Be the Referee: Legacy Program
December 4, 2014
This week, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl dicusses the Legacy Program, which helps in the recruitment of officials from among current high school students.
"Be the Referee" is designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating and to recruit officials. The segment can be heard on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the school year on The Drive With Jack Ebling on WVFN-AM, East Lansing.
Below is this week's segment - Legacy Program - Listen
Today we are going to talk about recruitment. Specifically the recruitment of new officials into the world of school sports.
One of the best ways for young people to get involved is through the MHSAA Legacy official program. This is open to any high school junior or senior who is interested in sports and officiating.
The Legacy official is paired with a Mentor official. That Mentor official is an established, veteran official for many years. The Legacy and Mentor official both go out and officiate together at the sub-varsity level, where that new person learns the rules, mechanics, coverages, and basically is learning the ropes of officiating from that Mentor official and getting them off on the right foot in the world of officiating.
Past editions
Nov. 26 - Sideline Management - Listen
Nov. 19 - 7-Person Mechanics - Listen
Nov. 12 - Blocking Below the Waist - Listen
Nov. 5 - Tournament Selection - Listen
Oct. 29 - Uncatchable Pass - Listen
Oct. 22 - Preparation for Officials - Listen
Oct. 15 - Automatic First Downs - Listen
Oct. 8 - Officials & Injuries - Listen
Oct. 1 - Overtime - Listen
Sept. 25 - Field Goals - Listen
Sept. 18 - Tackle Box - Listen
Sept. 11 - Pass Interference - Listen
Aug. 25 - Targeting - Listen
What's My Why: Official Murray Rose
May 26, 2026
Murray Rose, Zeeland
After a wrestling coaching career that began in 1985-86 and stretched over 31 years, Rose immediately became a wrestling official with the start of the 2017-18 season. He remains ranked ninth for coaching wins in the sport after building a 767-167-2 record at Allegan, where he led teams to two Finals championships.
After 30 years of coaching wrestling, I decided to become a wrestling official. My wife asked me, “Why would you ever want to do that?”
I said the answer is simple: I’m a wrestling guy. It’s what I do. It’s been my passion my whole life. It’s time for me to give back to the sport that’s given so much to me through the year.
Think about it. I get to work out, get paid and have fun, all at the same time. I get to be in the middle of the action, and I get the best seat in the house. I get to shake hands with thousands of student-athletes, coaches, and I get to make hundreds of new officiating friends.
For me, officiating is a way of life – and it’s been a wild ride for nine years now. I encourage all of you young men and women out there to jump on this officiating train and challenge yourself – because I want you to have as much fun officiating as I am.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
Don't miss Officiate Michigan Day 2026, July 25 in Grand Rapids! Check out MHSAA.com/OMD to register and learn more.
What's My Why
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch