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: 10/16/26

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 16, 2026

1. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Buckley clinched a share of the Northwest Conference title with a 3-1 win over Maple City Glen Lake – Traverse City Record-Eagle

2. BOYS SOCCER McBain Northern Michigan Christian advanced in its Division 4 District with a shootout win over Traverse City St. Francis – Up North Live

3. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Trenton finished a perfect run through the Downriver League with a sweep of Gibraltar Carlson – Southgate News-Herald

4. BOYS SOCCER Zeeland West downed Holland Christian 2-1 in a Division 2 District – Holland Sentinel

5. BOYS SOCCER Rochester Hills Stoney Creek earned a 3-1 Division 1 win over Romeo – Macomb Daily

6. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Lillian Rochwitz became the first Midland Calvary Baptist player to reach 1,000 career assists, doing so during sweeps of Breckenridge and Hale – Midland Daily News

7. BOYS SOCCER Royal Oak advanced in Division 1 with a 1-0 win over Troy Athens – Oakland Press

8. BOYS SOCCER No. 6 Warren De La Salle Collegiate moved on in Division 2 with a shutout of St. Clair – Macomb Daily

9. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL No. 6 Auburn Hills Oakland Christian swept Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest – Oakland Press

10. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Cadillac lost the first set but won the next three over Traverse City West – Cadillac News