate why additional action should not be taken.
Officials are to notify the MHSAA office promptly in writing when this occurs.

COACH EJECTED
According to MHSAA regulations, if a coach is ejected from a contest and an assistant coach or an assigned school representative is not available to continue as coach, the event is terminated and forfeited to the opponent.
In all sports, students and coaches who are disqualified from one contest for unsportsmanlike conduct are disqualified for the next day of competition.
Officials are to notify the school before noon of the day following an ejection and the MHSAA office in writing within 48 hours using the Officials Report form.

TAUNTING — REGULATION V, SECTION 3
1. DEFINITION
“Taunting includes any actions or comments by coaches, players or spectators which are intended to bait, anger, embarrass, ridicule or demean others, whether or not the deeds or words are vulgar or racist. Included in conduct that berates, needles, intimidates or threatens based on race, gender, ethnic origin or background, and conduct that attacks religious beliefs, size, economic status, speech, family, special needs or personal matters.
“Examples of taunting that would lead to ejection include but are not limited to ‘trash talk’; physical intimidation outside the spirit of the game; reference to sexual orientation; ‘in the face’ confrontation by one player to another; standing over/straddling a tackled or fallen player.”
2. ALL SPORTS
“In all sports, officials are to consider taunting a flagrant unsportsmanlike foul that disqualifies the offending bench personnel or contestant from that contest/day of competition (and the next contest/day of competition). A warning may be given but is not required before ejection.”
3. ALL MHSAA TOURNAMENTS
“At all MHSAA tournament venues, tournament management may give spectators one warning for taunting. Thereafter, spectators who taunt others are to be ejected by security.”

DISQUALIFICATION REGULATION
Regulation V, Section 3(D)
The following policies for disqualification shall apply in all sports:
1) When a student is disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct, that student shall be withheld by his/her school for at least the next contest/day of competition for that team.
2) When a coach is disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct, that coach shall be prohibited by his/her school from coaching at or attending at least the next day of competition for that team.
3) Failure of the school for any reason to enforce this regulation will prohibit the school from entry in the next MHSAA tournament for that sport, or from the remainder of the current tournament if the disqualification occurs during an MHSAA tournament or during the last regular season contest.
4) Disqualifications from one season carry over to the next season in that sport for undergraduates and coaches, or the next season in any sport for seniors.
5) If the playing rules for a sport specify an additional penalty or more rapid progression, or use of such a progression for other violations, the playing rules apply.
6) Any coach who is disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct two or more times during a season and any player who is disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct three or more times during a season is not eligible to participate in the MHSAA tournament for that sport that season. If the tournament disqualifying ejection for that individual occurs during the MHSAA tournament, that player or coach is ineligible for the remainder of that tournament.

EJECTION PROTOCOL
Whenever an official is required to eject an athlete or coach from a contest there is a protocol that is required.
1. Within the rules of the sport, announce the ejection by making eye contact with the ejected player or coach. Do not make physical contact with the individual. Eye contact can be made from a distance of twenty feet, but should not require an official to be closer than six to ten feet from the individual.
2. Request the player to go immediately to the bench and to the head coach.
3. One game official will go to the sidelines, make eye contact with head coach and announce that the player (identify by number or lane or some accepted method) has been ejected from this contest and state the reason.
4. Unless players create a disturbance, they may remain on the bench. (“Disqualification Primer,” Item 18.)
5. The ejection of a coach requires that the official approach the coach, announce the ejection to the coach and request that the coach leave the competition area. Ejected coaches must be out of sight of officials, players and spectators. In addition, the official must ask which coach or school representative will function as the head coach in the ejected coaches absence.
6. Officials are reminded that only assistant coaches or school representatives (verified by the Superintendent or Principal) may act in place of the coach. (MHSAA Regulation V, Section 3 [B]).
7. The ejected coach shall leave the competition area and go to the locker room (indoor sports) or the bus or other area. An ejected coach may not be allowed to become a spectator. (“Disqualification Primer,” Item 16).
8. Following the contest, an official shall contact the Athletic Director or Principal of the violator’s school prior to noon of the day following the ejection to advise the administration of the ejection. Contact may be made after the game if an administrator is present or by phone in the morning on the first school day after the contest.
9. Finally, within 48 hours, one official shall file a written report of the ejection using the numbered MHSAA OFFICIALS REPORT FORM. The white copy is to be sent to the MHSAA, the pink copy and the green SCHOOL RESPONSE FORM are to be sent to the principal of the violator’s school while the official may retain the yellow copy.
10. Reports may contain more than one incident from the same contest by the players from the same school, but a separate report must be made for each school for which a report is being written.
11. Action to eject a coach, player or team representative may not be revoked except as provided by the contest rules.
12. The MHSAA will await the return of the green School Response form from the principal of the violating school noting the action taken.
13. Upon receipt of the principal’s reply, a letter announcing resolution will be sent to the reporting official.

EMERGENCY DECISIONS
The MHSAA is confident that with the guidance and direction provided by various MHSAA policies and procedures, every official will exercise common sense “in the spirit of the rules” and according to MHSAA regulations to successfully handle any emergency which arises.
An official’s decision will be appropriate if the basis for an emergency decision is the adopted rules of the contest and the MHSAA regulations. Decisions which are not supported by acknowledged and accepted policy or rules will place the officials and the schools involved at risk.
An emergency that requires medical attention for an athlete requires the official to maintain his/her role as an official. Officials are not encouraged to take an active part in providing medical care to an injured athlete.
The official shall supervise the event within the rules and make such decisions as are necessary within the rules of the contest.

FORFEITURE PROCEDURE
1. Individuals or teams which are defeated by an ineligible opponent or by teams which allowed one or more ineligible students to participate do not advance in MHSAA tournaments.
2. If placements in MHSAA tournaments are vacated as a result of an individual being ineligible or a team allowing one or more ineligible students to participate, other individuals or teams neither advance to those placements nor receive awards for these places.

MHSAA OFFICIALS REPORT FORM
Within 48 hours of the event officials are to report in writing to the MHSAA whenever they encounter any of the following:
Required Reports
1. Ejected contestants, ejected coaches, and incidents of crowd disturbance, disqualifications or undesirable behavior;
2. Contests which must be cancelled or terminated by the officials for any reason.
Requested Reports
3. Unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches or spectators which is allowed to go unchecked by the administration of the school(s) involved; and
4. Facilities, equipment or uniforms that fail to meet the minimum standards of the rule book.
If a report involves multiple ejections of players, representing different schools, separate forms are required for each school. Multiple player ejections from the same school may be filed on a single report form. If a report involves multiple ejections of coaches, whether they are from the same school or representing different schools, separate reports are required. USE ONLY NUMBERED FORMS.
The MHSAA will request that the administrations of the schools involved conduct internal investigations and voluntarily take punitive or remedial action. The MHSAA may conduct additional investigations and require additional actions by the schools involved.
At least general reports will be made by the MHSAA to the officials who referred the incident to the MHSAA.
The “OFFICIALS REPORT” form can be obtained from an approved association or by contacting the MHSAA.
MHSAA PUBLICATIONS
All MHSAA registered officials receive the newsletter STRIPES which the MHSAA prepares and distributes to keep officials reminded of necessary policies and procedures and current of any changes made or anticipated.
All officials who register receive the MHSAA BULLETIN, for that school year, published after their registration. The BULLETIN, which is mailed eight times during the school year, includes minutes of MHSAA Representative Council and committee meetings, editorials, policies and pairings for MHSAA tournaments, and other items of importance to member schools and registered officials.
At the time they register, officials may also purchase the OFFICIALS DIRECTORY and SCHOOL DIRECTORY for $2.00 each. These publications are sent to principals of member schools in September and November, respectively. The OFFICIALS DIRECTORY lists the names, addresses, phone numbers, and sports for all registered officials as of July 1, as well as contacts for local officials associations. The SCHOOL DIRECTORY lists the names, addresses, phone numbers, and administrators for all member schools, as well as contacts for each league and conference.
Officials receive the RULES BOOK and, if published by the National Federation of State High School Associations, the CASE BOOK and OFFICIALS MANUAL for each sport for which they are registered.
REVIEW INSURANCE ANNUALLY
Annually, because of their independent contractor status officials should review the insurance issues and needs which surround the active official. Because most of us enjoy officiating and have never known any official to need insurance of any type, we dismiss the thought and grab our whistle to begin another year.
The MHSAA provides for all registered officials catastrophic accident medical insurance which covers them while on the premises of and officiating at any event involving MHSAA member schools in sports under MHSAA jurisdiction and while officiating at all MHSAA tournaments. The active official may desire more coverage throughout the year. Insurance shopping for the official is limited, but there are some sources to remember.
The National Federation Interscholastic Officials Association (NFIOA) offers liability protection for high school, college and youth league officiating as part of its dues.
The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) provides, through its annual dues, coverage for any regularly scheduled game on any level.
Each official may be covered by workman's compensation while officiating and, of course, those with homeowners insurance may have liability coverage which can cover a variety of situations.
It is suggested that the active official speak with his/
her insurance counselor to determine whether he/she has need for additional insurance and to what limits and types those needs might be.

MHSAA LIABILITY INSURANCE
Beginning in 1990-91, the MHSAA Representative Council began purchasing $1,000,000 of liability protection for all MHSAA officials. The liability protection will apply to MHSAA officials while they officiate contests involving MHSAA member schools in sports under the jurisdiction of the MHSAA.
The policy is underwritten by TIG Insurance Company (Transamerica). The administrator is National Sports Underwriters, 1712 Magnavox Way, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46801 (1-800-237-2917).

CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR MHSAA OFFICIALS
All MHSAA registered officials are covered for accidental injuries while on the premises of and officiating at any event involving MHSAA member schools in sports under MHSAA jurisdiction. A catastrophe accident medical insurance policy provides $100,000.00 maximum excess medical benefit after the first $25,000.00 of medical expense is exceeded, provided first expense is incurred no later than 26 weeks after the date of the accident and $25,000 of eligible expenses are incurred within three years of the date of the accident.
The policy includes a $5,000.00 accidental death benefit, $10,000.00 for loss of both hands, both feet or sight of both eyes; and a $5,000.00 benefit for loss of one hand, one foot or sight of one eye.
The policy is underwritten by Life Insurance Company of North America. The policy holder is the Michigan High School Athletic Association and is on file with Executive Director for review by officials. The policy is paid for by the MHSAA with no direct or indirect cost to any individual.
The claims administrator is Preferred Care, Inc., Six Neshamine Interplex, Suite 205, Trevose, PA 19053 (1-800-263-4910). All notices of claims during 1998-99 must be filed with the administrator within 90 days of the accident. Claim forms can be obtained from the administrator. This is not an insurance policy but a brief description of coverage. Questions regarding benefits, limitations and exclusions should be addressed to the administrator.


RECRUITMENT OF OFFICIALS
The MHSAA has a continued commitment to do everything it can to recruit officials, train officials and retain working officials for interscholastic sports. Concurrently, the MHSAA Representative Council recognized the need to take an active role to increase the number of women and minorities available to officiate interscholastic sports. In May, 1986, the MHSAA Athletic Equity Committee was created to develop a specific plan of action to meet these goals.
Recruitment by the MHSAA occurs in many ways: by informing people how to become officials, by sponsoring clinics and rules meetings to prepare candidates for officiating, and by assuring newcomers and veterans that assistance and education will continue throughout their years of officiating.
A successful campaign to recruit and retain officials involves more than MHSAA efforts. The best recruiting tool Michigan has is a current active official and an association which offers accepted training and educational activities.
Officials are educators who must have an eye for the interested potential official. A potential candidate for officiating is someone who likes sports, physical activity, direct involvement, and wants to contribute directly to the lives of the young adults in our state.
There is no better support for a new official than the opportunity to receive proper training, encouragement, and the chance to officiate alongside an experienced official.
The individual official or a local officials association can have a tremendous impact on newcomers by taking positive action to embrace the opportunity to introduce new people to interscholastic officiating.
With the advent of a Supervisor of Officials on the MHSAA staff and the “Masterplan for Officials” as a guideline, the MHSAA will be able to provide much more to Approved Associations in the form of recruiting tools and materials. This partnership is an important link that will allow upgrading of officials, raise the standards of interscholastic competition, and cultivate the type of atmosphere that is important for good sportsmanship to develop.

“LEGACY” MHSAA STUDENT OFFICIAL PROGRAM
Legacy was conceived by officials, teachers of officiating classes and staff members of the MHSAA and is available to high school seniors during their senior year.
Basic to the program is the belief that properly and adequately coached from the outset, young people with an interest in officiating can develop as capable officials so that in the future they will be prepared to follow in the footsteps of their adult guide. It is a goal of the program that student officials will learn the correct way to perform as an official. Designed training, we believe, will prepare more able officials than any program previously attempted.
Each student official (high school senior) must be prepared to dedicate time to study, practice and learn officiating skills as well as officiate 7th and 8th grade contests. Learning to be an official is work. Student officials must understand the need for time commitment before they embark on this experience.
The guide will be a leader. The leader will chart the course, help arrange contests and introduce the student to the practices and procedures of officiating. The guide will also be a teacher providing learning opportunities for the student official. Assistance with tests and clinic experiences will be a part of this responsibility. The teaching guide will accompany the student official to MHSAA Rules Meetings.
Former athletes, high school or college, remain one of the basic populations from which MHSAA contest officials are developed. They enjoy athletics, have an understanding of the games and a love of the competition. In addition, athletes have an understanding and appreciation of the sportsmanship that is important to competition.
Teamwork is a part of officiating just as it was a part of competition. Becoming a member of the officiating “team” will bring an immediate benefit — that of remaining connected to the sport which was enjoyed so much as a player.
Officiating is a chance to give back to the sport. It is an opportunity to maintain involvement. Exchanging the players uniform for an officials uniform is a great way to perpetuate an important part of life by actively getting involved.

RECIPROCITY WITH OTHER STATES
The following policy has been adopted by the association offices from Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Officials from any one of the five states mentioned above who desire to affiliate with one of the other state association offices in 1998-99 should write directly to the state association office in the state in which the official wishes to affiliate. As an example, if an official from Michigan wants to affiliate with the state of Wisconsin, the official will write directly to the Wisconsin association office.
State association offices have not been able to supply affiliated officials with as much information as the official would desire. Some states have different regulations which officials should be made aware of so they can do a better job of officiating contests. Many conscientious officials have written their state association offices and asked for interpretations with regard to different regulations and rules that are not covered in the rules books. Hopefully this system will be able to do a better job and likewise the member schools of each association will have better worked games in the process.
Reciprocal officials do not compile MHSAA ratings and they are not eligible to officiate MHSAA tournament contests.
There are four steps to remember.
1. In order to affiliate with any state the official must first be licensed in the home state and include a copy of their current year ID card from their home state when registering with the MHSAA.
2. The official must write directly to the state association office in the state in which the official wants to affiliate.
3. Each association will send whatever material it feels important for the affiliated official to have (no duplication of rule books).
4. A set fee of $10.00 will be the registration fee for an affiliated official and will include all sports for which he or she is registered in the home state.
5. Officials requesting reciprocity in Michigan shall complete the MHSAA Officials Guidebook Exam.
6. Reciprocal officials who wish to add sports by amending their existing annual application may do so by returning the current ID card and submitting the reciprocal registration fee with an amended registration application.

Any official who officiates a contest in a state in which the official is not regularly registered or registered as a reciprocal official will run the risk of suspension or lesser penalty, whichever the home state determines.
In Michigan the penalty for an unregistered official who officiates is $42.00 ($15.00 [standard registration fee] + $7.00 [single sport fee] + $20.00 [standard late fee]) which must be paid before the official is permitted to register in any subsequent year.

Following are the addresses of the cooperating offices. You should write directly to them if you desire to be an affiliated official.

Iowa High School Athletic Association
P.O. Box 10, 1605 South Story
Boone, Iowa 50036

Minnesota State High School League
2100 Freeway Blvd.
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430-1735

Ohio High School Athletic Association
4080 Roselea Place
Columbus, OH 43214-3070

Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association
41 Park Ridge Drive, Box 267
Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481-0267

— Out-Of-State Registration —
Out-of-state registered officials will be eligible to officiate regular season contests but because tournament officials must reside in Michigan, out-of-state officials are not eligible for MHSAA tournament assignment.
Residents of all other states are permitted to register with the MHSAA for the same fee as a Michigan resident. These out-of-state registrants will be tested, will receive rules books, case books and officials manuals and other material provided Michigan registered officials.

— Transfer Officials —
In order for an official to obtain “Transfer” status in Michigan, the MHSAA requires a written letter of verification from the state association from which the official is transferring, stating that the official was at the highest level in that state in the sports for which he/she wishes to register in Michigan.
When the required confirmation is received from the previous state association, the MHSAA will grant the official “Transfer Status” for a period of two (2) years, classifying the transferring official as an “Approved” official for a two-year period. In Michigan “Approved” is the highest level an official may obtain. The status is achieved by receiving a minimum of 16 ratings in each rated sport with an average of 3.0 or better over a three-year period. Officials in Michigan are rated by schools for which they work each year. After the two-year “Transfer Status” expires, the transfer official will be categorized by the ratings received during their Michigan r