Be the Referee: Instant Replay
By
Brent Rice
MHSAA Assistant Director
November 26, 2021
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 – Instant Replay - Listen
The use of instant replay in football varies at each level. But at the high school level in Michigan, replay is not used for any regular-season or postseason games, except for the Football Finals at Ford Field.
Unlike the professional and college leagues, however, the only plays that are reviewed are potential scoring plays and potential turnovers. On those plays, the officials in the replay booth will look at the various angles provided by the television broadcast and either confirm or overturn the play.
For each game at Ford Field, there are three replay officials in the booth – all with experience at higher levels. Over the years, replay has rarely been used, but it’s always in an effort of getting the correct call made.
Previous editions
Nov. 11: Tourney Selection - Listen
Nov. 4: Receiver Carried Out of End Zone – Listen
Oct. 28: Volleyball Back-Row Block – Listen
Oct. 21: Soccer Disallowed Goal – Listen
Sept 30: Field Goal Falls Short – Listen
Sept. 23: Volleyball Obstruction – Listen
Sept. 16: Catch or No Catch – Listen
Sept. 9: Intentional Grounding – Listen
Sept. 2: Pass Interference – Listen
Aug. 26: Protocols and Mechanics – Listen
What's My Why: Official Clint Abbott
May 18, 2026
Clint Abbott, Newaygo
Abbott is completing his 43rd year as an MHSAA registered official and this school year officiated basketball and volleyball. He's also been registered in baseball, soccer, softball and track & field for a season or more since beginning with the MHSAA in 1975-76.
I really enjoy it. What I love about it is just getting out, working with the crew, teamwork, giving back to the game.
I really enjoy the student-athletes today. It’s a little different world than when I first started out, but I still enjoy it, still enjoy giving back to them. Love to watch them compete and participate, and then just love to see new officials come in – and we hope we can have more that we can train and we can mentor.
So, absolutely love this game. I hope we can keep going for many years.
“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.