Officiate Michigan Day Goes Virtual for 2021
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
August 3, 2021
The first two Officiate Michigan Day events in 2013 and 2018 gave hundreds of Michigan game officials opportunities to come together for education and camaraderie, something tough to replicate for an Officiate Michigan Day III to be hosted virtually this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But a series of 26 views posted to the MHSAA's YouTube feed this week instead already have been watched nearly 1,400 times, with the ability to reach hundreds more dedicated to honing their craft.
As in years past, these OMD videos offer speakers and panel discussions and address general officiating topics and also sport-specific subjects. Below is the first of those 26 videos, addressing associations and helping officials reach their goals. Or, click for the playlist in its entirety: Officiate Michigan Day.
Be the Referee: Volleyball Libero Uniforms
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
November 18, 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 – Volleyball Libero Uniforms - Listen
Before the match begins, a volleyball team takes the court wearing super-stylish, brand-new jerseys. The libero is in a bright neon top, but two other teammates also have the same neon sleeves.
At first glance, it looks like multiple liberos are on the floor. As the referee, you must check carefully: Under current NFHS uniform rules, the libero’s jersey must clearly contrast from all other teammates in color, design, and trim.
Accessories like sleeves or leggings are permitted, but they cannot confuse the identification of the libero. In this case, because the libero’s jersey color is the same as teammates’ sleeve color, the contrast is not sufficient, and the coach must correct it before play begins.
This ensures quick identification for substitutions, scoring, and libero actions.
Previous 2025-26 editions
Nov. 11: Illegal Substitution/Participation - Listen
Nov. 4: Losing a Shoe - Listen
Oct. 28: Unusual Soccer Goals - Listen
Oct. 21: Field Hockey Penalty Stroke - Listen
Oct. 14: Tennis Double Hit - Listen
Oct. 7: Safety in Football - Listen
Sept. 30: Field Hockey Substitution - Listen
Sept 23: Multiple Contacts in Volleyball - Listen
Sept. 16: Soccer Penalty Kick - Listen
Sept. 9: Forward Fumble - Listen
Sept. 2: Field Hockey Basics - Listen
Aug. 26: Golf Ball Bounces Out - Listen