Be the Referee - Unique Kickoff Option
September 27, 2018
This week, MHSAA officials coordinator Sam Davis explains a little-known option unique to high school football regarding kickoffs.
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 – Unique Kickoff Option - Listen
Here’s a football rule you may not know about or have ever seen applied.
After a touchdown or a field goal, the opponent of the scoring team may designate which team kicks off. That’s right! The team just allowing the points can decide who will kick off.
Now why would a team want to do that? Strategically, a team may elect to pin the other team deep in its own end with its own kicker late in a close game rather than risk successfully receiving an onside kick.
Though it is not often used by teams, it is a very clever way to manage the game. I’m sure the national rules makers had other reasons, but now you know about a unique rule that’s unique to high school football.
Past editions
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
Be the Referee: Video Review Success
December 5, 2019
This week, MHSAA assistant director Brent Rice discusses the video review utilized for the first time at last weekend's Football Finals, and how it was successful.
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 - Video Review Success - Listen
For the first time in MHSAA history, video review was utilized to confirm or correct judgment calls on the field for our Football Finals. While there is always some apprehension when adding new technologies to sports, the MHSAA’s approach to a limited replay process, reviewing only those plays that involved turnovers or scores, proved to be a terrific success.
There were a few instances where very close but consequential plays were overturned. However, the biggest confirmation replay provided was something we already knew – that is, that MHSAA officials are putting in hard work and dedication and getting the vast majority of their plays correct in real-time live action.
When needed though, competent replay officials were right on top of the situation to correct the plays without challenges, without controversy and with very little delay in the process.
Past editions
Nov. 28: More Injury Time - Listen
Nov. 21: Football Review - Listen
Nov. 14: Sideline Safety - Listen
Nov. 7: Officials Playlist - Listen
Oct. 31: Most Important Line - Listen
Oct. 24: Automatic 1st Downs - Listen
Oct. 17: Catch Momentum - Listen
Oct. 10: Golf Rules Changes - Listen
Oct. 3: No Tackle Box - Listen
Sept. 26: You Make the Overtime Call - Listen
Sept. 19: Swimming Finishing Touch - Listen
Sept. 12: Curbing Gamesmanship By Substitution - Listen
Sept. 5: Football Safety Rules Changes - Listen
Aug. 29: 40-Second Play Clock - Listen