What's My Why: Official Cindy Tyzo
June 8, 2026
Cindy Tyzo, West Bloomfield
Tyzo is one of what surely are only a handful of officials who have been registered for two MHSAA-sponsored sports since their first seasons as part of the championship lineup. She's is completing her 33rd year overall after first registering for the inaugural season of competitive cheer in 1993-94, and she also officiated the first season of MHSAA field hockey this past fall.
Tyzo also just completed her eighth season officiating girls lacrosse.
I love officiating because I love working with the young people and providing the opportunity for them to do the sport that they love. Because without officials, there's not game.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
Don't miss Officiate Michigan Day 2026, July 25 in Grand Rapids! Check out MHSAA.com/OMD to register and learn more.
What's My Why
June 3: Jeff Spedoske, DeWitt - Watch
June 1: Mike Carrier, Commerce Township - Watch
May 27: Stan Wright, Warren - Watch
May 26: Murray Rose, Zeeland - Watch
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch
Be the Referee: Swim Turn Judges
By
Sam Davis
MHSAA Director of Officials
November 8, 2022
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 – Swim Turn Judges - Listen
Did you know the officials in swimming do more than make sure everyone dives in at the same time?
Each race has a turn judge who is positioned in line with the end wall. Their job is to make sure each swimmer is executing the proper stroke during his or her turn.
For example, if you are swimming the individual medley and are in the backstroke lap, you must turn while using the backstroke. You can’t go into the breaststroke while turning. If you do, the turn judge will signal to the referee by placing one hand overhead with an open palm, and then report it to the referee after the conclusion of the race.
The referee will then decide if the turn was legal or if the swimmer should be disqualified.
Previous Editions:
Oct. 25: Soccer Referee Jersey Colors - Listen
Oct. 18: Cross Country Tie-Breaker - Listen
Oct. 11: Soccer Shootouts - Listen
Oct. 11: Safety in End Zone - Listen
Oct. 4: Football Overtime Penalty - Listen
Sept. 27: Kickoff Goal - Listen
Sept. 20: Soccer Timing - Listen
Sept. 13: Volleyball Replays - Listen
Sept. 6: Switching Sides - Listen
Aug. 30: Play Clock - Listen
Aug. 23: Intentional Grounding Change - Listen