Be the Referee: Field Goals
September 24, 2014
This week, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl explains a rule unique to high school football – what results at our level after a missed field goal attempt.
"Be the Referee" is designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating and to recruit officials. The segment can be heard on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the school year on The Drive With Jack Ebling on WVFN-AM, East Lansing.
Below is this week's segment - Field Goals - Listen
Today we are going to talk about one of the most unique rules to high school football, and it deals with field goals; in particular, what happens after a missed field goal.
Under high school rules, field goals are really treated just like punts. The only difference for the kicking team is that you can score three points if the ball goes through the uprights.
On a missed field goal that comes up well short, let’s say at the 5-yard line, and the ball either comes to a rest or rolls out of bounds at the 5, the new offense will take over first down and 10 at that 5-yard line. The only time the offense would take over at the 20 is if that missed field goal does break the plane of the goal line.
Never under high school rules would the team take over where the ball was kicked or originally snapped.
Past editions
Aug. 25 - Targeting - Listen
Sept. 4 - Concussions - Listen
Sept. 11 - Pass Interference - Listen
Sept 18 - Tackle Box - Listen
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