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: 4/20/26
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
April 20, 2026
1. BOYS LACROSSE Bay City Central defeated rival Western to win the North/South Invitational, its first tournament title in program history – Bay City Times
2. GIRLS SOCCER A “nearly unbelievable” goal was the difference as Division 2 No. 12 Holland Christian downed No. 7 Zeeland East 2-1 – Holland Sentinel
3. SOFTBALL Division 3 No. 2 Ravenna went 3-0 at the Grand Haven Invitational defeating Division 1 honorable mentions Traverse City Central and Midland Dow and the No. 7 Buccaneers – Local Sports Journal
4. GIRLS SOCCER Division 1 top-ranked Byron Center and Division 2 No. 2 Richland Gull Lake played to a scoreless draw – Kalamazoo Gazette
5. GIRLS LACROSSE Detroit Country Day broke away during the second quarter of a 17-7 win over Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood – Oakland Press
6. BASEBALL Division 4 top-ranked Portland St. Patrick swept No. 5 Fulton 13-2, 12-6 – Lansing State Journal
7. GIRLS SOCCER Division 1 No. 5 Rochester Adams edged No. 9 Rochester High 1-0 – Oakland Press
8. TRACK & FIELD The Olivet girls and Parma Western boys took top team places at the 23rd Ralph Rice Invitational hosted by the latter – Jackson Citizen Patriot
9. BASEBALL Division 3 No. 16 Caro edged Almont 11-10 to clinch its Jeff Raymond Tournament championship – Saginaw News
10. TRACK & FIELD The Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central girls and host Bears boys won Monroe Jefferson Invitational titles – Monroe News