Cass Tech Continues to Inspire
April 13, 2012
The Detroit Cass Tech football team was one of the most-celebrated champions from the 2011 MHSAA Football Finals after winning its first title with a convincing 49-13 victory over Detroit Catholic Central.
The Technicians will be honored again later this month with the Inspiring Story/Event Award from the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation.
The Governor's Fitness Awards annually recognize individuals, public officials and organizations committed to healthy living. The Inspiring Story Award is a special recognition given this season in honor of the Technicians, who entered the postseason unranked and also added to the victory's mystique by walking to Ford Field instead of busing in from the school's campus less than a mile away.
Cass Tech will be honored at the annual banquet April 26 at Ford Field. Click for additional details.
PHOTO courtesy of Terry McNamara Photography.
Be the Referee: Illegal Substitution/Participation
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
November 11, 2025
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 – Illegal Substitution/Participation - Listen
We’re on the football field this week with 23 players.
Twenty-three is one too many; there should only be 22 on the field at once – 11 on offense, 11 on defense.
But on this play, the offense had a 12th player lined up on the field.
What’s the call?
It depends on when the penalty is spotted.
If the officials catch it before the play is run, that’s an illegal substitution and a 5-yard penalty.
But if the ball is snapped and a play is run with 12 on the field – and the 12th player is not attempting to get off the field – then it’s illegal participation and a 15-yard penalty. It’s also a 15-yard penalty if the offense uses a substitution to create a deception.
Previous 2025-26 editions
Nov. 4: Losing a Shoe - Listen
Oct. 28: Unusual Soccer Goals - Listen
Oct. 21: Field Hockey Penalty Stroke - Listen
Oct. 14: Tennis Double Hit - Listen
Oct. 7: Safety in Football - Listen
Sept. 30: Field Hockey Substitution - Listen
Sept 23: Multiple Contacts in Volleyball - Listen
Sept. 16: Soccer Penalty Kick - Listen
Sept. 9: Forward Fumble - Listen
Sept. 2: Field Hockey Basics - Listen
Aug. 26: Golf Ball Bounces Out - Listen