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: 9/12/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

September 12, 2025

1. VOLLEYBALL Negaunee handed Ishpeming its first defeat, 3-2 after losing the first two sets – Upper Michigan’s Source

2. BOYS SOCCER Division 1 honorable mention Detroit Catholic Central remained undefeated in the Catholic High School League Central with a 4-1 win over Division 2 No. 3 Warren De La Salle Collegiate – Macomb Daily

3. GIRLS GOLF Battle Creek Harper Creek followed freshman Ella Bushman to its latest All-City championship – Battle Creek Enquirer

4. CROSS COUNTRY The Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker girls and Owosso boys won Chesaning Invitational titles – Saginaw News

5. BOYS SOCCER Durand handed Division 3 No. 13 Ovid-Elsie its first defeat, 3-2 – Mid-Michigan Now

6. VOLLEYBALL Suttons Bay remains undefeated after a 3-1 win over Buckley – MI Sports Now

7. VOLLEYBALL Cadillac lost the first set but won the next three to get past Traverse City West – Cadillac News

8. VOLLEYBALL Division 4 honorable mention Hancock claimed the Copper Spike with a sweep of Houghton – Upper Michigan’s Source

9. BOYS TENNIS Monroe lost only three games during a sweep of Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central – Monroe News

10. BOYS TENNIS Grosse Ile – No. 5 in Lower Peninsula Division 4 – opened Huron League play with a sweep of Riverview – Southgate News-Herald