What's My Why: Official Robert Williams
July 1, 2026
Robert Williams, Redford
Williams officiated 52 years total through his final football season in 2023, also contributing in basketball, baseball and softball during his highly-respected run. He received the MHSAA's Vern L. Norris Leadership in Officiating Award in 2011 for his contributions not only as one of the best on the field but to mentorship and education of officials, and multiple Norris winners since have recalled his support as they were beginning their own legendary careers making the call.
My dad was a coach, so there had to be some adversity in the house. So I had to become an official, but that actually helped me.
I loved officiating because of the fact that I’m with the kids, I can give back to the game, I’m right there – best seat in the house. You see the best games whenever you officiate, because the kids are there.
It’s just helping the kids out and helping the sports that you officiate.
“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 24: Will Godfrey, Jackson - Watch
June 19: Jarrett Skorup, Midland - Watch
June 12: Brady Driver, Sturgis - Watch
June 8: Cindy Tyzo, West Bloomfield - Watch
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: Registration - Part 1
December 1, 2016
This week, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl begins explaining the process for becoming a registered high school official.
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 – Registration - Part 1 - Listen
Today we are going to talk about how a person becomes an MHSAA registered official. Depending on the sport, that could mean a referee, umpire or judge.
The first step in the process is to contact the MHSAA and identify the sport or sports in which a person wants to become an official. The next step is to complete the MHSAA Officials Guidebook Exam.
The Officials Guidebook covers some of the basic elements and procedures that are necessary in becoming a sports official. Things such as game assignments, payment of game fees, playing rules and ejection protocols are covered in this first step of the process.
Past editions
Nov. 24: You Make the Call - Sleeper Play - Listen
Nov. 17: Automatic 1st Downs - Listen
Nov. 10: Uncatchable Pass - Listen
Nov. 3: The Goal Line - Listen
Oct. 27: Help Us Retain Officials - Listen
Oct. 20: Point After Touchdown - Listen
Oct. 13: Untimed Down - Listen
Oct. 6: Soccer Penalty Kick Change - Listen
Sept. 29: Preparation for Officials - Listen
Sept 22: You Make the Call: Returning Kickoffs - Listen
Sept. 15: Concussions - Listen
Sept 8: Equipment Covering the Knees - Listen
Sept. 1: Play Clock Experiment - Listen
Aug. 25: Clipping in the Free Blocking Zone - Listen