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: 3/12/26

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

March 12, 2026

1. GIRLS BASKETBALL Cass City clinched its first Regional championship in this sport with a 54-30 win over Sandusky in Division 3 – Bay City Times

2. GIRLS BASKETBALL Onekama scored during the final seconds to get past Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart 49-47 in Division 4 and win its first Regional title since 1997 – Manistee News Advocate

3. GIRLS BASKETBALL Detroit Renaissance won a Division 1 Regional title with a 62-60 double-overtime victory over Wayne Memorial – Detroit News

4. GIRLS BASKETBALL Ishpeming is returning to the season’s final week after a 40-29 win over Ewen-Trout Creek in Division 4 – My UP Now

5. GIRLS BASKETBALL Fraser came back from 11 points down in the third quarter to defeat New Baltimore Anchor Bay in Division 1 and clinch its first Regional title since 2006 – Macomb Daily

6. GIRLS BASKETBALL Muskegon also advanced in Division 1 with a 48-30 win over Midland – Muskegon Chronicle

7. GIRLS BASKETBALL Hart held on for a 51-49 Division 3 Regional title win over Kent City – Local Sports Journal

8. GIRLS BASKETBALL Kingston downed league rival Deckerville 47-43 to win a Division 4 Regional title – Huron Daily Tribune

9. GIRLS BASKETBALL Grand Haven repeated as a Division 1 Regional champion with a 36-23 win over Hudsonville – Grand Haven Tribune

10. GIRLS BASKETBALL Grand Rapids South Christian advanced in Division 2 with a 67-38 win over Otsego – Grand Rapids Press