Be the Referee: Cross Country Interference
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
October 31, 2023
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 – Cross Country Interference - Listen
I am running a great race at Michigan International Speedway. I’m about two miles into the 3.1-mile event, and I am on track to set a PR for the season.
As I run towards the next turn, a runner a few steps to my left, cuts right in front of me, causing me to slow down and nearly stumble. I regain my balance and keep going – but lose precious seconds during the altercation. Is interfering with a runner a penalty?
It is. If a race official sees a runner bump, trip, or run across another runner’s path causing them to change course or lose their natural rhythm, it’s interference. The runner charged with interference is disqualified. The runner who was interfered with continues on with his or her race.
Previous Editions
Oct. 24: Soccer Overtime - Listen
Oct. 17: Tennis Spin - Listen
Oct. 10: Blocked Kick - Listen
Oct. 3: Volleyball Double & Lift - Listen
Sept. 26: Registration Process - Listen
Sept. 20: Animal Interference - Listen
Sept. 13: Feet Rule on Soccer Throw-In - Listen
Sept. 6: Volleyball Jewelry - Listen
Aug. 30: Football Rules Similarities - Listen
Aug. 23: Football Rules Differences - Listen
What's My Why: Official Cindy Tyzo
June 8, 2026
Cindy Tyzo, West Bloomfield
Tyzo is one of what surely are only a handful of officials who have been registered for two MHSAA-sponsored sports since their first seasons as part of the championship lineup. She's is completing her 33rd year overall after first registering for the inaugural season of competitive cheer in 1993-94, and she also officiated the first season of MHSAA field hockey this past fall.
Tyzo also just completed her eighth season officiating girls lacrosse.
I love officiating because I love working with the young people and providing the opportunity for them to do the sport that they love. Because without officials, there's not game.
“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
June 3: Jeff Spedoske, DeWitt - Watch
June 1: Mike Carrier, Commerce Township - Watch
May 27: Stan Wright, Warren - Watch
May 26: Murray Rose, Zeeland - Watch
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch