'Crew of the Month' Recognized for Excellence On Field, Impacts as Mentors & Recruiters
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
November 11, 2026
Valued for their work on the field and off, the Eastern Michigan Officials Association football crew led by referee Joel Venia has been named the Michigan “High School Officiating Crew of the Month” for October by the Detroit Lions.
Venia, from Marysville, is joined by umpire John Schwelhofer (Marysville), head linesman Mike Roosen (Macomb), line judge Tom Mailoux (Capac), back judge Ken Marzka (Lakeport), side judge Paul Guttowsky (Allentown) and field judge David Wood (Jeddo). The crew was one of the first in the EMOA to expand to seven officials and is often requested by schools for their biggest games.
They are noted for the wisdom and leadership they individually supply during local association meetings, with multiple serving as board members. They also are recognized for their mentorship of developing officials – and this crew has recruited a total of 12 new football officials over the last few years.
The Lions, in partnership with the MHSAA and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), are recognizing an officiating crew monthly this season.
Be the Referee: Football Holding
By
Sam Davis
MHSAA Director of Officials
August 27, 2024
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 – Football Holding - Listen
In football, it’s often said that holding happens on every play. But does it?
When an offensive player uses their hands or arms to illegally restrain a defensive player – that’s holding. This typically happens when blockers grab or pull defensive players away from their path – impeding their ability to make a play. The penalty is 10 yards from the previous spot.
Defensive players can be flagged for holding as well. That’s also a 10-yard penalty. An example of defensive holding is when a cornerback grabs a receiver to slow him down before the ball is thrown. If that same contact happens while the pass is in the air – then it’s pass interference. Defensive pass interference is a 15-yard penalty.
PHOTO A football official signals holding during a 2023 game. (Photo by Gary Shook.)