Be the Referee: Curbing Gamesmanship
September 12, 2019
This week, MHSAA officials coordinator Sam Davis explains a new rule in soccer meant to keep teams in the lead from running time off the clock by making lineup changes.
Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.
Below is this week's segment - Curbing Gamesmanship By Substitution - Listen
There’s a change to high school soccer rules nationally this year designed to curb gamesmanship by a team leading a contest toward the end of a game.
In the last five minutes of regulation, or the last five minutes in the second part of overtime, a rules change this year will stop the clock when that team makes a substitution. The clock will stop even if the team that is trailing makes a substitution at the same time.
This is the same as the NCAA rules, and aims to prevent teams from making multiple substitutions in the closing moments of a game as a way to help protect their lead by running time off the clock.
Past editions
Sept. 5: Football Safety Rules Changes - Listen
Aug. 29: 40-Second Play Clock - Listen
What's My Why: Official Stan Wright
May 27, 2026
Stan Wright, Warren
Wright was recognized this spring for his 30 years as an MHSAA-registered official. He started with basketball, added baseball his second year, and continues to officiate those and also football and softball. He also officiated volleyball for three years.
One, I love the competition. Two, I love giving these kids an opportunity to compete, be a part of them competing.
And also being a part of encouraging them to be the best person they can be as they matriculate from sport to sport and then as they matriculate in life. So, it's all about helping those kids become the best that they can be.
And that's the passion and the joy I get out of it.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
Don't miss Officiate Michigan Day 2026, July 25 in Grand Rapids! Check out MHSAA.com/OMD to register and learn more.
What's My Why
May 26: Murray Rose, Zeeland - Watch
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch