Why be an Official? (Grand Rapids Press)
January 25, 2012
The Grand Rapids Press' Jane Bos tells the story of some of the most valuable, yet often-criticized people who help make our games go -- the officials enforcing the rules.
Consider this interesting point: On a Tuesday or Friday, the O-K Conference must come up with 150 officials to work its basketball games. And it, like most if not all leagues, always is looking for more.
She also explains how another former Press sportswriter, Howie Beardsley, got into the reffing game.
Check it out:
"Why West Michigan high school referees say you should consider wearing stripes"
Today in the MHSAA: 4/16/26
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
April 16, 2026
1. SOFTBALL Division 2 top-ranked Richmond and Armada split, Richmond winning 11-7 and Armada 16-5 – Macomb Daily
2. BOYS LACROSSE Oxford moved into first place alone in the Oakland Activities Association White with an 8-7 overtime win over Troy – Oakland Press
3. TRACK & FIELD The Benzie Central girls edged Frankfort, and Buckley freshman Easton Harrand won four events during a six-team meet at Glen Lake – Traverse City Record-Eagle
4. GIRLS LACROSSE First-year program Grosse Ile earned its first win, 15-14 in overtime over Detroit Cass Tech – Southgate News-Herald
5. BASEBALL Gladstone downed Division 4 No. 16 Norway 10-6 – My UP Now
6. GIRLS SOCCER Division 1 No. 13 Midland handed Saginaw Heritage its first loss, 4-1 – Midland Daily News
7. GIRLS SOCCER Myla Parker scored three goals as Fruitport downed Wyoming Godwin Heights 5-0 – MuskegonSports.com
8. GIRLS SOCCER Gibraltar Carlson downed Trenton 2-0 in what could become a key Downriver League matchup – Southgate News-Herald
9. TRACK & FIELD Frankenmuth swept girls and boys meets against Alma and Bridgeport – Saginaw News
10. BASEBALL Traverse City Central and West split their regular-season doubleheader for the sixth time since 2018 – Traverse City Record-Eagle