Be the Referee: Golf Rules Changes

October 10, 2019

This week, MHSAA officials coordinator Sam Davis explains new rules in golf for 2019-2020, including those pertaining to the use of cell phones during play. 

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 - Golf Rules Changes - Listen

Even though golf rules are mostly on the integrity of the players, there are several MHSAA-enacted changes that take effect this year. 

One allows for the use of cell phones to call a coach or meet administrator for health and safety issues, the inputting of live scores, to contact a rules official with questions and to use as a distance-measuring device. 

Dedicated distance finder devices will also be allowed for use in MHSAA Tournament play.  

Another new local rule caps the maximum score per hole at 12 strokes in tournament activity.

Past editions

Oct. 3: No Tackle Box - Listen
Sept. 26: You Make the Overtime Call - Listen
Sept. 19: Swimming Finishing Touch - Listen
Sept. 12: Curbing Gamesmanship By Substitution - Listen
Sept. 5: Football Safety Rules Changes - Listen
Aug. 29: 40-Second Play Clock - Listen

Be the Referee: 40-Second Play Clock

August 30, 2018

In this week's edition, assistant director Brent Rice explains how Michigan is continuing to experiment with a 40-second play clock in football.

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 – 40-Second Play Clock - Listen

There’s an experiment taking place on a number of high school football fields across the state again this year. Michigan is experimenting with a 40-second play clock in football.

This is designed to provide more consistency from play to play as the ball must be snapped 40 seconds after the end of the previous play and is not dependent on the referee’s subjective signal.

When play is continuing without a stoppage, the 40-second play clock will be used. If play has been stopped for a time out or penalty, the play clock will be set at 25 seconds.

After two seasons, the feedback received from coaches and officials has been very positive, and there’s a possibility the Michigan experiment may become a new national playing rule soon.

Past editions

August 23: Football Rules Changes - Listen