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
Be the Referee: Field Hockey Basics
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
September 3, 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 Basics - Listen
Field Hockey is now a fully sponsored MHSAA sport. So let’s start by getting up to speed on some basics.
Field Hockey is a fall sport.
Games are administered by two officials.
Each team plays with 11 players on the field – including the goalkeeper.
The field is 100 yards by 60 yards – roughly the same size as a football field.
The goals are 12 feet wide and seven feet high, with the penalty stroke line being drawn seven yards in front of the center of the goal.
Players are not allowed to play the ball with the rounded side of the stick – nor are they allowed to charge, hit, shove, or trip an opposing player.
Field hockey games are 60 minutes long, played in four 15-minute quarters.
Previous 2025-26 editions
Aug. 26: Golf Ball Bounces Out - Listen
PHOTO by Jamie Crawford/JC Sports Photography.