Kalamazoo's Winter a Pro in the Fall

July 19, 2012

Kalamazoo's Ron Winter has been part of just about every major event possible on a football field with more than four decades officiating high school, college and now National Football League games.

He can appreciate each level for what makes it special. And he's passed on those experiences and lessons galore to young officials and students at Western Michigan University.

Winter -- and MHSAA registered official the last 42 years -- was appointed earlier this month to serve a two-year term on the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.

Click to read more about what  he enjoys about each level of the game, and for his advice for young officials looking to join him at the highest level.

Be the Referee: Field Hockey Substitution

By Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

September 30, 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 – Field Hockey Substitution - Listen

We are on the pitch today for a field hockey “You Make the Call.”

During the execution of a penalty corner, the defending goalkeeper is struck on the hand and cannot continue. How is play resumed?

  • Allow a properly equipped goalkeeper to substitute.
  • Disallow any substitution; the injured goalkeeper must remain in the game.
  • The defending team shall forfeit.

If you said to allow the substitution, you are correct. Under Rule 4-4-3, a goalkeeper substitution is permitted during a penalty corner in the event of injury or suspension. Once the new goalkeeper is ready, resume play with the continuation of the penalty corner.

Field players, however, may not substitute until the penalty corner has been completed. This ensures proper game flow while prioritizing player safety.

Previous 2025-26 editions

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

(Photo by Louis Murray.)