Be the Referee: Athletic Empty Nesters

October 5, 2017

In this week's edition, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl talks about one of our prized recruiting targets when it comes to pursuing new officials. 

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 – Athletic Empty Nesters - Listen


The recruitment of new officials is an ongoing task for the MHSAA.

Over the years, most recruiting efforts have sought to target young people, finding those graduating high school senior student athletes, or pursuing those college students who are looking for a way to make some extra cash while in school in becoming a sports official.

One group, however, that we’re continuing to recruit are what we call the athletic empty nesters. It’s those moms and dads who have been following their kids as they played their own high school sports. Once the kids have finished their time on the team, we’d like to get those moms and dads to become part of our team and become an official.

There’s Help Wanted – Just Whistle!

Past editions
September 28: Misunderstood Football Rules: Kicking - Listen
September 21: Preparation for Officials - Listen
September 14: Always Stay Registered - Listen
September 7: Other Football Rules Changes - Listen
August 31: Pop-Up Onside Kicks - Listen
August 24: Blindside Blocks - Listen

Be the Referee: Basketball Goaltending

By Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

December 3, 2024

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 – Basketball Goaltending - Listen

In basketball, what’s the difference between goaltending and defensive basket interference?

Goaltending is when a defensive player touches the ball when it is on its way down toward the basket, or after the ball has hit the backboard and is in a downward trajectory towards the hoop.

Defensive basket interference is when a defender touches the rim or net while the ball is within or on the cylinder. However, if the defender touches only the net and does not affect the shot in any way, then basket interference is not called.

In both instances – goaltending and basket interference – the outcome is treated like a made basket: two points to the offense unless the shot came from behind the 3-point arc, and then it’s worth three points.

Previous 2024-25 Editions

Nov. 26: 11-Player Finals Replay - Listen
Nov. 19: 8-Player vs. 11-Player Football - Listen
Nov. 12: Back Row Setter - Listen
Nov. 5: Football OT - Listen
Oct. 29: Officials Registration - Listen
Oct. 22: Volleyball Serve - Listen
Oct. 15: "You Make the Call"
- Soccer Offside - Listen
Oct. 8: Roughing the Passer - Listen
Oct. 1: Abnormal Course Condition - Listen
Sept. 25: Tennis Nets - Listen
Sept. 18:
 Libero - Listen
Sept. 10:
 Cross Country Uniforms - Listen
Sept. 3: Soccer Handling - Listen
Aug. 24: Football Holding - Listen