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: 8/27/25

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

August 27, 2025

1. VOLLEYBALL Division 1 No. 2 Rockford finished first and No. 6 Grand Haven second at the latter’s End of Summer Bash – Grand Haven Tribune

2. GIRLS GOLF Northville was first and Brighton second at the Kensington Lakes Activities Association preseason tournament – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

3. VOLLEYBALL Bay City Western won its first Bay County championship since 2018, ending Division 2 No. 8 Essexville Garber’s five-year title streak – Bay City Times

4. GIRLS GOLF Midland Dow’s Sophia Lee won her third event in three tries, while Grand Blanc was the top team at the latest Saginaw Valley League jamboree – Midland Daily News

5. CROSS COUNTRY The Goodrich and Chesaning girls and Flint Powers Catholic and Montrose boys won Corunna Early Bird Invitational titles – Saginaw News

6. VOLLEYBALL Frankfort finished 3-0 at its tournament – Benzie Record Patriot

7. CROSS COUNTRY The Blissfield girls and Adrian boys won the Lenawee County Preview meet – Adrian Daily Telegram

8. BOYS SOCCER Division 1 No. 8 Hartland defeated Northville for the first time since 2019, 6-2 – Livingston Daily Press & Argus

9. VOLLEYBALL Lake City finished 3-0 at Mancelona – Traverse City Record-Eagle

10. VOLLEYBALL Negaunee swept Ishpeming Westwood – Upper Michigan’s Source