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: Equipment Responsibility
December 21, 2017
In this week's edition, assistant director Mark Uyl explains that coaches are responsible for making sure their players are properly equipped.
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 – Coaches Responsible for Equipment - Listen
Over the past decade, just about all new playing rules have tended to focus on improving the health and safety of those playing the game. In all sports, it’s the responsibility of the head coach to make sure that his or her players are properly equipped according to the rules of the game.
It’s generally one of the first things the official will ask the head coach before play begins. This can cover everything from bats in baseball and softball, to helmets and face masks in football or ice hockey, or to those sports where mouth guards are required. This is to ensure that each school and the head coach is taking responsibility when it comes to the equipment being worn and keeping those playing the game safe.
Past editions
December 14: Mentoring New Officials - Listen
December 7: Dive on the Floor - Listen
November 30: Wrestling Weight Monitoring - Listen
November 23: Ejections - Listen
November 16: Toughest Call - Listen
November 9: Hurdling - Listen
November 2: The Survey Says - Listen
October 26: Helmet Comes Off - Listen
October 19: Goal Line Rules - Listen
October 12: No 1st-Year Fee - Listen
October 5: Athletic Empty Nesters - Listen
September 28: Misunderstood Football Rules: Kicking - Listen
September 21: Preparation for Officials - Listen
September 14: Always Stay Registered - Listen
September 7: Other Football Rules Changes - Listen
August 31: Pop-Up Onside Kicks - Listen
August 24: Blindside Blocks - Listen