Be the Referee: Video Review - Part 1
January 8, 2015
This week, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl explains the use of video replay during MHSAA tournament events.
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 Part 1 - Listen
Over the past decade, the biggest change in all sports at the collegiate and professional levels, has been the expanded use of instant replay – or video review – relative to officiating decisions.
At the high school level, video review is currently used in two sports – ice hockey and basketball; is only used for the final two rounds of the MHSAA Tournament - Semifinals and Finals; and is allowed in very limited circumstances.
In ice hockey, video review can be used to determine whether or not a goal has or has not been scored and if it was scored before time expires; and in basketball, as time expires in the fourth quarter or overtime, video can be used to determine if the shot has gotten off in time and if the try was a two-point or three-point attempt.
Past editions
Dec. 17 - Registration Part 2 - Listen
Dec. 10 - Registration Part 1 - Listen
Dec. 3 - Legacy Program - Listen
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
Be the Referee: Illegal Softball Bats
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
May 7, 2025
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 – Illegal Softball Bats - Listen
In softball… what happens when a player uses an illegal bat?
First, an illegal bat is one not on the list approved for play. Legal bats are on the list and properly stamped.
If a player enters the batter’s box with an illegal bat, the batter is automatically out and the head coach receives a warning.
If it happens a second time, the batter is out, and both the player and coach are restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game.
How is an illegal bat identified during the course of play?
Someone from the opposing team can ask to have the bat checked – or the umpire can check a bat if he or she suspects it’s not on the approved list.
Previous 2024-25 Editions
April 30: Golf Relief - Listen
April 22: Soccer Scoring Area Penalty - Listen
April 15: Fair or Foul? - Listen
April 8: Girls Lacrosse New Stoppage Rule - Listen
April 1: Base Runner Interference - Listen
March 25: Pine Tar Usage - Listen
March 11: Basketball Replay - Listen
March 4: Gymnastics Deduction - Listen
Feb. 25: Competitive Cheer Inversion - Listen
Feb. 18: Ice Hockey Delay of Game - Listen
Feb. 11: Ski Helmets - Listen
Feb. 4: Wrestling In Bounds or Out? - Listen
Jan. 21: Block or Charge? - Listen
Jan. 14: Out of Bounds, In Play - Listen
Jan. 7: Wrestling Scoring - Listen
Dec. 17: Bowling Ball Rules - Listen
Dec. 10: Neck Laceration Protector - Listen
Dec. 3: Basketball Goaltending - Listen
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
PHOTO This bat is legal and stamped to show it, including with a sticker of approval after being tested at the MHSAA Finals.