Be the Referee: Toughest Call
November 16, 2017
In this week's edition, assistant director Mark Uyl explains why pass interference is the toughest call for our football officials to make.
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 – Toughest Call - Listen
At all levels of football, far and away the most difficult and controversial call to make is pass interference.
Pass interference can be challenging for officials because so much of it is based on judgment. Were the two players moving down the field making a legitimate play on the football; or did one of the two players initiate contact that created a disadvantaged situation for the opposing player?
Remember, when the ball is in the air, that both players – the offense and the defense – have an equal right to go for the football, making a legitimate play on it. But when that illegal contact occurs, that’s when the flag should come for pass interference.
Past editions
November 9: Hurdling - Listen
November 2: The Survey Says - Listen
October 26: Helmet Comes Off - Listen
October 19: Goal Line Rules - Listen
October 12: No 1st-Year Fee - Listen
October 5: Athletic Empty Nesters - Listen
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
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