2022 Officials Awards Again Honors Hundreds Who Make Our Games Possible
By
Jon Ross
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties
July 15, 2022
The MHSAA annually honors high school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45 and 50 years of service as part of its Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet.
This year's virtual banquet honored our Vern L. Norris and Randy Paulson Award winners and 395 officials who celebrated a milestone school year.
This year's honorees included two officials with 60 years of service, and eight celebrating 55 years. Eighteen officials with 50 years of service were honored, along with 44 officials with 45 years. A 40-year award has been presented to 54 officials. In addition, 98 officials with 30 years and 171 officials with 20 years of experience were honored.
Be the Referee: Backwards Skiing
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
February 17, 2026
Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.
Below is this week's segment – Backwards Skiing - Listen
We’re on the hill today, ready to race the Giant Slalom. I’m heading toward the finish and clear the final gate, but as I complete that last turn I lose control. My skis skid out, I spin around, and suddenly I’m sliding toward the finish line backwards. I stay on my feet and cross the line facing uphill instead of down. Is that legal?
Yes, it is.
Ski rules do not require a racer to cross the finish line facing forward. The key is that the skier completes the course correctly and that both feet cross the finish line. It can be on two skis, one ski, or even without skis. Forward or backward does not matter.
If there is a question, the referee and timekeeper make the final decision.
Previous 2025-26 editions
Feb. 10: Faking Being Fouled - Listen
Feb. 3: Bowling Pins - Listen
Jan. 27: Ski Gates - Listen
Jan. 20: Cheer Judges - Listen
Jan. 13: Basketball Over the Back - Listen
Jan. 6: Bowling Ball Bounces Out of Gutter - Listen
Dec. 9: Puck on Goal Netting - Listen
Dec. 2: Goaltending vs. Basket Interference - Listen
Nov. 25: Football Finals Instant Replay - Listen
Nov. 18: Volleyball Libero Uniforms - Listen
Nov. 11: Illegal Substitution/Participation - Listen
Nov. 4: Losing a Shoe - Listen
Oct. 28: Unusual Soccer Goals - Listen
Oct. 21: Field Hockey Penalty Stroke - Listen
Oct. 14: Tennis Double Hit - Listen
Oct. 7: Safety in Football - Listen
Sept. 30: Field Hockey Substitution - Listen
Sept 23: Multiple Contacts in Volleyball - Listen
Sept. 16: Soccer Penalty Kick - Listen
Sept. 9: Forward Fumble - Listen
Sept. 2: Field Hockey Basics - Listen
Aug. 26: Golf Ball Bounces Out - Listen