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: 9/11/26

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

September 11, 2026

1. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Division 1 No. 8 Grand Haven earned coach Aaron Smaka his 700th win with a sweep of East Kentwood – Grand Haven Tribune

2. BOYS SOCCER Division 3 No. 3 Elk Rapids earned coach Nate Plum his 300th victory with a big one over Grayling – Traverse City Record-Eagle

3. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Buckley handed Suttons Bay its first loss, in four sets – Traverse City Record-Eagle

4. BOYS SOCCER Division 2 No. 6 Lansing Eastern scored the game’s lone goal during the second half of a win over Haslett – WLNS

5. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Division 3 No. 7 Plymouth Christian Academy came back from two sets down to defeat Allen Park Inter-City Baptist in five – Southgate News-Herald

6. BOYS SOCCER Division 3 No. 8 Alma edged Freeland 1-0 – WNEM

7. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Ishpeming downed rival Negaunee in five sets – Upper Michigan’s Source

8. BOYS SOCCER Division 4 No. 5 Leland downed Traverse City St. Francis 6-0 – MI Sports Now

9. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Midland came back after losing the first set to down Bay City Central in four – Midland Daily News

10. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Trenton continued an early-season rebound with a sweep of Allen Park – Southgate News-Herald