Nearly 1,000 Officials Converge in Grand Rapids for Officiate Michigan Day
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
August 5, 2026
GRAND RAPIDS – Nearly 1,000 MHSAA-registered officials – and some of the biggest names in officiating nationwide – attended Officiate Michigan Day on July 25 at DeVos Place.
Attendees enjoyed opportunities to hear football rules analyst and longtime official Mike Pereira and World Cup and Olympic soccer official Kari Seitz during the opening and closing addresses, respectively. They also took part in training sessions throughout the day including four that were sport-specific, with clinicians including several of the state’s highest-regarded officials at the high school level and some of the best-known at the collegiate and professional levels nationwide who grew up or reside in our state.
Above are highlights from the event and insights from several accomplished officials. Click for photos from throughout the day, from Adam Sheehan.
PHOTO Football rules analyst Mike Pereira speaks during the opening address at Officiate Michigan Day. (Photo by Adam Sheehan.)
Be the Referee: Ski Helmets
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
February 4, 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 – Ski Helmets - Listen
During a high school slalom competition, a skier completes their first run and discovers that their helmet chin guard has broken off. Before the second run, the skier attempts to use the same helmet, arguing that it is still functional despite the helmet’s chin guard being broken off.
Can the skier race in the helmet with no integral chin guard for their second slalom run?
No. According to MHSAA rules, helmets designed and manufactured for the particular discipline of ski racing must be used in competition. A helmet used for slalom must have an integral chin guard. A broken integral chin guard is not allowed in competition. Skiers and coaches should inspect equipment after each run to identify and address any issues, ensuring safety before returning to the course.
Previous 2024-25 Editions
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