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
Be the Referee: Uniform Safety
December 13, 2018
This week, MHSAA Assistant Director Brent Rice explains how player uniform rules in basketball make the game safer.
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 Uniform Safety - Listen
As the basketball season comes into full swing, we want to take a quick look at some topics that have been at the forefront for schools and officials.
Our primary focus is always the safety of our student-athletes. And while some of the uniform requirements are technical in nature, a point of emphasis this year concentrates on the potential hazards that loose strings and extensions can create.
Rolled waistbands have been interpreted as legal as long as there are no exposed drawstrings and they comply with logo restrictions. Players may wear headbands composed of a soft material. These can be tied as long as any loose extensions or tails are tucked back into the headband. Because they wrap around the entire head, headbands are distinguished from hair-control devices, which have their own requirements and restrictions.
Past editions
December 6: Coaching Box Expansion - Listen
November 29: Video Review, Part 2 - Listen
November 22: Video Review, Part 1 - Listen
November 15: You Make the Call - Sleeper Play - Listen
November 8: 7-Person Football Crews - Listen
November 1: Overtime Differences - Listen
October 25: Trickery & Communication - Listen
October 18: Punts & Missed Field Goals - Listen
October 11: What Officials Don't Do - Listen
October 4: Always 1st-and-Goal - Listen
September 27: Unique Kickoff Option - Listen
September 20: Uncatchable Pass - Listen
September 13: Soccer Rules Change - Listen
September 6: You Make the Call: Face Guarding - Listen
August 30: 40-Second Play Clock - Listen
August 23: Football Rules Changes - Listen