The former NCAA coordinator of women’s basketball officials is the 2025 recipient of officiating’s highest honor.
40 MAKING A MARK
MLB softens tattoo rule allowing Scott Barry to honor his late wife.
56 NOW WHAT?
Unforeseen speed bumps can test our patience and creativity. Here’s how to deal with officiating’s unique set of stressors.
78 CONCENTRAITS
Mind your inner voice, sharpen your focus.
ON THE COVER
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Officiating experience: Club and high school volleyball official
COLUMNS
18 FOOTBALL
Gathering Momentum: Keys to Ruling on an Important Exception; Motion Changes Keys; Prep Game Night; Touchback Signal; (Don’t Be) Caught Off Guard
34 SOCCER
Challenge Wisely: Video Review Leads 2025-26 NCAA Rule Changes; Tips to Keep in Your Toolbox; On the Line; NCAA ’24 Protest Review
44 BASKETBALL
You Can’t Touch This: NFHS Addresses Several Goaltending Scenarios; Get a Grip?
50 VOLLEYBALL
Game’s On the Line: Use Prematch to Gauge Line Judges’ Abilities; Center of Attention; Informal Information
62 BASEBALL
Get It in Writing: Accurate Info Helps Avoid Confrontational Situations; ‘But He Already Scored!’; Mirror, Mirror
70 SOFTBALL
Know Before You Go: Pregame Preparation Prepares Partners; Line Judge; 5MW Philip Freels; Give Me a Reason
80 ALL SPORTS
It’s Your Move: Tips for Building a Schedule, Getting Seen and Advancing; Hurtin’ for Certain?; Call the Game, Not Your Mood
4 PUBLISHER’S MEMO A Bump, A Nudge or a Brush?
12 THE GAG RULE Letters: ‘Standards Fix’; Snap Shot: Dust Up
14 THE NEWS Longtime IHSAA Executive Saggau Dies; Proposal to Ban ‘Tush Push’ Fails; N.Y. Official Fighting for Youth Officials
68 GETTING IT RIGHT
Iowa Continues Cooper’s Legacy; Parents Pitch in for Umpire; Indigenous Officials Make History
76 PROFILES
Hawthorne ‘Calls It All’; Double Rookie; 2,500 and Counting
84 FOR THE RECORD
NCAA D-II and D-III Basketball Tournament Officials; WNBA Officiating Roster
86 LAW
Eligible for Trouble; Sticking to Contractual Duties Reduces Legal Risks; External Disruption? Let Site Management Handle It
87 CLASSIFIEDS Camps/Clinics/Schools; Equipment/Apparel; Leadership Resources; Training Resources
888 LAST CALL
How Many Wins Do You Have?: “As we dress and talk about plays from the game, I hope my partners realize they won, too.”
SOCCER HIGHLIGHT THIS MONTH
College coaches will be able to initiate video review challenges on plays that are perceived as fighting or violent behavior thanks to a new NCAA rule for the 2025-26 season.
Carmelina Infante Long Beach, Calif.
PUBLISHER’S MEMO
A Bump, a Nudge or a Brush?
Roughly every two weeks, our team of editors meets for breakfast at the Racine Country Club. During each meeting, the team gets to chow down and then bring story ideas to the table for a full discussion on what to develop and what to dispose of.
At a recent meeting, the entire group got into a very animated discussion about an important topic: the writing and submission of postgame reports. The conversation was launched after one of the team members mentioned how he had seen an official get bumped during a game, but the incident was not included in any postgame report.
Many around the table are currently active officials. Quickly, it became clear that most drew a hard line on what must be included in postgame reports. I wanted to play devil’s advocate. Let me.
In the case of the bumping incident, I wondered if it was actually a “bump,” or was it a “nudge” or was it a “brush.” The official involved is really the only one who can choose the term that fits. If the official is clearly and purposely bumped, then that must be penalized and included in the postgame report. At the same time, one could determine that what happened was not a “bump” but a “brush.” In that case, does such need to be called out in the postgame report? I don’t think so generally, but the context does matter — was it accidental or intentional? Was the “brush” a way of flipping you off?
You could accuse me of just parsing words, but then that is the business I am in. I am trying to provide you with words that will help you make informed decisions, especially when dealing with physical-contact incidents that involve you. Not every intentional physical contact you encounter needs to be laid out in a postgame report. Example: football game — a coach is animated, jumping up and down, runs down the sideline
and puts hands on you solely to get your attention. You deem it a non-malicious “touch-up” versus a “tantrum.” No report is needed. But most intentional physical contact must be reported.
Look, there are so many times when we handle things during a game in small and fairly quiet ways. That is an attribute of being an accepted and respected official. It comes with experience. Those with that experience find ways to keep the game within acceptable boundaries. They never make things worse by what they do or don’t do. They are guided by the mantra: “Pour no gasoline.”
Thus, that skill allows those officials to “take care of business” while being smart and informed about what to report. Not everything goes into a postgame report. Yes, fulfill the stated requirements of those reports, but don’t use them as a hammer. Don’t use them to vent your frustration. Heck, once in a while, you might even use a postgame report to issue a mea-culpa for something that you did during a game. Hmmm, now there’s a thought.
Finally, here are a couple of strong recommendations for you: First, if you have a stated obligation with your assignment to file a postgame report under certain circumstances, file the damned postgame report. Don’t use some lame excuse like “I don’t want to do the extra paperwork.” Phooey. Second, do not underreport a situation because you are worried a full rendering might harm your schedule. Do not go there. Stand up for officiating. Yes, you can soften your language when, upon reflection, it is a reasonable option. That in itself is an officiating judgment call, isn’t it? Such judgment calls take strength of character, just like the ones we make during a game.
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Innovative, Inclusive and Local Growth Manager Mid-Year Highlights
The Officiating Growth Managers have been focused on recruiting and retaining a diverse group of officials in their sections. They have been collaborating with fellow officials, section volunteers and staff, as well as national staff to create innovative and sustainable initiatives. Below are a few highlights from each Growth Manager. Feel free to contact a local Growth Manager on any potential recruitment or retention opportunities in your area.
Growth Manager Summary:
USTA Southern
Aaron Harris
1. 600 Certified Official Milestone! First time since 2018
2. USTA Southern Training Initiative - All four L3 Sectionals in June had coaches present
3. Attended the Charleston Open in April to recruit some new prospects
USTA Eastern and USTA New England
Joan McShane
1. Attended Jack and Jill of America Teen Conference, Philadelphia, PA
2. Presented at New England High School Coaches Events in VT, NH, CT & MA
3. TD Training event at NTC with on-court live demonstrations with ELC
USTA Intermountain and USTA Southwest
Brett Haberstick
1. Hosted three appreciation dinners in Salt Lake City, Boise, and Bozeman. More planned in
New Mexico and Arizona.
2. Over 185 certified officials across both sections
USTA Texas
Jesse Ruiz
1. Presented to three high school varsity tennis teams in South Texas
a. One high school has an officiating class where students/athletes are able to attain certifications in various sports, including tennis
2. Attended a Pride Month event with the Erica Nelson-Flowers | Texas Section Director of DEI b. Present at the event were the Dallas CTA Executive Director, the Oak Lawn Tennis Association Executive Director and various volunteers
USTA Southern California and USTA Hawaii Pacific Ken Grassel
1. XX 2. XX
USTA Missouri Valley and USTA Northern Micah Matthews
1. Battle of the Sections” March 27th
a. USTA Northern and USTA Missouri Valley officials battled against USTA New England and USTA Eastern officials over the rules of tennis.
2. “Prepare, Practice, Perform” Two Pilots
a. Kansas City hosted a training weekend from May 16th to 18th, and Oklahoma City held a training weekend from May 30th to June 1st. b. Training included two hours of on-court prep training Friday night, followed by eight hours of on-court practicing and conversational debriefs. Sunday wrapped up the weekend with their final knowledge check.
Photo captions: xxxx
Officiating Award Spotlight
Robert "Robin" Okubo Receives the Perry Hines Officials of the
Robert “Robin” Okubo, from Gig Harbor, Washington, received the 2024 Perry Hines Official of the Year award from the Pacific Northwest Tennis Officials Association. Robin has been certified as a USTA official
Year
since 2007 and was recognized for his dedicated tennis umpiring year-round. He was presented the award after officiating the NCAA D1 Women’s Tennis Championships at the University of Washington.
Balance Finder
Last night, you officiated the worst match of your season. You were irritable on your drive back home and snapped at your spouse as you walked in the door. You then proceed directly to the computer, where you begin to fill out online reports about the problems you encountered. After 40 minutes, you emerge, grab a small bite to eat and get to bed. You couldn't sleep because it was all you could think about. You are exhausted as you head out the door to work and have another match that night.
You have done a poor job of separating your officiating from your personal life. When you find it creeping into your home life, work, or friendships, it's time to reassess and take charge.
Keep it on the court.
Frustration is inevitable in officiating. It could be with a site manager, player or coach. However, leaving that frustration behind when you return home will lead to a better home life. If you need to vent after a bad match, call an officiating buddy on your way home, but do not make your spouse or children pay for the abusive conduct you took from a player all night. Learn to put it behind you.
Keep it in perspective.
If you have one bad match or a couple, it is not the end of the world. It just feels like it is. And only to you. Everyone makes mistakes or has bad matches. If you never make mistakes
or have bad matches, you will never learn and become a better official.
Officiate in the present.
The only thing you are in control of is the present. Right here. Right now. Not yesterday’s match or the call you made one hour ago. No one can go back and change the past. Dwelling on it keeps negative feelings alive, and thinking too much about the future creates unnecessary anxiety. Conversely, do not take the
stress from a hard day at work onto the court with you. Disconnect the wiring leading to those hot buttons.
Look to others who have found a balance.
If you see others you officiate with who have found a balance between their personal, professional and officiating lives, talk to those people. Find out what has worked for them and how you can apply it to your officiating.
Game, Set, Rules: Questions
See answers on page 10.
Scenario A
Singles match, played on a doubles court with singles sticks. According to the ITF Rules of Tennis, the following are all considered permanent fixtures, except:
A. Scoring device
B. Singles sticks
C. Backstops
D. Doubles post
Scenario B
At a USTA-sanctioned event, a person associated with the player keeps changing ends when the players change ends. There appears to be prolonged communication being exchanged, but you can’t determine what is being said.
How do you handle it the first time? How do you handle it the second time?
Reach Out!
Submit your question about a USTA Regulation or ITF Rule scenario and it may be featured in an upcoming edition. Click on the red box below.
Please note that submitting a question does not guarantee it will be answered.
Valuable Values
Officials who follow a set of values, in addition to the rules and mechanics of their sports, are more respected and sought after than those who don’t. Here are six values for consideration:
Be flexible.
Flexible means “pliable, not rigid and responsive to, or readily adjustable to changing conditions.” The games have changed in many ways over the years. Rules, mechanics and signals have been altered. You must keep up with the times.
You have heard the phrase, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” However, many veteran officials have changed their style and mechanics to keep current. Be flexible in your officiating. Work to adopt modern techniques designed to improve coverage. It may be difficult, but old dogs do learn new tricks.
Be impartial.
Impartial means “unbiased, equitable and not favoring one more than another.” Do not officiate any game in which you have an affiliation with either team.
If you miss a call, it is probably because you were not concentrating. Do not let it eat at you or your concentration will be on your error and not on the play at hand. Bear down and get your mind back in the game. Teams quickly forgive players who make mistakes. Officials are rarely afforded that consideration.
Be reliable.
Reliable is defined as “suitable or fit to be relied on and trustworthy.” You will quickly gain respect from your peers when they know they can rely on you. Reliability means accepting matches when possible, arriving at the match site on time and having a good pregame.
You will become accepted when coaches and players know they can rely on you to manage their game fairly and impartially. It is satisfying to hear, “Good. We have Mary tonight. She always gives us a good effort.”
Be supportive.
Support is defined as “to uphold by
aid or countenance and to take the side of, especially in a dispute.”
Be tolerant.
Tolerant means “inclined to tolerate, forbearing and capable of enduring.” Officials must be tolerant. In volatile situations, you must gain control as quickly as possible. Your tolerance will be tested. Try to understand why the player is arguing. Perhaps he or she did not see something or does not understand the rule. Often, a quick explanation will calm the player down to the point at which you can have a normal discussion.
During an argument, be aware of your body language. Avoid rolling your eyes or looking up in the air. The best officials are not only good at calling lines, foot faults and unsporting conduct, they have the people skills to defuse tense situations.
Be approachable.
Approachable is defined as “capable of being approached” and “accessible.” Are you approachable? How well do you communicate with players and other officials?
You must expect confrontations. You will be challenged on rule decisions. Be prepared.
Remember, the player may have a legitimate complaint. Do not tell a coach, “Don’t come out here on that call,” or, “Don’t argue a rule you don’t know.”
Conduct the discussion with dignity. Though the player may be screaming, remain calm. Do not lower yourself to the level of an out-of-control player’s behavior. It is preferable to respond rather than react to the player’s comments.
Think about the values described here and how they will help you reach your goals in officiating. Developing good values makes you a better official and a better person.
Spirit of Officiating Recognition Program
Has one of your fellow officials gone above and beyond at an event?
Nominate them for the Spirit of Officiating Recognition Program! Officials continually go above and beyond their responsibilities while creating the ultimate tennis experience for players, parents, and fellow officials. We encourage you to nominate each other for going above and beyond at events with our Spirit of Officiating Recognition Program.
Nominations should be specific and based on witnesses' actions:
“When I worked at ____ event, this official had a car and voluntarily stayed and waited to give other Officials rides.”
“Last week at ___ event, this official watched my matches and gave me feedback.”
Florida
Joseph Goyette
Susan Jennings
Middle States
Marvin Hill
Glen Meyer
New England
Adrian Salgado
Northern
Lisa Mushett
Northern California
Steve Peterson
Pacific Northwest
Camilla George
Holly Weyhrauch
Southern
Deanna Garretson
Andy Jackson
John Oliver
Mark Rambeau
Southern California
Teri Cohn
Igor Privorotskiy
Michael Recasner
Betty Rojas
Kimberly-Brooke Swann
Tugce Varol
Southwest
Mei Hand
Annie Moncada
Texas
Rebecca Stoain
Nominate Officials Here
Spirit of Officiating: Charles Smith
QUICK FACTS
Name: Charles Smith
Section: Missouri Valley (Oklahoma)
Certification(s): Roving Umpire
Tier 1, Referee Tier 2, Chair Umpire
Tier 2, Chief Umpire Tier 1, USTA
Certified Official
Game, Set, Rules:
Answers from page 8.
Scenario A Answer:
B - Singles sticks are not permanent fixtures. If, during play, the ball hits the singles sticks and lands in the correct court, play continues. However, if a ball served hits a singles stick and lands in the correct service box, it is a fault.
Scenario B Answer:
The roving umpire should speak to the player, letting them know that further prolonged communication may be considered coaching and the player would receive a code violation. The next time it occurs, the roving umpire would issue a code violation, coaching, point penalty.
When did you first become an official?
I started doing the online classes from the USTA in 2017. I took as many as I could, then started out as a roving umpire in the fall. I also took the online and in-person classes for roving, chair, line, referee, and chief. I wanted to learn as much as I could as quickly as possible.
What is your favorite part of officiating events in your section?
I really enjoy working the lowerlevel tournaments; the L-5, L-6, and L-7 tournaments. The players and the parents are not aware of many of the USTA rules. I take the opportunity to teach the players how to behave and teach the parents how they need to interact appropriately with their aspiring athletes. I have observed that if I can teach these things at this level, when the players reach an L-3 or higher, there are no on-court issues with players or parents.
What is your most memorable moment in officiating?
I have been working the USTA National L-1 girls 16 and 18 tournaments for the past couple of years. My second year there, I was selected by the tournament referee to be the official on the “Stadium” court. I really enjoyed that and took pictures to share with my wife and family.
What is a fun fact most officials don’t know about you?
My wife and I have 8 children and 24 grandchildren. Like most families, these kids and grandkids are scattered across America. I sign up to work pro tournaments, college tennis matches, and USTA tournaments that are near where some of my family is. That gives me the opportunity to see them and
do what I love (tennis) at the same time.
What does being part of the officiating family mean to you?
We have a very strong team of officials in Oklahoma. I was mentored by some of the best in the country. I have also helped to develop many young men and women who have become a part of our officiating family. We develop a closeness to one another that is very much akin to brothers and sisters. I have personally been helped through personal issues by many of my friends. I hope I have been instrumental in helping some others when they face personal issues that has included serious illnesses and family issues. We genuinely care and look out for each other.
How has officiating helped you grow as a person?
One of the best lessons of officiating is learning how to listen and respond to someone who is upset and sometimes loudly critical of something that has happened on the court. I have learned that patience is one of the greatest virtues we can have. Officiating has provided me the opportunity to grow my own capacity for patience.
What advice do you have for a new official?
The game is not about you. Tennis is about athletes and/or friends playing a game. Our only input to this game should be to make sure it is played by the rules that are a part of this game. Don’t look for ways to insert yourself in their game, find ways to minimize your impact on their play.
THE GAG RULE
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
‘Standards Fix’
After reading “Standards” (Letter to the Editor, 3/25), I suggest two fixes for the numerous issues raised:
Game times and cost. These challenges discourage officiating high school sports and significantly reduce the pool of officials they attract.
Fix: Offer game fees that demonstrate a value and respect for the level of desirable officials. It does not have to match corporate CEO levels, but significantly over federal minimum wage would help.
Administrative state. Preseason video requirements are almost a complete waste of time due to content largely being irrelevant to officials.
Fix: Design a streamlined, targeted and applicable training for officials only. If we are to play a part in addressing the risks out there, we need the relevant training, not training designed for teams, coaches and managers.
We need to advocate for these changes forcefully and loudly. We can do it!
Jonny Joseph Los Angeles
GIVE US A BREAK
During the eighth inning of a 4-3 victory over the New York Yankees on May 5 in the Bronx, San Diego Padres right fi elder Fernando Tatis Jr. and manager Mike Shildt were both ejected. Tatis Jr. struck out swinging and voiced frustration with home plate umpire Adrian Johnson. After he was ejected, Shildt approached home plate while throwing his lineup card, pen and glasses. He was subsequently ejected. First-base umpire Quinn Wolcott joined Johnson, and thirdbase coach Tim Leiper escorted Shildt to the dugout.
SOURCE: ESPN
SNAP SHOT
dust up
Bang-bang plays can be difficult enough to rule in plain view. Imagine looking through a cloud of dust like Paul Morines, Lake Forest, Calif., had to do in order to make this safe ruling during an April game.
“Well, I think there’s a lot of room for improvement there. I think particularly in the offi ciating. I’ve kind of noticed a little bit of a difference on [May 4], it looks like they’re really offi ciating the game like it should be offi ciated.”
— Caitlin Clark’s father, Brent, during a May interview with ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe after being asked what he learned about the WNBA during his daughter’s rookie season
SURVEY SAYS
Are your school year and sports seasons starting earlier in your area than in previous years?
32 %
68 % YES NO
SOURCE:
THE NEWS
Longtime IHSAA Executive Saggau Dies
Bernie Saggau, the longest-tenured executive director in the history of the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), died May 9 at age 96 in Sarasota, Fla. Saggau led the IHSAA from 1967-2005 and his impact on the association is still felt today.
Saggau was born May 18, 1928, and grew up in Denison, Iowa. He attended and played sports at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, becoming one of the first inductees into their athletic hall of fame. It was also in college where he became a basketball and football official. In the early 1950s, he was the youngest referee at the Iowa state boys’ basketball tournament and would have a long career refereeing both basketball and football at the collegiate level. He officiated both sports in the Big Eight and Missouri Valley conferences until the age of 50, later serving as the Big Eight’s commissioner of officials for seven years. Prior to arriving at the IHSAA in October 1963, Saggau worked as an Iowa teacher, coach, official, school administrator and in private business.
One of Saggau’s first major decisions after becoming the IHSAA’s chief executive was to move the state
THE WIRE
SWAC Coordinator of Officials Kelley Dies
Eddie Kelley, Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) football coordinator of officials, died May 22.He was 65. Kelley had been coordinator of officials for the SWAC since 2019. During his onfield career, Kelley was a SWAC referee, having officiated five conference championships
wrestling tournament from Waterloo to Des Moines, which led the event to become a star attraction that routinely drew sellout crowds. He helped establish a football playoff system in 1972, which he said was a move that saved the sport. At one time, 80 percent of Iowa school administrators were against a postseason. He also developed basketball classifications, and he led Iowa to become the first state to use the three-point shot in basketball. He helped develop the nation’s largest state wrestling and track meets, created the Iowa Hall of Pride and moved the state tournaments to Iowa’s best venues. In 1989, he prioritized student-athlete health with wellness and substance abuse coordinator positions that launched the nation’s first wrestling weight management programs. Iowa also became the first state to introduce sportsmanship awards under his leadership, emphasizing character as highly as competition.
“Bernie was the greatest visionary that I’ve ever worked with,” Rick Wulkow, who succeeded Saggau in 2005, told the Des Moines Register
Saggau chaired the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee for eight years and served on the NFHS Football Rules Committee for 25 years. He also spent time as the NFHS board president in 1989-90. He
See “Saggau” p.17
and the Bayou Classic — the annual rivalry game between Grambling State and Southern University — three times. Kelley also worked in the Pac-12 and Southland conferences.
Check Swing Challenge System Coming to Minors
MLB has begun experimenting with bat-tracking technology to call check swings in the Single-A Florida State League. The
Proposal to Ban ‘Tush Push’ Fails
One particular play, and a rule proposal to address its legality, received much attention during the NFL Annual Meeting in March in Palm Beach, Fla., and the NFL Spring League Meeting in May in Minneapolis. Commonly referred to as the “tush push,” this offensive strategy resembling a rugby scrum has teammates leveraging assistance from each other in short-yardage situations. The play has been popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles in recent years, but has been implemented by offensive units across the league and has experienced decent success rates.
The 2025 Playing Rule Proposal No. 5A read: “No offensive player may push or pull a runner in any direction at any time or lift him to his feet.” Pulling a runner at any time is already illegal, but the pushing and lifting elements of the language would have been new had the proposal passed. The reasons cited for the proposal included player safety and pace of play.
The proposal was tabled
See “Tush Push” p.16
system, which was first tested in the Arizona Fall League last year, is designed to provide a definition of what constitutes an actual swing; currently, the Official Baseball Rules do not define a swing beyond a pitch that “is struck at by the batter.” Using the same Hawk-Eye System as the automated ball-strike system (ABS), a swing is called when the head of the bat moves ahead of its knob by more than
45 degrees. Anything less than that is considered a non-swing. Each team has one Check Swing Challenge per game and retains the challenge if successful.
NHL Referee Injured After Taking Stick to the Face
NHL referee Chris Rooney received stitches above his eye after taking an inadvertent stick to the face during Game 7 of a second-round matchup
N.Y. Official Fighting for Youth Officials
CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. — Town Supervisor Phil Barrett of Clifton Park, N.Y., is urging lawmakers in his state to carve out an exemption for individuals under 14 to work as referees and umpires.
Barrett’s plea comes after the New York State Department of Labor fined a local sports organization approximately $7,000 after an audit earlier this year uncovered the league was paying youth under 14 to work as referees, umpires or field judges.
Current laws in New York carve out exemptions for working under 14 only for modeling, performing, newspaper delivery and farm work, Barrett said in a public statement. But youth leagues have been employing individuals under 14 for officiating for years — and losing those young officials will have a huge impact on the ability to have officials for games, he said.
“If the Department of Labor in New York state has decided they’re going to take action to eliminate what has been a normal course of action for decades, it will severely hamper the ability of youth sports organizations to provide the same opportunities for competitive play that they have historically offered,” Barrett said.
Barrett requested that the
THE WIRE
between the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Early in the second period, Rooney was in the corner near Florida defenseman Niko Mikkola and Toronto right winger Mitch Marner when Mikkola’s stick hit him in the face. Rooney immediately fell to the ice; he received medical attention and was able to leave the ice under his own power. He was replaced by standby official Garrett Rank for the rest of the game. Rooney, who sustained a black eye and received stitches, returned 11 days later for Game 4
Department of Labor return the money collected in fines — and they did so.
“I would like to thank the Department of Labor for reaching a common-sense decision and returning the money collected in fines back to at least one organization,” he said. “$7,000 is a significant sum of money for a youth sports organization. I am hopeful there will now be additional momentum to move forward with the legislative remedy that would add an employment exemption and solve this issue once and for all.”
Barrett is urging state lawmakers to get behind Assembly Bill A5993, which permits minors in New York as young as 12 to be employed as a referee, umpire or official at a youth sporting event.
“Let these organizations operate as they have for decades, lawfully,” he said.
At press time, the bill was still in committee.
Barrett said there had been some opposition from people who wouldn’t allow individuals under 14 to officiate. “My answer to that is: That’s a family decision,” he said, noting his own children worked as sports officials years ago.
of the Western Conference finals between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars.
Boxing Referee Viciously Attacked After Fight
A boxing referee was brutally beaten after the end of a boxing match May 17 at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
After referee Smaylin Valdez raised the hand of Norbelto Jimenez, who defeated Marcelino Nieves, a man entered the ring, approached Valdez and punched
Tush Push continued from p.14
during the annual meeting in March and was voted upon during the spring meeting in May. The final tally was 22-10 against. The threshold for ratification is 24.
Three other rule change proposals met the ratification threshold and will be in effect for the 2025 season. Rule 6 was amended to make the 2024 kickoff experiment permanent, namely, the receiving team setup zone requirements and the 35 yardline touchback spot. The new-look kickoff promotes more returns and reduces space and speed prior to opponents coming in contact with each other.
The postseason and regular season overtime rules now align by granting both teams an opportunity to possess the ball regardless of the outcome of the first possession. Overtime periods for regular season games remain 10 minutes in length, after which a tie results.
The final rule change proposal approved by owners was an amendment to Rule 15. The change expands Instant Replay’s ability to advise officials on specific, objective aspects of a given play and to address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present.
SOURCE: NFL.COM
him in the face. Video showed Valdez staggering backward and attempting to leave the ring before a second person swings at him, followed by a mob of men surrounding Valdez and beating him. Valdez eventually fell through the ring ropes and crashed onto the floor, where the assault continued.
Shuan Boxing, the promoter of the fight, issued a statement condemning the incident and said it is working with authorities to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Arkansas District Cracks Down on Unruly Fans
The Riverview (Ark.) School Board announced in May a new spectator ejection policy to combat fan violence at extracurricular school events. According to the new policy, fans ejected for the first time would not be allowed to attend the next game or event. Fans ejected for a second time in the same season would be banned for the remainder of the season. Fans ejected for a third time, even from a different sport or event, would
Umpire Files Lawsuit Over 2023 Arrest
Neal A. Sidebottom, a baseball umpire from Versailles, Mo., is suing the Camden County Sheriff’s Office alleging excessive force and constitutional violations stemming from a 2023 incident at Ballparks National in Macks Creek, Mo.
The altercation occurred during a youth baseball game when Sidebottom reportedly became involved in a dispute with a spectator. According to law enforcement accounts, Sidebottom allegedly shoved a woman and subsequently placed Deputy Cole
Downing in a chokehold after refusing to provide any information. Bystanders intervened to separate the two, and Sidebottom was arrested on charges of first-degree assault and resisting arrest.
On April 25, 2025, Sidebottom filed a lawsuit against Downing and former Sheriff Tony Helms in Morgan County Circuit Court. The suit claims that Sidebottom’s Fourth Amendment rights were violated, citing unlawful arrest and the use of excessive force. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges the sheriff’s office failed to address the
incident adequately.
Camden County Sheriff Chris Edgar, who assumed office in January 2025, responded to the lawsuit by affirming his support for Downing and denying the allegations. In a public statement, Edgar asserted that Sidebottom was lawfully arrested, and that the department would vigorously defend against the claims in court.
The criminal case against Sidebottom was transferred to Moniteau County in 2024, with a judge assigned in February 2025.
Legion Team Intentionally Throws at Umpire
MINDEN, Neb. — An umpire was intentionally struck with a pitch during an American Legion baseball game in May in Minden, Neb.
In the fourth inning of a game between Minden and Hastings, home plate umpire Calvin Johnson, a college student, called a ball down the third-base line fair. A play on a runner heading home ended a bases-loaded rally for Hastings; Hastings head coach Rodney Holling vocally disagreed with the call.
Prior to the next inning, a Hastings assistant coach visited the pitcher and catcher at the mound.
Then, when the pitcher threw the first pitch of the inning, the catcher dove out of the way of the pitch, allowing it to strike Johnson.
Johnson ejected the pitcher, after which Hastings’ assistant coach, filling in for Holling who had left to
Saggau continued from p.14
became an inductee to the NFHS Hall of Fame in 1993 and is one of only two individuals to ever have received the NFHS American Tradition Award for significant contributions and service to activity programs. He is
take a phone call, pulled his team off the field in protest.
Speaking after the game, Holling said he was unaware of the plan to hit Johnson and was disappointed that it happened, and that the assistant coach was no longer with the team.
the 1996 recipient of NASO’s Gold Whistle Award.
Saggau’s time at the IHSAA was chronicled by author Chuck Offenburger in his book “Bernie Saggau & the Iowa Boys: A Centennial History of the Iowa High School Athletic Association.”
be banned for the rest of the school year. If a fan is ejected for a second time during the last game of the season, the seasonlong ban would take effect the following year. Riverview Superintendent Stan Stratton also said offending fans would have to complete the NFHS’s “Parent Seat” online course.
Teen Apologizes for Punching Referee
A teenager accused of coming out of the stands and attacking an official at a youth basketball
game at Shaler (Glenshaw, Pa.)
Elementary School in March was ordered to pay restitution, complete community service and take anger management classes. The teen, who punched longtime Pittsburgh-area official Marty Coyne, delivered a tearful apology in Allegheny County Juvenile Court. Coyne has heart issues and experienced vision problems while driving home from the game; he was later diagnosed with a concussion. Coyne returned to officiating a week after the incident.
Illinois Close on Background Checks
Illinois State Sen. Mary EdlyAllen on May 13 brought a bill strengthening background checks for high school sports officials to the Senate Criminal Law Committee. Under current Illinois law, school employees are required to undergo fingerprint background checks; however, such background checks do not apply for sports officials. According to an Inspector General report last year, dozens of people on
Chicago Public Schools’ “do not hire” list were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for officiating children’s sporting events, including a person with a felony conviction for kidnapping, and at least eight officials had been investigated by CPS for sexual assault. To address insufficient background checks, CPS is now voluntarily conducting fingerprint background checks for all active officials.
GATHERING MOMENTUM
Keys to Ruling on an Important Exception
By Jeremy Brown
The momentum exception (NFHS 8-5-2 Exc.; NCAA 8-5-1 Exc.) to a safety is a rule application that can be easily misunderstood by spectators, coaches and players alike. With study of the rule and credible application, officials can be confident in ruling on these plays.
In both the NFHS and NCAA codes, when a player from the
defense or receiving team secures a pass, an opponent’s fumble or recovers a kick between the five yardline and their own goalline, then there is potential for the momentum rule to be applied. If the player is carried into the end zone by his original momentum and the ball remains dead behind the goalline, then the momentum exception has been satisfied. The ball will be next placed at the spot where possession
was gained by the team that secured the loose ball.
Judgment of the calling official is key in deciding where the loose ball was possessed and, most importantly, in confirming that the player’s momentum took him across the goalline.
If it is judged that momentum is in play, then it is important to mark the spot of possession with a bean bag, as this will become both
If this defender in gray gains possession and carries the ball into his own end zone, Enrique Velarde, Woodland Hills, Calif., and his crew will need to determine if the momentum exception applies.
the subsequent spot and potentially an enforcement spot for any fouls committed after the change of possession. Conversely, if it is ruled the player voluntarily carried the ball into the end zone and then it becomes dead, regular playing rules apply, which could result in a safety.
While there are a few moving parts to ruling on momentum, the process becomes easier when we understand the spirit and basics of the rule. Widely accepted officiating standards dictate that when momentum is in question, lean toward ruling it is in effect. This premise will allow officials to avoid ruling cheap safeties.
Play 1: During a scrimmage kick by team A, the ball is rolling toward team B’s goalline. B1, running at a decent rate of speed toward his own end zone, picks up the ball at his own three yardline, and his original momentum takes him into his own end zone, where he falls to the ground. Ruling 1: B1’s original momentum carried him into the end zone, and the ball remained there and became dead in team B’s possession. Team B will next snap the ball from the spot where the kick was recovered. The ruling would be the same if team B had intercepted a pass, recovered an opponent’s fumble or backward pass, or caught the kick under similar circumstances. Both codes agree on this ruling.
Play 2: Second and five at team B’s 25 yardline. B1 intercepts the ball at his own two yardline, and his original momentum is carrying him toward his own end zone when he is hit by A2 at team B’s one yardline. B1 fumbles the ball into his own end zone. B3 recovers the grounded ball in the end zone, and the ball is declared dead there. Ruling 2: The momentum exception is no longer possible once B1 fumbles the ball, as this provides a new force or impetus on the ball (NFHS 8-5-1; NCAA 8-72-a). At the end of this play, team B has possession of a dead ball behind its own goalline, and team B is responsible for the ball being there. The result of the play is a safety and two points for team A.
Play 3: Fourth and 15 from the
50 yardline. K1’s punt is caught at team R’s four yardline by R2, with his original momentum taking him into the end zone. R2 is running around the end zone, planning to make a return, when he is hit by K3. R2 fumbles the ball, which rolls out of the end zone and into the field of play. The ball rolls out of bounds at team R’s one yardline. Ruling 3: In both codes, this forward fumble out of bounds between the goallines is brought back to the spot of the fumble. The momentum exception is in play, and since that was the reason for the ball being in the end zone, it will be spotted where R2 caught the kick, and it will be first and 10 for team R from its own four yardline.
Play 4: Third and seven at team B’s 30 yardline. B1 intercepts a pass at team B’s two yardline, and his momentum takes him across his own goalline. B1 is running around in the end zone when he is tackled by A2. During B1’s run, B3 commits an unnecessary roughness foul against the quarterback. Ruling 4: The momentum exception is still in effect, and team B secured the ball with “clean hands.” Team B’s foul will be enforced half the distance from the momentum spot and will result in first and 10 at team B’s one yardline.
Play 5: Third and five at team B’s 40 yardline. B1 intercepts a pass at team B’s seven yardline, and his momentum takes him across his own goalline. B1 takes a knee in his own end zone. Ruling 5: The momentum exception only applies when the player in question gains possession between his own five yardline and goalline. Since possession was gained at team B’s seven yardline, the momentum exception does not apply and this play results in a safety.
Again, if there is any question about whether possession is gained between the five yardline and the goalline, give the benefit of the doubt and apply the momentum exception, rather than a safety. Jeremy Brown, Nashville, Tenn., is a learning and leadership consultant who has officiated college football since 2014.
BY THE NUMBERS
Combined years of NFL officiating experience for retiring umpires Tony Michalek and Bruce Stritesky. Both were assigned multiple postseason games throughout their long careers on the field. Michalek worked three Wild Cards, six Divisional games, two Conference Championships and Super Bowl XLII. Stritesky was assigned six Wild Cards, three Divisional games and one Conference Championship.
SOURCE: NFL
DID YOU KNOW?
In the early days of football, a field goal was worth more points than a touchdown. Likely a reflection of football’s roots in soccer and rugby, the rules placed a premium on points scored by kicking. Originally, a field goal was worth five points and a touchdown was worth four. In 1898, a touchdown was changed to five points, the same as a field goal. A field goal was changed from five points to four in 1904 and reduced to three points in 1909. Finally, in 1912, a touchdown was increased from five points to six.
TOOLS
High School Football Crew of 5: Keys Guide
Know your keys before you take the field this season! With High School Football Crew of 5: Keys Guide, you can guarantee each crew member will be looking in the right spot. Formations and play scenarios are detailed by position for a standard five-person high school officiating crew. The full-color, laminated, 16-page spiral bound flip book costs $16.95 and is perfect for
TEST YOURSELF
In each of the following you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS and NCAA rules, which might vary. Note: In kicking situations, K is the kicking team, R the receiving team. Solutions: p. 87.
1. R1 makes a fair catch of a free kick on the hashmark on the press box side of the field at his own 18 yardline. Prior to the ready for play signal before the next snap, team R’s captain indicates his team wishes to snap the ball from the middle of the field.
a. The request is honored.
b. The request is denied.
2. The opening kickoff by team K, not relocated by penalty, goes out of bounds between the goallines on the press box side of the field untouched by team R. Assuming they accept the penalty, what are the options for team R to begin the next play?
a. Five-yard penalty, rekick.
b. Five-yard penalty from the succeeding spot, first and 10 for team R on the press box side.
c. Five-yard penalty from the succeeding spot, first and 10 for team R anywhere between the hashes.
d. Put the ball in play 25 yards beyond the previous spot, first and 10 for team R on the press box side.
e. Put the ball in play 25 yards beyond the previous spot, first and 10 for team R anywhere between the hashes.
f. Put the ball in play 30 yards beyond the previous spot, first and 10 for team R on the press box side.
g. Put the ball in play 30 yards beyond the previous spot, first and 10 for team R anywhere between the hashes.
3. A1 is illegally in motion at the snap. A2 throws a legal forward pass that is intercepted by B3, who returns the ball for a touchdown.
a. Team A’s penalty is declined by rule.
b. Team B must decline team A’s penalty in order to keep the touchdown.
c. The penalty may only be enforced on the try.
d. The penalty may only be enforced on the succeeding kickoff.
e. The penalty may be enforced on the try or on the succeeding kickoff.
4. State associations or governing bodies may establish guidelines to use a running clock when a certain point differential is reached.
a. True.
b. False.
Motion Changes Keys
Keys, also commonly referred to as initial responsibilities, are essential to football officiating crews setting themselves up for success each play from scrimmage. When plays begin with solid mechanics regarding responsibilities by the crew, they have a good chance to be officiated correctly.
MechaniGram A depicts a standard five-person high school officiating crew with trips to the head linesman’s side. Unless your state or local association dictates otherwise, the head linesman will key on the inside receiver on his or her side of the field and the back judge will key on the two widest receivers on the head linesman’s side of the field. The line judge will key on the tight end on his or her side of the field. The referee and umpire will key on the offensive tackles opposite them and work their way to the middle of the line. The umpire will have added responsibility of observing the legality of the snap. While initial responsibilities are vital to adjudicating a play, officials must be alert to motion and shifting and the potential challenges they present.
MechaniGram B on the next page depicts motion by the offense which changes the formation from
unbalanced to balanced. Based on the change in formation prior to the snap, the head linesman becomes responsible for the two receivers closest to him or her and the back judge is responsible for the receiver who went in motion and becomes the widest offensive player on the line judge’s side of the field by the time the ball is snapped. While the player is in motion, the head linesman is responsible for ruling on the legality of the motion and whether or not the player turned upfield prior to the snap. Legality of the motion is always the responsibility of the official away from whom the player is moving, even if he reverses direction and returns toward his original position. In this particular play, the head linesman has multiple presnap responsibilities that present themselves across the width of the field. He or she must observe legality of the motion player and the actions of the two receivers closest to him or her. The crew should be alert and provide assistance to the head linesman when possible. The line judge continues to key on the tight end.
Make sure to review initial responsibilities with your crew
during pregame, especially potential odd formations or when motion changes keys for the crew members. Good rules of thumb for the crew to consider include when the formation is balanced, or when there is a doubt, consider strength to the line judge’s side and assume the head linesman has the additional receiver as his or her responsibility. Good presnap communication from the back judge can help the line of scrimmage officials determine the strength of the formation when the view from the sideline is not ideal. Especially for crews using O2O systems, empower the back judge to communicate strength when needed as the offense comes to the line of scrimmage. Always remember, responsibilities change as the play develops. Don’t abandon your keys — especially when threatened from the snap — but once they are free of fouling or being fouled, make sure to move to action where you can be of value to the crew.
CASEPLAYS
Team B Fouls in Team A’s End Zone
Play: First and 10 for team A at its own three yardline. A1 takes the snap and throws a backward pass to A2 who is in his end zone when he muffs the backward pass. A2 recovers the loose ball and is downed in the end zone. B3 is flagged for grabbing and twisting A2’s facemask. How is the penalty administered if the foul occurs (a)while the ball is loose, or (b) after the recovery? Ruling: Under NFHS rules, the backward pass and action during the muff prior to recovery is all considered a loose-ball play. The running play is action from the time A2 obtains possession of the ball until the down ends. In either case, the penalty is enforced from the previous spot. Under NCAA rules, the entire play is considered one running play. Since the run ends behind the neutral zone, the basic spot is the previous spot. It will be first and 10 for team A from its 18 yardline (NFHS 2-33-1c, 2-33-2, 10-4-2; NCAA 2-30-4, 10-2-2d1).
Ineligible Receivers
Play: First and 10 for team A at its own 20 yardline. As team A lines up, the umpire notices that (a)the left guard and left tackle, both inside the end man on the line of scrimmage, are wearing numbers 80 and 90, respectively, or (b) No. 70 reports as eligible to the referee prior to lining up in the tight end position on the end of the line. Ruling: The players in (a) are ineligible by position. Line of scrimmage officials must be on high alert for them going downfield or illegally touching a forward pass. The umpire must make sure there are five players numbered 50-79 on the line of scrimmage. The left guard and left tackle wearing numbers 80 and 90, respectively, should alert the umpire. The player in (b) is ineligible by number and there is no provision to change that by having No. 70 report to the referee (NFHS 7-2-5b, 7-5-6; NCAA 7-3-3c, 7-1-4a).
Prep Game Night
By Mike Byron
The stories of unruly fans, confrontational coaches and a waning supply of officials are all too common. As expected, the most significant reason cited for officials leaving the field is their treatment from coaches, players and fans. Too often during high school football games, various stakeholders let their rooting interests take over and abandon the responsibilities that are placed upon them for the fair and safe execution of the athletic contest.
In a perfect scenario, the responsibilities detailed below would be carried out by those involved according to their role with the institution. Ideally, all would shoulder the responsibility of establishing an environment conducive to student learning and wholesome athletic endeavor. As you prepare for the upcoming football season, particularly at the interscholastic high school level, consider the following stakeholders and their commitment to the game.
Principal
The principal has a role to play beyond the networking responsibilities that naturally occur on a Friday night. In essence, the principal is responsible for everything that bears the name of their respective school. For football officials, however, we may never cross paths with this person during an assignment. Some principals may serve as game administrator or officials’ liaison during a given contest, but otherwise we may not meet the principal at all.
Athletic Director
The AD has a multitude of responsibilities when it comes to establishing a safe and welcoming venue for players, coaches, fans and officials. For many schools, home football games are the marquee events of the year. School spirit and coordianted events are usually on full display under the Friday night
lights. The AD is the supervisor of the coaching staff and game management in ensuring that the football field and surrounding areas are secure and adequately prepared for the event. Expectations need to be clearly communicated in the preseason to all parents, players and coaches, and enforced throughout the season. After all, these are school-sponsored events. If coaches would not behave in a particular manner in the staff room, then they should not be conducting themselves in such a way on the field. The AD needs to hold coaches accountable as a principal would hold a teacher accountable. Vulgar language and extreme emotional outbursts from coaches have no place in interscholastic sports. Unfortunately, these behaviors are becoming the norm within these extracurricular activities, and unless the coaches are held accountable, we have every reason to believe that this will not only continue, but escalate. Officials are encouraged to develop lines of communication with administration surrounding games assignments so when situations present themselves they can be handled appropriately. The AD is accountable to the principal.
Site Administrator
The site administrator is one of the more vital roles in establishing a safe football site for players, coaches, fans and officials. This role should be fulfilled by the principal, the AD or their designee.
Ideally, site administrators should introduce themselves to the referee prior to the crew taking the field. Additionally, the site administrator should make it known to the crew where he or she may be found should assistance be needed. The site administrator’s responsibilities should include but not be limited to escorting officials to and from the locker room and field, addressing unruly fans and ensuring any game equipment is in working order.
that
We break down the most impactful high school rule change of 2025— featuring 11 real-game scenarios that show exactly how it plays out. With clear definitions, relevant case plays, and expert analysis, you’ll be prepared for every call, every time.
Furthermore, the site administrator should be responsible for the handling of security at the event and should ensure that they are provided by the principal with the resources necessary. If needed, the site administrator may enlist the services of a police officer in order to establish order at and around the football field. Should the site administrator be distracted with certain issues that arise, he or she should identify another individual to whom the crew can go if assistance is needed. At a minimum, the crew should be escoreted to and from a safe, secure location by a school representative no matter what other situations may be taking the attention of the site administrator. The site administrator is accountable to the AD.
Head Coach
Head coaches should be directed to funnel all communication
from assistant coaches through them so that wing officials are communicating with one person on the sidelines. Officials need to inform the head coach of any unruly assistants. The AD should be evaluating the head coach within this realm in terms of his or her capacity to keep assistants under control while also maintaining his or her own emotions. The head coach is accountable to the AD.
Assistant Coaches
Assistant coaches are to be coaching. Any questions, concerns or comments should be directed through the head coach when possible. Officials can easily address a situation or answer a quick question of an assistant coach, but when necessary there should be one voice on the sidelines. Furthermore, assistants need to model the behaviors and emotions that are expected of the players. Coaches
need to be supporting athletes in how to do their jobs. Rather than shouting, “Hit someone!” they should tell them who their blocking assignment is and how they may perform it. Assistant coaches are accountable to the head coach.
Players
Student-athletes are still students. They should be held responsible for their behavior during the game just as they would in any other extracurricular activity. Would their behavior be acceptable at a school dance? If the answer is no, then their behavior should not be tolerated on the field on a Friday night. Coaches, in conjunction with school administration, need to hold their players accountable.
Officials
Officials are charged with enforcing the rules of the game in accordance with philosophies
set forth by their local or state association. Controlling the action on the field and on the sidelines is a preemptive measure to ensure that behaviors do not escalate. However, the responsibilities do not end there. It is vital to have productive communication with all parties involved in the event.
Crew communication begins well before kickoff leading up to the game and carries on throughout the contest. Communication with school personnel as well as coaches must be professional, calm and deliberate.
As much time as we spend studying rules and mechanics, ample time must also be spent practicing how we are going to explain a certain rule enforcement, present various penalty options or simply make a particular announcement over the stadium microphone, if so equipped. Similar to how we may sell a spot (albeit that the spot is probably accurate anyhow), we must also be able to explain with the utmost clarity the enforcement of specific rules and management of the game. This ability serves as a calming influence in what could otherwise turn into a chaotic event
driven by intense emotions. Officials should be accountable to their assigner, supervisor, coordinator or commissioner. That may be at the conference, local association, consortium or state association level. In turn, it should be these individuals that review expectations with their respective programs that will keep officials safe.
Local Law Enforcement
Where else in town is there such a concentrated population of community members than at a prep football game? In the aftermath of various violent occurrences both at high school as well as youth events, a police presence that actively and visibly monitors the site is often all that is needed to keep unruly fans in check.
Mike Byron served many years as rules interpreter for the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Interscholastic Football Officials and Silver City Football Officials Association and has decades of experience as principal and building administrator for large urban school districts in Massachusetts.
Touchback Signal
Rememberto match your signals and mechanics to the level you are officiating. When communicating a touchback ruling in youth, high school or college games, wave one arm extended above the head from side to side with an open palm facing forward (as shown in the PlayPic). Train yourself not to have the palm facing the ground while pumping your arm sideways from the torso, as seen at the professional level. While the difference in the signals is minor, it adds to crew appearance and credibility when all crew members are using the same, prescribed signals for the level of contest being worked. It also helps remove any confusion from players, coaches, fans, scorers, timers or game administration when signals are consistently and properly used.
(Don’t Be) CAUGHT OFF GUARD
Catch/no-catch decisions are some of the toughest calls we make as football officials. Here are three things to consider, in chronological order, when ruling on a play like this.
1
Assuming the left arm of the defender did not illegally contact the receiver prior to the ball arriving, everything about this defender’s actions at this moment in time present as legal. Remember, face guarding without contact is not a foul (NFHS 7-5-10, 7-5-11, 7.5.10C; NCAA 7-3-8c, AR 7-3-8 I). If a defender cannot find the ball in flight, he is given less benefit of the doubt when contact occurs.
2
The first element of ruling on a catch is determining possession, which requires firm grip and control. It looks like the receiver might be touching the ball at this moment in time, but he certainly has not secured possession. (NFHS 2-4-1; NCAA 2-4-1a)
3
The final element for officials to consider before ruling a catch happens when the player comes to the ground. For NFHS, the rulebook terms are fairly straightforward when describing a player establishing possession of a ball in flight and then first contacting the ground inbounds while maintaining possession (2-4-1). The NCAA code goes into more depth on the definition of a catch. Once the player has firm grip and control, then touches the ground inbounds, he must maintain control of the ball long enough to perform an act common to the game. Examples of this include turning upfield, avoiding an opponent and pitching or handing the ball (2-43a). Assume this receiver controls
the ball and lands flat on his back. Officials should be patient in ruling a catch or no catch. They can begin to decipher a progress spot, but should refrain from signaling until the bodies of the players involved come to a stop and a determination can be
made about all elements of the catch. Rushing to signal will open the door for a mistaken signal and a need to change the ruling.
When Debbie Williamson received the phone call from NASO President Bill Topp, informing her she would be receiving the 2025 Gold Whistle Award, she reacted in an unusual way. She hung up on him.
“I completely lost it,” Williamson said. “I got out the words, ‘I have to call you back,’ and hung up. I just hit my knees. I literally just slid out of my chair in my little office in the second bedroom in my apartment in North Carolina and just said, ‘Thank you, Lord, I do not deserve this.’ And I probably cried for a solid seven or eight minutes. I knew I had to call back, but I had to be able to talk.”
Such a reaction speaks to Williamson’s humility, only one of the qualities recognized by the NASO Board of Directors in selecting her for this year’s honor. Her advocacy and support of officials as a coordinator of eight NCAA Division I women’s basketball conferences, her contributions to the sport while
DEBBIE PRIMEAUX WILLIAMSON
previously serving as the NCAA national coordinator of women’s basketball officials and secretary-editor of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee, and her overall professional bearing made her a unanimous choice for the honor.
Veteran NCAA women’s basketball official Joe Vaszily, who officiates in her conferences, identifies affection for the game as yet another Williamson attribute. “She’s passionate about officiating; she’s passionate about empowering us to be the very best we can be night in and night out,” he said. “She challenges us to be the best.”
Bayou Beginnings
Challenges are nothing new to Williamson, who grew up in the tiny town of Houma, La., situated about 90 minutes south of New Orleans. It was, to say the least, a hardscrabble upbringing in the Primeaux household.
“We lived in a town of less than 1,000,” she said. “Thirty miles from a doctor’s office or any kind of city. No red light, no caution light, no nothing.
A very small school. My high school graduation class was the largest ever at 34 people.”
Williamson is the oldest of five children, four of whom were born in a span of two years and 10 months. Her mother was the manager of the post office in Hayes, La., and her father was a welder and farmer.
“We were, I hate to use the word poor because I know there are people that can’t eat. But (we were) very low income,” she said.
She is fiercely proud of her Cajun French roots, which run so deep that previous generations of her family spoke little to no English. In fact, Cajun denizens of Houma relied on her mother to read their mail and help them pay their bills.
Her parents had separated but never divorced; her father lived just a mile away. Still, the family spent holidays together, and the parents even joined the kids on the playground and in the gym for pickup basketball and softball games. “One reason we ended up in sports is because there was no
daycare,” Williamson said. “We had to play whatever was in season. When practice ended on one day in this sport, you went to whatever the practice was the next day.”
Beyond sports, the only other form of entertainment was television, although the Primeaux set was only ever tuned to one of two programs: Looney Tunes or Boston Celtics games, the latter being her parents’ favorite. “You could not talk to them when the Boston Celtics were on. They were avid basketball fans, and they had strong opinions about basketball and about officiating,” Williamson said.
OFF to College
In 1980, Debbie and her sister, Darlene, went off to college together and tried out for the softball team at Louisiana Tech. It was the first year the school was offering softball scholarships. Debbie wanted to play basketball as well and figured she could double-dip two sports for the price of one scholarship. But the school didn’t have enough scholarships to offer each Primeaux sibling a full ride. “They said, ‘We’ll split it with you two.’” Darlene balked at sharing a scholarship with a sister who would likely be riding the bench for the powerful Lady Techster basketball team. “And I was like, ‘You know what that means? The whole (softball) scholarship’s mine,’ and I walked onto the basketball team,” Debbie said. Darlene went on to accept a basketball scholarship from Baylor and set assist records that were only recently broken.
To cap the 1981-82 season, Louisiana Tech won the inaugural NCAA women’s basketball tournament (it had previously been under the auspices of the Association of Interscholastic Athletics for Women). One of the referees working that game was Marcy Weston, who would go on to
Debbie Williamson’s lengthy affiliation with collegiate sports began as a two-sport athlete at Louisiana Tech, where she played both softball and basketball for the Lady Techsters. In the latter, she was part of a program that played in four Final Fours and was a teammate of current LSU head coach Kim Mulkey.
become the national coordinator, the secretary-rules editor and the 2008 Gold Whistle recipient.
“I do not remember her on the floor, but I loved hearing (we were both involved in the game),” Weston said.
Williamson had a bit of a scare after that season. The NCAA ruled an athlete could not receive a minor sports scholarship and participate in a major sport. The rule was aimed at preventing schools from saving a football scholarship by giving a talented running back a track scholarship instead. Williamson’s dual-sport full ride was at risk.
“By God’s grace, the coaches offered me a full basketball scholarship,” she said. “Keep in mind I was averaging a minute, 14 seconds a game.” There was one caveat, however. Her assignment in practice was to guard Kim Mulkey. Yes, that Kim Mulkey, now the coach at Louisiana State.
“Leon Barmore, at the time the associate head coach, said
to me, ‘If you take one day off of her, I’m sending you home,’” Williamson said. “She was so good. She smoked me every day. She made me the best player I could possibly be.”
“That was kind of a hard player to beat out,” Barmore said. “Kim was our starting point guard. Debbie was a role player, but she was a valuable player for us due to her exceptional qualities as a person. She was always very active in practice, pushing our players.”
Williamson’s teammates and coaches recognized she was special by electing her as a team captain. “Backup point guards aren’t usually captains,” Barmore said. “That does speak highly of her ability to relate to the team, the team respecting her. She was so focused and kind.”
Williamson and Mulkey’s paths did not cross in their post-playing roles as national coordinator and fiery coach. “I would say hello if we were in the same place, but we were busy. I would just say we’ve
had our heads down for 40 years working in basketball,” Williamson said.
On the Bench
Williamson took up coaching after graduation. She was an assistant at Southeastern Louisiana, a middle school coach, and an assistant basketball coach and head softball coach at Georgia Southern.
She was also the first volleyball coach at Louisiana Tech. “The AD paid me $1,000 to start volleyball. I didn’t even know the rules,” she said. “I just needed $1,000 because I was paying for my own wedding.”
Oh, right. The wedding. Stan Williamson entered her life while she was in college.
“My freshman year (at Tech), he was a high school (senior) at a very good program,” she said. “I met him because his coach brought him to one of our games. The next year, he walked on the men’s team (at Tech). I asked a couple of guys on the men’s team to get me a date with that guy who can shoot the ball so well, and they did. And that was it.”
Stan, currently the deputy
athletic director at Houston Christian University, confirms the basic storyline of their meeting. Their courtship wasn’t easy. “It was about a four-year ordeal because of our schedules. It was tough to coordinate, and that was long before cell phones,” Stan said. “The only way I could contact her other than practice was a phone in her room, and she was never there.”
Love conquers all — including dueling schedules — and 39 years have passed since they walked down the aisle. They have three children — a daughter, Dr. Courtney Matthews, and two sons, Mark and Nathan Williamson — and three grandsons.
Family Ties
The desire to raise a family was a major reason why Williamson gave up coaching and took up officiating. “I had Courtney in November 1989 and coached,” she said. “I was back on the floor the week after I had her and coached the rest of the season with her and a bassinet on the front seat of the bus. I just thought, ‘This isn’t a life.’” Williamson is a woman with
Some of the people who have influenced Debbie Williamson once she crossed over into the officiating realm include former ACC women’s basketball coordinator of officials Charlene Curtis (top center), her sister Darlene (top right), and the on-court officials who have worked for her in her own coordinator’s role.
a deep faith, and it has guided many of her decisions. “I felt really convicted that my call, as much as I loved basketball, was to prioritize my family and that God had put me on this Earth to be Courtney’s mom.”
She was confined to bed rest for four months after Mark was born. She and Stan lost a baby before Nate was born. “Between Mark and Nathan … I cried every year, missing the game of basketball,” she said. “But I knew my family had to be the priority, so I homeschooled my kids for eight years. And while I was doing that, I worked on my doctorate at the University of Houston.”
Not surprisingly, the topic of much of her post-graduate work was a team sport played on a hardwood court. “I chose every research project to be about basketball. All the projects were there, but I was still missing basketball,” she said.
It was while she was teaching part-time at a junior college that officiating entered the picture. “This referee colleague of mine kept begging me to referee, and I told him he was out of his mind,” Williamson said.
GOLD WHISTLE AWARD
Apparently, a two-referee house was out of the question. Stan was officiating at that time, and the idea of joining him in stripes was so abhorrent that Debbie literally couldn’t stand the sight of him in uniform. “He was refereeing Division II, and I would not wash his uniforms,” she said. “We had a rule in our house that we lived in, 1,200 square feet, but he could not show his shirt in the same room I was in. He had to wear a jacket to the bathroom (out of uniform), and I would never wash it. I could not look at black and white. It was not allowed in my house.”
Her aversion to Stan’s attire was a flashback to Williamson’s days as a coach when she was admittedly tough on the officials. “I was snarky,” she said. “I thought I knew it all, and I got technical fouls as an assistant. I just had a smart mouth because I didn’t think they knew anything.”
In 1999, when Stan was hired as the athletic director at Nicholls State and she was writing her dissertation, she called the middle school in Thibodaux, La., and asked who assigned officials. As fate would have it, she learned association meetings were conveniently located. “It happened to be the cross street from my house,” she said. Much to her surprise, the association was so happy to see a fresh face that they immediately gave her games. “I didn’t even know how to put on a uniform,” she said. “I just love the game. I don’t think there was another woman in the room.”
A move to Buies Creek, N.C., in 2000 resulted in a call to Bill Kelly, that area’s assigner. “He invited me to a tryout,” she said. “There were like 80 men at this tryout at a junior college scrimmage. They were working three-person. I had never worked three-person. They said, ‘Don’t worry about it. Just run up and down the floor and call
Faith and family are central to the Debbie Williamson story. Above left, she is shown with her husband, Stan, on their wedding day in 1986, while above right, the two are pictured in a more recent photo. The Williamson family includes their three children — Courtney, Mark and Nathan — and three grandchildren.
fouls and violations.’ There were 13 men on stage with clipboards. They said, ‘Go home. We’ll call you if we need you.’”
They did need her, to the point where, a year later, she was assigned a boys’ high school playoff game. Although she received high marks for her ability, the Tarheel State wasn’t ready for a woman working boys’ games. But her skills were noticed by a few NCAA Division II and III conferences, and her officiating career quickly advanced.
“She was very rulesknowledgeable,” said Judy Stroud, who officiated with Williamson and now works with Williamson’s Gamekeepers consortium. “Because she had played the game and was an assistant coach at Georgia Southern, Debbie had a great way of relationship-building with players and coaches.”
In 2006, Williamson realized she couldn’t serve multiple masters — as an official, a mom and a teacher. “In the summer, I was trying to get better (as an official) while I was schooling the kids and teaching parttime, (but) I was hooked (on
officiating),” she said. “I was hooked so badly that I looked at my life and I said, ‘I gave up coaching to be home with my kids, and I’m not home with my kids.’
“I knew in my heart … I needed to step off the floor again for the same reason I stepped off the first time because I was missing my kids’ games.”
The answer came when Stan showed her an application for the NCAA women’s secretaryrules editor position. She agonized over the decision to apply, but her youngest son cast the decisive vote.
“He had turned 15, I think,” Stan said, “and was about to get his driver’s license. He walked through the living room and said, ‘What y’all talking about?’ We said, ‘We’re talking about this job, and Mom’s probably not going to take it because she wants to be around for your games.’ He says, ‘Why wouldn’t you? I ain’t going to be around much anymore anyway. I’m going to get my driver’s license. I’m going to be hanging around with my friends.’
“So it was a family decision
in that regard,” he said. And as it turned out, “She was still able to see a lot of his games.”
Being hired as secretaryrules editor was her penance, so to speak, for her previous behavior toward referees in her coaching days. “The first thing I did was write an article for the (Women’s Basketball Coaches Association) publication. The title was, ‘I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know.’ I confessed to the whole world that I did not know the rules as a coach.”
Double Duty
In September 2010, five years into her term as secretaryrules editor, life pitched her another curveball. She was working with national coordinator Mary Struckhoff on a video that explained new rules on the restricted arc area. “She says, ‘This is my last day.’” Williamson said. “I was like, ‘What?’ So we went through October, November, December with no national coordinator. I was on my own.”
Williamson appealed to the NCAA for help, but none was forthcoming. She was on the verge of resigning her post when she got a call from Greg Shaheen, the NCAA vice president for basketball. “He said, ‘I’m very disappointed that you are considering not doing the secretary-rules editor job anymore because, in fact, I want to also make you the national coordinator.’”
Shaheen’s promises of a raise and other incentives proved persuasive, and Williamson took the job in January 2011. “Marcy was the only other one who had both jobs,” Williamson said. “I tell people all the time, ‘It was really the first time since Marcy that the national coordinator and the secretary-rules editor actually agreed on anything.’”
There is something of a “shelf life” for national coordinators and secretary-rules editors, and the end date for
Williamson was 2014. “This is my example: It’s like you have a bakery, and you bake all these unique creations,” Williamson said. “You put them up on the shelf, and people come in. They look, they taste it and they walk out. Some people buy, some people don’t. But you never know what happened to it. Because three of my degrees were in education, I really had wanted to be more handson (than possible as national coordinator).”
As fate would have it, the Big East Conference had divided to allow for the creation of the American Athletic Conference, and Barb Jacobs, its coordinator, had taken an administrative position. Jacobs asked Williamson and Charlene Curtis who could replace her. “I was begging Charlene to do it because she had the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), but she didn’t want to do it,” Williamson said. “We were standing at a camp in July, and Charlene said, ‘Why don’t you do it?’ I said, ‘I have a job.’ She said, ‘Do you?’”
The comment referenced the fact that neither Williamson nor then-men’s basketball national coordinator, John Adams, had a contract with the NCAA.
“I thought, ‘You know what? This is a good time.’ I took the weekend, and by Monday, I decided to take the conference position so I could do more hands-on work,” Williamson said.
Piece by piece, she became the head of a consortium that includes the ACC, the American Athletic, Atlantic 10, Big East, Big South and Metro Atlantic Athletic conferences, as well as the Coastal Athletic Association and the Ivy League. She also at one time had, but no longer coordinates, the Southern Conference.
Williamson claims no regrets in her time as national coordinator. “I think that was the right thing to do at the time,”
The Gold Whistle Award
was created by the NASO board of directors to honor an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond in overall integrity and has made significant contributions to the betterment of o ciating. The Gold Whistle is among the most coveted awards in the world of sports o ciating. To be selected as the award recipient by the NASO board of directors, consideration is given for:
• Significant contributions to the betterment of o ciating.
• A high degree of integrity and ethics.
• Qualities that are held in high regard by the industry.
• Consistent record of presenting o ciating in a positive light.
• Exhibiting a “service above self” attitude. Public service to o ciating, having a motivating e ect on others and/or strong community involvement are considered.
she said. “I wish I knew then what I know now. I would have been better at it. I think Mary Struckhoff moved the needle. I think she made significant improvements. When you look at Marcy, then Mary, then me. I think we all moved the program forward and in different ways, and I’m really proud of the work (we) did.”
Faith Not Fate
Throughout her life — the ups and downs, the good and bad breaks, the tough decisions that eventually proved correct — Williamson’s faith has been a constant.
“I firmly believe in divine intervention, and I believe God had his hand on all these twists and turns because I don’t have sense enough to design this,” she said. “And when I look back as a little kid who didn’t wear shoes to school, and yet, I played basketball overseas for three summers, it just makes no sense. I had never even been out of the state until I was a senior.
“I mean, I never even got on a plane until I was a senior in high school,” she said. “So to play in nine countries and in four Final Fours and with some amazing people, be the national coordinator and the secretaryrules editor, earn a doctorate — none of this makes sense except what I believe is God’s hand on navigating my life.”
That’s an impressive resume and much to be proud of. Yet, Williamson said her greatest achievement has nothing to do with jump shots, traveling violations or game assignments.
The award can be made posthumously.
“Above all, through all of this weaving, I’m 63,” she said. “The greatest accomplishment of all of these things are those three kids and being married to Stan. So it just is divine intervention, honestly. Because it makes no sense.”
Jeffrey Stern was Referee’s senior editor. He formerly officiated high school and college football and high school baseball.
COORDINATOR: JOHN VAN DE VAARST
CHALLENGE WISELY
Video Review Leads 2025-26 NCAA Rule Changes
By John Van de Vaarst
The NCAA Soccer Rules Committee met in January and recommended several rules changes that were subsequently approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Committee (PROP). The changes are listed in perceived order of importance.
Video Review (5.7) Teams may take advantage of
video review, although it is limited to conference games only. Under the new rule, coaches have one video review challenge. If the challenge is successful, the coach retains the right to challenge one more time for the remainder of the match.
If the challenge is unsuccessful, the coach loses the right to challenge for the remainder of the match.
In overtime, if a coach has a challenge remaining, the coach may initiate a video review. Officials may
also initiate video reviews in overtime to make sure a call is correct, provided the affected team does not have a challenge remaining.
Coaches may initiate video review challenges in the following scenarios:
•Fighting/violent behavior.
•Violations on penalty kicks.
•Straight red cards (not second yellows).
•Denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO)/ stopping a promising attack (SPA).
College coaches will be able to initiate video review challenges in certain situations, including plays that are perceived as fighting or violent behavior, thanks to a new NCAA rule for the 2025-26 season.
•Offside.
•Potential mistaken identity.
•Determining the location of a foul that was called on the field against the defending team near or in its penalty area.
Referees may initiate video reviews to determine whether the entire ball passed over the goalline for a goal, as well as to decide timing issues.
Handling (12.2.8)
The committee also adopted two rules that were implemented by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), both of which were approved by PROP. The first change eliminates a red card being issued for nondeliberate handling of the ball in the penalty area that denies a goal or goal-scoring opportunity. Inside the penalty area, red cards should be reserved for deliberate, cynical handling that denies a goal or goalscoring opportunity.
Play 1: A1 takes a hard shot on goal during a breakaway. The ball strikes B2’s hand, which is in a position that makes the body unnaturally bigger. The hand was not deliberately moved into that position. Ruling 1: Although this was a hand ball that created a DOGSO situation, it is not a red card offense since it was not a deliberate attempt to deny the score.
Infringements (14.3)
The other change adopted from IFAB amends encroachment by teammates of the kicker or goalkeeper during a penalty kick.
Referees should only penalize the encroachment if the player(s) at fault prevents an opponent from playing the ball, challenges an opponent for the ball and then scores or prevents a goal, attempts to score or prevent a goal, or creates or stops a goal-scoring opportunity.
Play 2: Team A is awarded a penalty kick. A1 is identified as the kicker. As A1 is moving toward the ball to take the kick, B2 enters the penalty area (encroachment). A1 kicks the ball and it is saved by the goalkeeper. A1 moves forward to play the ball and is shielded by B2. Ruling 2: The kick is to be retaken because B2 encroached and attempted to prevent a goal.
Play 3: Team B is awarded a penalty kick. B1 is identified as the kicker. As B1 is moving forward to take the kick, B2 encroaches into the penalty area. The kick hits the crossbar and deflects to B2, who shoots and scores. Ruling 3: No goal since B2 encroached and interfered. The game is restarted with an indirect free kick for team A.
As always, individuals assigned to officiate a game played under the NCAA rules must ensure they are aware of all the rules and any differences from other rule/Law books. A misinterpretation of a rule can lead to a protest.
John Van de Vaarst, Ellicott City, Md., is a NISOA National Clinician, National Assessor and former State Level USSF Referee and Assessor. He is Referee’s soccer coordinator.
Tips That Truly Tip the Scale Toward Success
There are many attributes that make a soccer official successful. This article will offer several tips that can help referees improve their performance. It is not an all-exclusive list, but these tips are items officials should definitely have in their toolbox.
Be Yourself
Newer referees often observe veteran referees and attempt to emulate their style of officiating. After all, imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Since every personality is different, the newer referee should observe and determine
SURVEY SAYS ...
If you don’t work with VAR at your primary level, would you want to work with it?
SOURCE: REFEREE POLL
SIDELINE
Premier League: Only Captains Can Speak to Referees
The Premier League is set to introduce a rule for the 2025-26 season that permits only captains to talk to referees about key decisions. The rule was introduced by UEFA for the 2024 European Championship and has been utilized in UEFA competitions this season. The initiative, introduced ahead of Euro 2024, is designed to breed “trust” between players and officials and prevent referees from being “mobbed.”
SOURCE: THE ATHLETIC
THEY SAID IT
“You must be brave to be a referee. It’s a role full of decisions, not guesses.”
— Recently retired FIFA referee Felix Brych
TEST YOURSELF
In each of the following, decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA or IFAB rules/Laws. Solutions: p. 87.
1. B1 takes a goal kick and it strikes B2, who is still in the penalty area, in the back of the head. The ball deflects and enters the goal.
a. No goal and rekick since the ball did not leave the penalty area.
b. No goal and corner kick since a team cannot score on itself off a goal kick.
c. Goal.
2. A1 is inside the penalty area and takes a shot on goal. As the shot is taken, B2 recklessly tackles A1. The referee sounds the whistle and the ball then enters the goal.
a. Drop ball for inadvertent whistle.
b. Penalty kick and caution B2.
c. Allow goal on advantage.
3. During field inspection, the referee team realizes that one of the penalty area lines is only 15 yards from the goal.
a. Play the game and report the issue to the appropriate authorities.
b. Advise the teams that the referee will estimate the distance if there is a possible penalty kick.
c. The game shall not begin.
4. During the coin toss, the referee observes the captain is not wearing an arm band.
a. Advise the captain he or she must have an arm band.
b. There is no requirement for an arm band, so this is legal.
c. Caution the player — or for NFHS, the coach — for an improper uniform.
5. Prior to the start of play, the referee notices A1’s number is printed on the back of the jersey and on the shorts. There is no number on the front of the jersey.
a. Legal.
b. Illegal since there must be a number on the front of the jersey.
c. Legal since numbers are not mandatory.
traits that might be helpful and what might not be as applicable to their game. Some referees have the ability to joke with players and use their sense of humor to help control the game. Not everyone has the personality to make this a successful tactic. Other referees can use their physical presence to market all their calls. Others have the physical ability to be assigned the game, but may not be able to be as close to play and need to adapt their style to gain respect from the players.
An example of this is when a referee attempts to imitate a professional referee’s style on a college game. Both the players and coaches become very frustrated and the game becomes overly difficult. The referee should just officiate his or her game and not try to be someone else.
First Impressions
Every official has only one chance to make a good first impression. Arriving at the site early and ready to officiate the game is a good first step. The uniform should be clean, socks pulled up and an appearance of confidence will demonstrate to the players that referees are ready to perform their duties.
When meeting with the coaches, the referee team should introduce themselves, have a few short pleasantries and then leave the coaches alone so they can prepare their team for the game. This is not the time to have lengthy discussions about past games, referee style, the coach’s family or anything else.
Also, many referees know a player or several players on the team from previous games. The referee team should never spend time chatting with players when they are warming up. Not only does this take time away from their warmups, but it also presents an appearance of prejudice that the referee will favor a player or team.
The referee team should conduct a field inspection, have a thorough pregame discussion, warm up and prepare themselves for the game. Another way to have a good first impression is during the coin toss.
The referee should never have a lengthy discussion about how the game will be called and how misconduct will be handled.
The pregame should be limited to what is necessary. Have the captains meet each other, introduce the referee team and review any required items (for example, in a high school game the coaches must be asked if the players are legally and properly equipped). As soon as this is complete, conduct the coin toss and have the teams get ready for the opening kickoff.
The final first impression is the opening kickoff. Once the players are ready, the referee should sound the whistle in a manner that the players know who is in charge.
Be Bold
It is imperative referees demonstrate they are not afraid to make a tough call, no matter the circumstances or the time of the game.
Imagine you are the referee in a playoff game and the winner goes to the championship round. There is less than a minute remaining in the game and it is tied, 1-1. There is a large crowd cheering for the home team. A player from the visiting team crosses the ball into the opponent’s penalty area and a defender intentionally handles the ball. Do you have the courage to award a penalty kick and more than likely decide the outcome of the game?
The referee does not have to be harsh to be bold. Every referee should strive to develop a rapport with the players and even the coaches as the game progresses. Letting players know they made a great pass or telling goalkeepers they made a great save goes a long way in telling the players the referee understands the game and is part of the one currently being played.
It is most important to remember that what was allowed during the first 15 minutes of the game must be allowed throughout the game. The referee may have to set the tone early. During the first 10 minutes of a very important game, one of the best See “Tips” p.38
ON THE LINE
The player in black has left the field, which is legal since it is the normal course of play.
The assistant referee is observing the ball to ensure it does not wholly cross over the touchline.
The assistant referee must also watch for any potential fouls, such as holding or grabbing the uniform by the player in white, or pushing or holding by the player in black. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
The referee and assistant referee must look for legal shielding by the player in white.
The referee and assistant referee must also observe for impeding if the player in white slows down and prevents the player in black from getting to the ball.
The referee and assistant referee must watch for any potential kicking foul by the player in black.
The assistant referee has used a good mechanic by moving off of the touchline so he is not in the way of play.
CASEPLAYS
Countdown Initiated Play: A1 takes a shot on goal and goalkeeper B2 makes a diving save. B2 takes a moment to gain control of his or her body and the ball. B2 then gets up and moves toward the edge of the penalty area. The referee lifts up a hand and begins to count down five seconds of an eight-second release time to let B2 know that he or she is delaying the game. After the referee counts down the time, the referee stops play. Ruling: For NFHS and NCAA, the game should have been stopped after six seconds for delay and the game restarted with an indirect free kick from the point B2 had the ball at the end of six seconds (NFHS 12-3-3a; NCAA 12.3.1.1). This is the correct procedure for IFAB and the game is to be restarted with a corner kick (17.2).
Goal Off Drop Ball
Play: After a temporary suspension in the penalty area, the referee restarts play with a drop ball to goalkeeper B1. B1 elects not to play the ball and leaves it at the feet in an attempt to waste time. A2, who was four yards away at the time of the drop ball, runs up, intercepts the ball, shoots and scores. Ruling: No goal and restart the game with a goal kick. A2 was the only player to touch the ball. The ball must be touched a second time off a drop ball (NFHS 9-2-6; NCAA 9.3.3; IFAB 8.2).
Hand Ball?
Play: Goalkeeper B1 leaves the penalty area and approaches A2, who is running toward the goal. A2 tries to kick the ball past B1, but it rebounds off the goalkeeper’s left arm, which is close to the goalkeeper’s body. The ball rebounds to B3, who begins to move the ball up field. Ruling: If the referee judges the arm did not make the goalkeeper’s body unnaturally bigger and the contact with the ball was accidental, play should continue. Not every contact of the ball with the arm or hands is punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick (NFHS 12-2-2; NCAA 12.2.8.1.4; IFAB 12.1).
Tips continued from p.36
players on a team commits a foul that warrants a caution or even ejection. Does the referee have the courage to issue the appropriate card or just signal for the foul?
When the same situation happens during the last five minutes of the game by an opponent, what does the referee do? Once allowed, always allowed, and now the referee is losing control of the game. The referee should never be afraid of making the tough decision no matter who the player is, what the score is or the time of the game.
As a side note, presence goes a long way during these situations. Being close to play will let the players know you clearly observed the incident and made the decision. If the referee is far from the play, it will be very hard to market the call.
Be a Leader
There are several aspects of being an effective leader as a soccer referee. One of the definitions of a leader is one who commands, manages and controls others. The best soccer referees command that the players observe the Laws/rules under which the game is being played.
A leader is a person who should have integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion and resilience. It is very easy to see how each of these attributes relates to an excellent referee.
Another aspect of a leader is the ability to stay calm in the heat of the moment. Almost without exception, every game has a “moment of truth” and some have a situation when the “you know what” hits the fan. Emotions are very high by all the
players, coaches and even spectators. When this occurs, the referee has to stay calm and quickly and professionally deal with the situation and restore order.
Consider a game is moving along without any serious incidents. There are fouls, but nothing out of the ordinary. A player commits a harder foul near the team bench. Out of nowhere, a substitute jumps up and strikes the player who committed the foul. All of a sudden, the field players and all of the substitutes become engaged. The referee team must remain calm, sort out the situation and decide what punishments must be administered. This all has to be accomplished quickly so the game can be restarted and players can once again focus on the game and not each other.
Good leaders are willing to admit they are wrong. Every referee will make a mistake. All referees are human and no matter how hard they strive, they cannot be perfect. It is perfectly fine to admit a mistake was made and explain how it will be remedied. This could be pointing the wrong way on a throw-in. The referee should let the players know of the mistake and not allow the throw-in until the defense has some time to get back into position. If this is not done, the team taking the throw-in has an unfair advantage.
Stopping play for a foul and then realizing there was an advantage is another error. The referee just needs to let the team know there was a quick whistle and efforts will be made to prevent a repeat.
The aforementioned tips are broad in nature, but if a referee applies them, performance should improve. All referees should strive to be the best they can be and work diligently toward this goal.
NCAA ’24 Protest Review
The chart on page 33 reflects the 2024 summary of protests filed during NCAA soccer games. There were a total of 45 protests filed. For each protest, a copy of the video clip and a detailed explanation
of the final ruling was posted and made available to coaches, administrators and officials. All protests involving anything other than mistaken identity were handled by a committee consisting of the
secretary-rules editor, the national coordinator of officials and one of the NCAA regional officiating advisors.
The fighting protests that were granted were due to the fact there was not a fight and the correct reason for the ejection should have been Violent Behavior I or II. The definition of fighting (12.7.10) was not satisfied.
Mistaken Identity occurs when the referee issues a card and identifies the wrong number in the official scorebook. Mistaken Identity should never be raised to the level of a protest. There are three, and many times four, officials assigned to the game. The referee team should be positive on what player(s) should be ejected and the scorebook is accurate. One of the duties of the referee is to verify the scorebook before leaving the site (5.5.2).
Referee Assault II protests were granted because the correct decision should have been Violent Behavior
I.The number of games for which a player or coach is suspended depends on the reason for ejection. Violent Behavior I results in a onegame suspension, while fighting and Violent Behavior II result in a twogame suspension.
In addition to the protests, the secretary-rules editor received a number of questions on the rules and proper application. The most common items that were asked dealt with field markings, uniform legality,
substitutions and re-entry, video review, status of suspended games, suspensions and card accumulation. It is important that all NCAA officials study the rulebook on a regular basis to ensure they are thoroughly knowledgeable of the rules so that when any of the above questions arise, they are familiar with the rule. Also, all referees must ensure they use proper terminology when providing a reason for an ejection.
BY BLAKE MURPHY
Editor’s note: This article was first published on sportsnet.ca and is reprinted with permission.
eteran umpire Scott Barry was going to get the tattoo, whether he was allowed to display it or not.
After an off-season spent working through a piece that covers his entire upper right arm, Barry purchased black and skin-colored
sleeves to wear underneath his umpire’s uniform, if necessary.
If some of the tattoo revealed itself on a hot summer day in a shortsleeved uniform, then he’d live with the consequences.
“If they had asked me to cover it, I didn’t have any issues with that,” Barry said. “I had already planned for that. And if they’re gonna fine me, I’m okay with that, too. It’s that important.”
Barry no longer needs to worry. Thanks to a change in the 2025 collective bargaining agreement between the league and the MLB Umpires Association — largely inspired by Barry’s story — umpires are now, for the first time in league history, allowed to have arm tattoos visible, above the elbow.
It’s a small tweak that means the world to Barry, allowing him to freely honor the memory of his late wife,
home in Michigan to Houston for immunotherapy treatments.
Barry would take time off from work to accompany her when possible, including opting out of the entire 2020 season relaunch due to the additional risk that transmitting COVID-19 could have posed to his wife. When umpiring, he wore a blue “Together We Fight” wristband and wanted to go beyond that with a permanent message of strength for his wife.
Christine, and display a message of support to others battling colon cancer.
Barry has been working through the idea for his tattoo for a few years.
The Barry family — Scott, his parents and his brother — went together to get “Barry Strong” tattooed in blue, the color of colorectal cancer awareness and Christine’s favorite color. In the years since, friends of the family have followed suit and gotten the same tattoo, celebrating a beloved friend and teacher.
It began while Christine was in the throes of a nine-year battle with colon cancer. Over the course of several years, she underwent 18 rounds of chemotherapy and made over 20 trips from their
for the couple during Christine’s more difficult times, helping her re-center on the positivity and strength that came to define her final years to those close to her.
“We were always looking forward,” Barry explained. “She would have days where she would struggle, and I think pretty much anybody in her situation would have. It was always a thing between us, I’d simply say, ‘, I get it, but we’ve got five minutes. And at the end of that five minutes, I need you to focus on getting healthy.’ You don’t have the ability to play ‘woe is me,’ and so we never focused on that. She had such an amazing attitude about getting better, and having the best time we possibly could.”
When Christine passed away in July of 2023, Barry wanted to make the piece more substantial in her memory. Over the course of five sessions at a small studio space in a Quincy, Mich., salon, Barry and artist Loren Reif created a beautiful and touching half-sleeve rich in personal meaning and memory.
The tattoo also includes a blue rose, again a nod to the color for colorectal cancer awareness, and a reminder of Barry’s standing order at a local flower shop for the last four years of Christine’s battle. Every Tuesday, no matter where Barry was on the road, Christine would receive a flower delivery at home or at the school where she taught.
The piece is anchored by a pocket watch, displaying Christine’s date and time of death. The concept of time became an important touchstone
The piece is also a reminder to try to maintain Christine’s positive spirit. Barry has two teenage sons, Cameron and Alex — for whom he has another tattoo on his left shoulder — and the family practices gratitude for their time with Christine.
Scott Barry wears a blue “Together We Fight” wristband (above left) for colorectal cancer awareness. He and his late wife, Christine (above right), who died in 2023 after a nine-year cancer battle, are seen in Paris during a vacation.
“In essence, it’s a memorial to her,” Barry said. “I was lucky that I was with her for 25 years. I feel bad for the people who never got the chance to meet her, because she was just unbelievable. She’s such a good person, and a phenomenal teacher and mother. So, you know, we still try to stay positive and to look forward. We still talk about how fortunate we were to have Mom.”
Prior to this winter, the agreement with MLB and the MLBUA stipulated that “tattoos and other forms of body art must be covered by their uniform so they are not visible.” In other words, even a touching tribute like Barry’s would need to be covered up during games.
While Barry was going to get the tattoo whether he had to cover it or not, he did let his fellow umpires know that he was doing it. He told Dan Bellino, who was vice president of the MLBUA during collective bargaining negotiations this winter and is now the MLBUA president, who flagged the rule during union conversations with the league.
Both sides saw the value in loosening the language around body art. Now, umpires can have arm tattoos visible, as long as they’re above the elbow, “subject to Commissioner’s Office approval which shall not be reasonably withheld.” And while Barry is the only active MLB umpire with tattoos the policy applies to, the league and union agreed that the policy change could help in the future, too.
“Scott’s situation is very unique. He didn’t do that in anticipation of the language changing,” Bellino said. “I think he’s the first, and I would highly doubt he’d be the last. Tattoos are a little more accepted, in general, and we’re seeing that it’s a form of expression for people. I think that it was mutually beneficial to say, ‘We don’t want to exclude somebody that would have the ability to umpire at the major-league level based on having visible tattoos.’ That just wouldn’t serve the best interests of anybody, or the game.”
But while it’s a significant development for Barry, the rule
change occurred with next to no fanfare — even for those at field level.
“I didn’t know that,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider, who got his first tattoo in January. “I think it’s cool. I think there have been, actually, a couple more umpires with beards, too. They’re people, too. I know I give them a hard time, but I think it’s cool.”
It’s an interesting change for a league that deemed tattoos on pitchers a possible distraction to hitters just 20 years ago. In 2004, late Blue Jays pitcher Justin Miller was encouraged to cover his arm tattoos with sleeves because someone complained that his colored arm tattoos were distracting. It became unofficially known as the Justin Miller Rule, and while John Axford remembers it more as a rumor than a hard rule, it was enough to discourage him from getting tattoos on his throwing arm during his playing days.
“It’s a new-world thing, for sure,” said Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman, who has tattoos but not visible on his throwing arm. “You look at players 20 years ago, not many guys had tattoos, or had to cover them up. Whereas now, you know, there’s guys with face tattoos that are pitching.”
“That’s cool. I mean, no one should have to cover up what their skin shows,” said Bowden Francis, the Blue Jays pitcher whose tattoos include an enso on the top of his pitching hand. “They can express their art however they want to. They’re on the field, just like us, and I think they should be able to express themselves.”
The change is small in scope, but large in meaning.
At the moment, Barry is the only umpire who will have ink poking out as he makes a strike call behind the plate or a dramatic out call at first base. For him, though, the opportunity to memorialize his wife every day, and have that desire recognized and accepted by the league, is significant.
“It’s something that I’m super proud of, because of what it is. I love what it stands for, and I always have that with me. So that’s just super important to me,” Barry said.
“I appreciate the fact that baseball was open to it, allowing me to have it and not cover it up. Hopefully, if other guys want to do something that’s important or special to them, I love that now there’s an opportunity for that to happen for them.”
Blake Murphy, Toronto, is a writer for sportsnet.ca.
Umpire Scott Barry got this tattoo on his right arm in memory of his wife, Christine, after she passed away following a battle with cancer.
spORTS clean games
Make sure your games are played the way they’re meant to be played with this ultimate guide to managing coach and player exchanges. Common universal game situations are deconstructed with easy to follow scripts and talking points that will keep the action on track and defuse tense situations.
YOU CAN’T TOUCH THIS NFHS Addresses Several Goaltending Scenarios
By Scott Tittrington
While NFHS basketball may not feature the same level of athleticism as that witnessed in the college and pro games, that does not mean there is no need for rules when governing play that happens at or above the rim.
To that end, in April the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee voted on a trio of changes related to goaltending and basket interference that will go into effect for the 202526 season. They are among a large group of rule changes subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors for this upcoming season.
Referee thanks Monica Maxwell, NFHS director of sports and staff liaison to the rules committee, for reviewing this information, which does not appear in rulebook order.
Goaltending (4-22-3 NEW)
This addition to the rulebook states that during a try attempt, when the ball contacts the backboard, it is now considered to be on its downward flight. Therefore, if a player subsequently touches the ball, it is goaltending so long as it has the possibility of entering the basket.
“By establishing that a ball is considered to be on its downward flight upon contacting the backboard, this rule change introduces a clear and objective standard,” Maxwell said in a press release announcing the rule change. “It significantly reduces the need for officials to make subjective judgments regarding the trajectory of a shot, thereby enhancing consistency and accuracy
The NFHS Basketball Rules Committee passed three significant changes related to goaltending and basket interference that will go into effect for the 2025-26 season.
in goaltending calls.”
Play 1: A1 is driving to the basket in an attempt to make a fast-break layup. Following the release of A1’s try attempt, B2 blocks the shot (a) after it has touched the backboard and is continuing its upward flight, (b)after it has touched the backboard and is above the ring, or (c) before the ball touches the backboard.
Ruling 1: This is goaltending in both (a)and (b), and a legal defensive play in (c).
Player Technical (10-4-4b) and Basket Interference (4-6-1a NEW, 4-6-1b NEW)
It is no longer a player technical foul if a player intentionally slaps or strikes the backboard or causes the ring to vibrate while a try or tap for field goal is in flight or is touching the backboard or is in the basket or cylinder above the basket.
Instead, a change has been made to state it is basket interference when this action now occurs. The rationale for the rule change is that it no longer requires officials to judge intent on these plays and instead allows them to consider how this action impacts the ball and provides a fair resolution in such situations.
Play 2: A1 releases a try attempt near the basket. B2 jumps and swings an arm, making a legitimate attempt to block the try. B2 misses the ball and makes contact with
the backboard while the ball is above the cylinder. Ruling 2: This is basket interference. Award the goal to A1 and team B receives a nondesignated spot throw-in along the endline.
Play 3: A1 releases a try attempt on the right side of the basket. B2 slaps the backboard on the left side of the basket while the ball is airborne but not on its downward flight nor within the cylinder above the basket. Ruling 3: This is a player technical foul against B2 for unsporting conduct in violation of rule 10-4-6.
Goaltending
(4-22-1, 4-22-2)
The definition of goaltending has been revised to state that it occurs when a defensive player commits any of the acts previously associated with goaltending on a try, tap or during a free-throw attempt. By removing the offensive team from this violation, players and officials do not need to determine whether the ball in flight toward the basket is a try or pass.
Play 4: A1 releases the ball toward the team A basket. While the ball is above the level of the basket ring and on its downward flight, (a) A2 grabs the ball with two hands and dunks it through the basket, or (b)B3 swats the ball away. Ruling 4: In (a), this is a legal play. In (b), this is goaltending.
AIf this ball has already touched the backboard before the defender makes contact with it, this shall be ruled goaltending based on a rule change passed by the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee for the 2025-26 season.
New Pac-12 to Join Big 12 Consortium
When the Pac12 Conference relaunches for the 2026-27 men’s basketball season, it will reportedly join the Big 12 officiating consortium headed by John Higgins, according to a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune
Several officials who worked in the former West Coast officiating consortium, and therefore often worked Pac-12 conference games, migrated to Higgins’ group when the conference disbanded prior to the 2025-26 season. That will mean a return of many familiar faces to the Pac-12 next season.
The new-look Pac-12 will feature former conference schools Oregon State and Washington State, Mountain West imports Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State, and former West Coast Conference stalwart Gonzaga.
SIDELINE QUICKTIP
When preparing to toss the ball for the opening tip, remember to spit the whistle out of your mouth.
As evidenced by the elbow NBA official Scott Foster took to the nose during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder, jump balls are often contact-filled plays, and the officials are not immune. The last thing you want is some broken teeth because they were clamped down on your whistle when a player accidentally catches you in the face.
Let your partner(s) take responsibility for blowing on anything that happens during the jump ball — he or she likely has a better vantage point anyway.
TEST YOURSELF
In each of the following, decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA men’s and NCAA women’s rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 87.
1. A1 is fouled by B2 during a field goal try. While the ball is on the basket ring, A3 touches the ball, and then the ball enters the basket. All of the following are true, except which?
a. The goal shall count, and A1 shall receive one free throw.
b. A1 shall receive two free throws.
c. A3 shall be called for basket interference.
d. Play resumes with the result of A1’s free throw(s).
2. Following an unsuccessful try, A1 taps the ball back toward the team A basket, and B2 makes illegal contact with A1’s arm while the ball is still in contact with A1’s hand. The ball enters the basket. Which of the following is true?
a. The goal shall not count as the ball was in contact with A1’s hand when the contact occurred.
b. The ball becomes dead when the foul occurs.
c. A1 is in the act of shooting.
d. B2’s contact shall be ignored.
3. A1 is shooting the second of two free throws. While A1’s try is in flight, B2 fouls A3. All of the following are true, except which?
a. If A1’s try is successful, it shall count.
b. If A1’s try is unsuccessful, A1 shall receive a substitute free throw.
c. If team A is in the bonus, A3 shall receive free throws.
d. If team A is not in the bonus, team A shall receive a throw-in.
4. All are true of a manufacturer’s logo on the jersey, except which?
a. The jersey may contain one manufacturer’s logo.
b. The size of the logo may not exceed 2 ¼ square inches.
c. No one dimension can be more than 2 ¼ inches.
d. The logo may be located on the front of the jersey below the shoulder panel, which is measured five inches from the top of the shoulder seam.
5. During a jump ball, all of the following are a violation on the jumper, except which?
a. The jumper catches the ball.
b. The jumper touches the ball more than twice.
c. The jumper touches the ball before it reaches its highest point.
d. The jumper fails to jump.
Officials will no longer use the imaginary trapezoid to determine throw-in spots following a stoppage in play. A rule change passed by the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee now dictates officials use the three-point line to determine if the ensuing throw-in takes place on the endline or sideline.
Players/Bench Personnel/ Substitutes/Team Members (4-341)
A change in the definition of when a team member is a player vs. bench personnel has been made so that all team members now become bench personnel during timeouts as well as intermissions. The rationale is that doing so makes coaches responsible for the conduct of their team during timeouts and also eliminates any confusion for officials in needing to determine whether, due to substitutions or injury replacements during a timeout, a team member is a
player or bench personnel. It’s important to note a timeout does not officially begin when it is granted by the official. It begins when the official signals and reports the timeout to the scorer’s table and directs the timer to start the timeout clock.
Play 5: After the ball goes out of bounds on an errant pass, team A’s head coach requests a timeout. As the two teams head to their benches, A1, frustrated due to a previous play, commits unsporting conduct
See “NFHS Goaltending” p.48
Get a Grip?
What requirements need to be met in order for an official to rule a held ball? Is it necessary for players on opposite teams to each have both of their hands on the basketball in an effort to secure possession for an official to blow the whistle and make this ruling?
While the player in black clearly has both her hands on the ball, the same cannot be said for the player in gray. In fact, it appears she has neither of her hands on the ball. Because the player in gray has no hands on the ball, is her current positioning legal, or could she be ruled for a holding foul given the positioning of her left arm?
NFHS rule 4-25-1 and NCAAM/W rule 6-4.2 state that a held ball occurs when “opponents have their hands so firmly on the ball that control cannot be obtained without undue roughness.” Which part of the rule should take precedence: the hands being firmly on the ball, or the concerns over undue roughness? Could the officials make an argument for stopping play as it appears roughness will be necessary for the player in black to break free with the basketball?
If you don’t believe the “undue roughness” parameter has been met, then how about this argument? The NFL is famous
for making a ruling many years ago that “one knee equals two feet.” In basketball, can one elbow equal two hands? Could such logic be applied to rule the player in gray has forced a held ball based on her contact with the ball?
Should game conditions at the time of this play matter? What if this is the first potential tie-up during the game? Should the officials have a patient whistle and attempt to allow the players to resolve the situation? Or should they stop play and prevent the possibility of setting an overaggressive tone? Conversely, what if this game has already had an abundance of held balls? Does that change how quickly the crew should decide to put air in the whistle?
The answers to these questions require a combination of rules support, crew philosophy and effective game management to make the decisions that best fit each unique situation.
CASEPLAYS
Head Decorations
Play: Visiting team B is wearing blue uniforms. Prior to the game, the official notices B1 is wearing (a)a red rubber band around their ponytail or (b) a white ribbon around their ponytail with the long ends dangling down. Are these items allowed to be worn in the hair? Ruling: In (a), the red rubber band is legal as it is a hair-control device that does not go entirely around the head and is, therefore, not subject to color restrictions. In (b), regardless the color, the ribbon with the long dangling ends is illegal as it is considered a head decoration not simply being used to control hair. B1 must remove the ribbon prior to playing (NFHS 3-54d, 3-5-4f; NCAAM 1-24.1, 1-26.7, AR 1-11; NCAAW 1-23.3, 1-25.7, AR 1-17).
Out of Bounds on Throw-in
Play: A1 is holding the ball on the endline in team A’s backcourt for a (a) designated-spot throw-in, or (b) non-designated spot throwin. A2, A3, A4 and A5 all step outof-bounds along that same endline, each runs back inbounds, and A1 completes the throw-in to A2. Is this play legal? Ruling: No player other than the thrower-in shall be out of bounds after a designated spot throw-in begins. No such restriction exists during a nondesignated spot throw-in. In (a), team A has committed a violation as soon as any one of A1’s teammates step out of bounds. In (b), no violation has occurred and play shall continue uninterrupted (NFHS 9-2-11; NCAA M/W 9-4.2.a).
Granting of Timeouts
Play: Following the halftime intermission, the alternatingpossession arrow favors team A. Either (a) prior to a team A player having possession of the ball for throw-in, or (b) after a team A player has possession of the ball for the throw-in to begin the third quarter (NFHS, NCAAW) or second half (NCAAM), a team A player requests a timeout. Shall the timeout be granted? Ruling: A timeout may not be granted until after the ball becomes live to begin the third quarter (NFHS, NCAAW) or second half (NCAAM). Therefore, the timeout shall not be granted in (a), but shall be granted in (b) (NFHS 5-11-5, 5.11.5A; NCAAM 5-15.1.e; NCAAW 5-15.1.e, AR 5-32).
NFHS GOALTENDING continued from p.40
by (a) yelling at the official before the timeout has been reported to the scorer’s table, or (b) kicks a chair on the bench after the timeout has been reported to the scorer’s table. Ruling 5: In (a), A1 shall be assessed a player technical foul as the unsporting behavior occurred while A1 was still a player and not yet bench personnel. In (b), team A shall be assessed a bench technical foul as A1 is not a player during a timeout. The technical foul is a team foul, is assessed directly to A1 and indirectly to the head coach, and the head coach loses coaching box privileges for the remainder of the game.
Resumption-of-Play Procedure, Throw-ins (7-5-4)
Officials will now use the threepoint line as the line of demarcation for determining whether ensuing designated-spot throw-ins shall occur on the endline or the sideline both in the frontcourt and backcourt. The imaginary trapezoid line that was previously used for such adjudication no longer exists. If the stoppage of play for anything other than the ball going out of bounds occurs on or within the three-point line, the designated spot shall be the nearest spot on the endline three feet outside the lane line. If the stoppage occurs outside the three-point line, the designated spot shall be the nearest sideline at the 28-foot mark.
Play 6: A1 attempts (a) a frontcourt or (b) a backcourt bounce pass to A2, but the ball is kicked by B3, who is standing with one foot on the three-point line. Ruling 6: In both (a) and (b), the ensuing throwin is on the endline at the three-foot spot outside the lane line on that side of the playing court.
Throw-in Provisions (9-2-11 NEW) and Out of Bounds (9-3-4 NEW)
Changes have been made to lessen the severity of the penalty for players who purposefully and/ or deceitfully delay returning to the playing court after being legally out of bounds and then becoming the
first player to touch the ball after doing so. This is now a violation and no longer a technical foul.
Editorial Changes
Several editorial changes were also approved by the committee to help clarify specific rules and situations:
•Language was removed from rule 4-19-3c regarding intentional fouls and contact that is specifically designed to stop the clock or keep it from starting. The rationale is that more leeway needs to be given to officials to rule a common foul late in the game when defensive players wish to foul to stop the clock, which is supported by NFHS Casebook play 4.19.3D that states “fouling near the end of a game is an acceptable coaching and playing strategy.”
•The language of rule 4-47 regarding warning for delay emphasizes that an actual delay must occur for a warning to be issued. If an action occurs that does not cause a delay, it does not need to be sanctioned with a warning.
•If team A throws the ball from beyond the three-point line and it is deflected into the basket, in all situations where there was no possibility of the ball entering the basket from above without the deflection (i.e. a clear pass vs. try attempt), it shall be counted as a two-point goal.
•When a jump ball is being administered, the guideline for whether nonjumpers are illegally moving regarding the center restraining circle is “within three feet.”
Scott Tittrington is an associate editor at Referee. He officiates high school and college basketball, high school and college baseball, and high school football.
CORRECTION
The 6/25 issue of Referee contained incorrect information about the number of Final Four appearances by NCAAW basketball official Joe Vaszily. His appearance at the 2025 Final Four in Tampa, Fla., marked his 11th such selection.
VISIONINACTION
are you confident that you're covered?
Not All O ciating Insurance Programs Cover You Like NASO Does
Imagine these scenarios and potential outcomes:
• A softball player blamed the umpires for not recognizing poor field conditions that they said resulted in a fall and subsequent injury. After litigation, more than $18,000 was paid out.
• A soccer player fell and struck his knee on a rail that surrounded the running track. The player it was too close to the playing field for safety and the official should have recognized it. $14,000 was paid when the lawyers got involved.
• A basketball player sued for injury alleging the slippery conditions on the floor led to a serious knee injury. Officials were removed from the lawsuit but not before they incurred $32,000 in legal fees.
Actually, don’t bother imagining those scenarios. They actually happened.
But the outcomes ended up being very positive for the officials
involved because they were all NASO members.
Many officials think they are covered by the insurance of the league or athletic association through which they are working, but that’s not always the case. Don’t forget that by and large officials are independent contractors and are responsible for their own insurance protection.
Many other officials don’t carry any insurance at all and may not even be aware of that fact. Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover you for your officiating endeavors. Your state association may have insurance protections for you, but it may only cover sanctioned high school games and not youth games, small college games or any other games you might officiate.
NASO recognizes that those gaps in coverage exist, and that’s why we have tailored the insurance protections that we supply to our members with that in mind.
These Organizations Support Sports
Officials
Every member of NASO can rest assured that they are protected with liability insurance no matter what games they are working, no matter what level and no matter what sport. NASO members are covered for any game, any time, anywhere they officiate.
Better still, unlike other insurances, NASO liability coverage even goes beyond that. Everything you do as an official, umpire or referee — from assigning games, to working as a clinic trainer, to good old fashioned onfield or oncourt officiating — is covered with NASO membership.
NASO’s insurance program is preeminent in the officiating world. You simply will not find a more far reaching and comprehensive insurance package. It covers officials working every game, every sport and at every level. Nobody else does that.
How does your liability coverage compare? It’s worth looking into.
- Please
Support
Them! ere are more than 100 organizations that financially support NASO’s programs and services as Education Partners.
GAME’S ON THE LINE
Use Prematch to Gauge Line Judges’ Abilities
By Brad Tittrington
Officiating volleyball is much different than officiating any other sport. There are many reasons for this, but this article is going to focus on only one of those reasons, and it is probably something most officials don’t really even think about because it has become second nature.
What makes volleyball so unique is part of the officiating crew may not even be certified. And at the high school level, and even some college levels, part of that crew may be supplied by the host school. Talk about a conflict of interest.
Think about it. In bat and ball sports, you don’t show up to the field and have the school supply the base umpires. In basketball, the school isn’t providing one of the referees. In soccer, the assistant referees aren’t high school students or parents of the players. In football, the wing officials for the varsity game aren’t JV players.
But in volleyball, we accept the fact that some of our crewmates may have some of these conflicts. And we usually don’t even bat an eye. It is the nature of the sport. While most college matches have certified line judges, the same can’t be said for high school matches and the travel-ball circuit. At those levels, we have the added responsibility of getting to know the line judges just prior to the match and then giving them a quick refresher course. Could you imagine having to do that in another sport?
Working with line judges is a skill that comes with experience. Newer referees may struggle as it is an unfamiliar job they may not have ever been trained to do. But it is an integral part of the job as line judges play a vital role in every match. Officiating is all about angles and sometimes there are plays in every match that the two referees can’t get angles on to see perfectly to decipher — close in/ out calls, balls over the antenna and
HESTON QUAN
It is essential referees have a strong prematch meeting with line judges as there are many situations where a line judge’s opinion is critical to a call. One of the main things to stress during the prematch is having solid eye contact, like Bianca Atienza-Perez, Torrance, Calif., exemplifies here as she gives a confident look to referee Celestial Ropati, Downey, Calif.
potential pancakes. This is where the extra set of eyes of the line judges is crucial and we rely on them heavily to get the call right.
So, what should we do as referees to make sure our line judges are on the same page as us and are focused on the task at hand?
Introduce Yourself
It is important to get to know who your line judges are before the match. This gives you an opportunity to get on a first-name basis with the line judges, but it also gives you an opportunity to learn about them as well. You only have a few minutes prematch to spend some time with the line judges and it is during this time you need to be able to figure out who the stronger line judge is of the two. Ask them their experience level and find out their comfort level with the task at hand. Ask them if they have a preference on which side of the court to work. You ultimately want the strongest line judge to be opposite of the first referee. The theory is first referees can “protect” line judges on their side of the court as they can help with the lines on their side. Second referees are often focused on plays at the net and what is happening there and may not be able to get eyes to the lines quite as quickly, so the stronger of the line judges should be on that side. This doesn’t always hold true, however, as some line judges do not like to be on the same side as the benches and you may need to adjust your thinking based on comfort level.
Set Expectations
For those few moments you have with the line judges prematch, set the tone for the match. Let them know they are an integral part of the crew and set the expectations for that match. Explain what signals you need from them and the appropriate way to show those signals. Don’t be afraid to use the flag and show them exactly how you want them to call a foot fault or antenna violation. Show them how to give in and out signals and explain why they need to be decisive in their calls. We have all had matches where a ball landed near a line and we looked at the line judge and in return got the
“deer in headlights” look. Then the line judge half-heartedly gives an in signal. There is zero believability in that call.
Explain how important they are to that match. Let them know they are a part of the crew and it is important they stay focused and locked in for the entirety of the match. One of the ways to show convictions in their calls and to stay focused is through the use of eye contact. Let them know that you expect eye contact on every point. This helps to keep everyone engaged throughout the match.
Importance of Communication
One of the keys to having a successful match is having good communication. With line judges, most communication is non-verbal and done through body language. However, there are times when verbal communication is essential. Remind the line judges to take advantage of timeouts or the time between sets to ask questions. Also, remind them to notify you if they hear any derogatory language or if they feel uncomfortable for any reason. This can be difficult if you have a JV player line judging a varsity match. That player may not feel comfortable complaining about something a varsity player or the coach said as they may fear retribution. In instances where you may have a JV player on the lines, be extra mindful of how they are being treated by players and coaches and you may be able to jump in before it becomes an issue. Do your best to make them feel as comfortable as possible as a relaxed line judge will be much more useful than one who is experiencing stress.
Remember, line judges are part of our crew. They are our responsibility, and it behooves us to welcome them in to our crew and make them feel wanted, appreciated and valued. It is a unique situation not found in any other sport and it is our responsibility to make it look as smooth as possible. Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He umpires D-I softball and officiates high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football.
SIDELINE
USAV Honors Contributors
USAV announced its list of 30 distinguished individuals who were honored at the 2025 USAV Hall of Fame annual banquet and ceremony on May 21 at the Hilton Denver City Center in Colorado. The following individuals were honored for their officiating contributions:
Hall of Fame honoree and 2025 Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award: Bill Forrester
Joseph B. Sharpless Arbitrator Service Award: Cornelio Galdones
Wilbur H. “Will” Peck Referee Emeritus Award: Steve Owen and Paul Albright
Glen G. Davies Referee Service Award: Margie Ray
Referee of the Year: Brig Beatie
Scorer of the Year: Amber Fulk
TOOLS
PAVO RuleSchool
In an effort to align with its mission to improve the quality of volleyball officiating and increase the competency of officials through education and training, PAVO has launched a new product to help with test preparation. PAVO RuleSchool contains virtually every question from the current year’s NCAA/ PAVO Form A and Form B exams. The new product allows users to select short quizzes to study specific NCAA rules or elect to take complete 25-or 50-question practice exams, both timed and untimed. This takes the place of its predecessor, RefSchool. The annual subscription is free for all new-to-PAVO members, $5 for a PAVO member who purchases a subscription with annual membership registration, $10 for a PAVO member who purchases a subscription after finalizing annual membership registration, or $15 for non-PAVO members. More information can be found at PAVO.org.
TEST YOURSELF
In each of the following you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA or USAV rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 87.
1. Which of the following is permitted after play is stopped and a replay indicated, not related to an injury?
a. A substitution request.
b. A timeout request.
c. A request for a lineup check for one’s own team.
d. A request for a lineup check for the opposing team.
e. None of the above.
f. All of the above.
2. A1 has a small towel tucked into her uniform shorts. During a rally, the towel falls to the floor and presents a safety hazard. What action should the referees take if it is the first occurrence?
a. Whistle to stop play, and award the point to team B due to A1’s unnecessary equipment.
b. Whistle to stop play, indicate a replay and allow A1 to retrieve the towel with no further repercussion.
c. Whistle to stop play, indicate a replay, and assess a delay sanction to team A.
d. Allow play to continue.
3. Team A’s first contact sends the ball into the plane of the net. Team A’s back-row setter jumps to play the ball, and while reaching higher than the top of the net, contacts the ball simultaneously with an opposing blocker. What is the correct decision?
a. Illegal (back-row) attack on team A.
b. Illegal (back-row) block on team A.
c. Illegally reaching over the net by team B.
d. Legal play since it is a joust.
e. Replay since it is a simultaneous fault by both teams.
4. A team wearing white jerseys may wear black long-sleeved shirts underneath the jersey, as long as all team members match?
a. True.
b. False.
5. Antennas are required in order to play a match?
a. True.
b. False.
Center of Attention
Secondreferees have a lot to look at during plays at the net, especially at higher levels of play. Between trying to determine if a player illegally makes contact with the net and judging centerline faults, it can be difficult in real time to see everything and make accurate decisions. Play happens so fast, sometimes the human eye just can’t see everything. That is why many colleges have gone the route of video review to help in these instances.
But there isn’t video review at all levels and second referees are tasked with making the best decision they can in real time. Some plays are obvious, while others take a little more critical thinking. Let’s take a look at some plays involving the centerline (as shown in the PlayPic) that occurred last year and what the rules are surrounding each.
Play 1: Team A’s setter runs toward the net to set the ball. After setting the ball to a teammate, the setter’s momentum carries her to the centerline. Her right foot stops short of the centerline and her left foot crosses over the centerline, with only her heel in contact with the line. She then lifts her left foot so that only the heel is above the line, but no part of the foot is touching the line. She then steps backward onto her own court. She does not make contact with the net or with any opponent. However, a team
B blocker is near the setter, directly across the net from her, and the blocker then moves to her left to make a block attempt, without making contact with the setter. Ruling 1: In this situation, there is not one cut-and-dried decision. The reason is the centerline-fault rule is two-pronged. A player is allowed to encroach into the opponent’s court with the feet, provided some part of that foot remains in contact with or directly above the centerline in all three codes. However, there must also be no interference with an opponent playing the ball. So, in this particular play, the location of the setter’s foot is legal in all three codes, but whether there was interference with the opposing blocker is up to the second referee’s judgment. If deemed to be no interference, the play is legal and play continues. If the second referee determines there was interference, then this is a centerline fault and the opponent wins the rally (NFHS 9-5-7, 9.5.7; NCAA 15.2.4; USAV 11.2).
Play 2: Team A’s setter jumps near the net to set a ball to a teammate. The setter jumps, sets the ball and then lands with her right foot completely across the centerline. Her foot lands right between a team B’s blocker’s feet, who is attempting to jump and block the ensuing attack. Ruling 2: In all three codes, this is a centerline fault by the team A setter. In NFHS, it is
always a fault if a player completely crosses the centerline with a hand or foot. In NCAA and USAV, completely crossing the centerline with a foot is not an automatic fault; however, if that crossing interferes or presents a safety hazard to an opponent, it is a fault. In this instance, the proximity of the setter’s foot to the opposing blocker’s foot makes this a centerline fault.
Play 3: A1 attacks a ball near the center of the net. A1 lands with her right foot on the centerline, with just a portion of that right foot crossing the centerline. The rest of her foot remains on the centerline and on her side of the court. B2, a middle blocker, jumps to block the ball and then lands on top of A1, causing B2 to roll her ankle. B3 is able to dig the ball, which is playable by a teammate, when the second referee blows the whistle and initially signals a net fault by B2, as B2 touches the net on the way down. Ruling 3: While there is contact on this play between opponents, and one of the players ultimately rolls an ankle and is injured, this is not a centerline violation in any of the three codes. The attacker’s foot is allowed to cross the centerline, as long as a portion of the foot remains on or above the centerline. The contact also did not interfere with B2’s attempt to play the next ball. Therefore, the contact here would be legal and no fault by either
player. Now, to the net fault. If there was no video review, the call by the second referee of a net fault by team B would stand and team A would win the rally. In this particular situation, there was video review and the video showed A1 contacted the net with her right hand on the way down, after attacking the ball, which caused the net to move into B2. Upon review, the call was switched to a net fault on team A and team B won the rally.
Play 4: A1, in an attempt to save a ball near the net and near the floor, dives and pops the ball up into the air. A1’s momentum carries her partially over the centerline. A1 puts her right hand down, completely across the centerline and into the opponent’s court, with no portion of her hand on or over the centerline. There is no opponent near A1 when she makes contact with the floor across the centerline. A teammate then bumps the ball (for the team’s second contact) and another teammate hits the ball over the net. Ruling 4: In NFHS, it is a centerline fault when a complete hand or foot contacts the floor across the centerline, regardless of if an opponent is nearby. In this scenario, team A should be whistled for a centerline fault and team B wins the rally. In NCAA and USAV, contact over the centerline would not automatically be whistled. Only if that contact created interference
Informal Information
First referees have a lot of decisions they must make during every match. They also are responsible for giving a lot of signals during the match in order to convey information. Most of those signals occur after the whistle is blown. However, there are a couple of signals they give to provide information while play is still live.
The two informal signals first referees use while the ball is live are “ball below the height of the net” (PlayPic A) and “player completely behind attack line” (PlayPic B). These signals should be used sparingly and
would it be whistled. In this case, since no team B players were near, there is no fault and play continues.
Play 5: A1 blocks a ball and the ball falls near the floor at the center of the net on team A’s side of the net. A2 dives to save the ball and bumps it into the air. A2’s momentum carries her across the centerline and she stops with both her hands completely across the net, as well as her elbows. There initially are no team B players near her. After A2 bumps the ball into the net, A3 bumps the ball up into the air and toward the plane of the net. Two team B players start to move toward the net, and toward A2, who was on the ground, to potentially play the ball. A2 quickly moves herself back to her side of the net, never making contact or interfering with a team B player. The ball eventually falls down onto team A’s side of the court. Ruling 5: In NFHS, this would again be a centerline fault on A2. Once she completely crossed the centerline with a full hand, she would be at fault, regardless of the location of any team B players. In NCAA and USAV, this is not a fault. While A2 crossed the centerline completely with both hands and another body part, she never interfered with a team B player and never created a safety hazard. The play continues and team B ultimately wins the rally when the ball lands in team A’s court.
CASEPLAYS
Horn Sounds During Play Play: A timeout ends early and both teams return to the court, ready to play. The ball is served and team B’s errant pass sends the ball toward team B’s bench. As the ball is over team B’s bench and clearly headed out of bounds, with no team B players near the bench, the timer’s horn inadvertently sounds because the clock operator failed to turn it off when the timeout ended early. Ruling: In all codes, the ball is ruled out and team A wins the rally. Although the horn sounded while the ball was still in the air, team B clearly had no opportunity to play the ball and it was clearly unreachable. The horn had no effect on the play and did not interfere with team B’s opportunity to play the ball (NFHS 9-8-1a, 9.8.1C; NCAA 16.1.2, 16 Sit. 1; USAV 8.2).
Substitution for the Server Play: A1 has just served a point. A1 serves again, and the subsequent rally is stopped and replayed when the ball becomes motionless in an overhead obstruction. The coach then requests a substitution for the server, A1. Ruling: In all codes, the rules do not permit a substitution request by either team after a replay is issued since a completed rally has not occurred. A1 must continue to serve in this situation (NFHS 9-8-2, 10.3.1A; NCAA 11.3.3.1, Interp. 11.7; USAV 6.1.3, 12.4.5).
Injury During Warmups Play: With 90 seconds remaining on the clock timing the prematch warmups, A1 is injured. A1 is also listed as a starter in the lineup for the first set. The coach would like to change the lineup to replace A1. How is that procedure handled? Ruling: In NFHS, the coach can change the starting lineup to replace the injured player, and no substitution will be charged to the team (101-4, 10.1.4). NCAA rules allow a lineup to be changed without penalty or substitution until the one-minute mark on the clock timing the prematch warmups (10.1.1.7, Interp. 10.2). In USAV, once a lineup sheet has been submitted to the second referee or scorer, it may only be changed by substitution (7.3.4).
should only be used when the first referee needs to discern whether play is legal. These signals, just like the informal second referee signals, should be given discreetly.
The ball below the height of the net signal is used in a couple of instances. It is used to indicate a backrow player legally contacted a ball below the height of the net. Common times when this signal is used are when a libero attacks a ball or when a back-row setter contacts a ball that results in a completed attack (as shown in PlayPic C), but the ball at the time of contact is not entirely above the height of the net. Generally, if the libero or the setter does not jump, the chances of being above the net are rare, unless the player is extremely tall. When there is no doubt the setter or libero is below the height of the net at contact, the informal signal does not need to be used. When everyone in the gym can clearly see the player is below the net, the first referee does not need to (and should not) give this signal.
This signal is only meant to be given when there is doubt. It is the first referee’s way of showing everyone the play was seen and the ruling by the first referee is that the contact was below the height of the net and legal. Many referees use this signal every time a libero or back-row setter attacks a ball, and it loses its luster if it is used all the time.
The second informal signal is
used to indicate a back-row attacker jumped from completely behind the attack line before making contact with the ball on a completed attack. It is
also used when a libero sets a ball with overhand setting action and that set results in a completed attack by a teammate. If the libero is close to the line (as shown in PlayPic D), the first referee will use this signal to indicate the libero was completely behind the line, making the play legal. Again, too many first referees use this signal every time a back-row player attacks a ball or a libero sets the ball with overhand action. If those players are clearly behind the line, the signal is not needed. It is only needed when there could be doubt and is the first referee’s way of letting everyone know the play was seen and ruled legal.
The official NFHS Volleyball Officials Manual produced jointly by the editors of both Referee and the NFHS! Loaded with dozens of mechanics scenarios and featuring Referee’s exclusive PlayPic® and MechaniGram® graphics, this new resource is a must have for high school volleyball officials.
NOW WHAT?
BY THE REFEREE EDITORS
Officiating comes with a unique set of stressors. Unruly fans, misbehaving players and angry coaches are on the list. As if those weren’t enough, unforeseen speed bumps can test our patience and creativity. Here are some of them, along with suggestions on how to best deal with them.
It’s 4:45 on a Friday afternoon, and you’re on a desolate stretch of highway on your way to work a contest 60 miles from home. Twenty miles from your destination, you’re startled to see the red temperature light on your dashboard flash on. Steam billows from underneath the hood. Even if you had coolant stored in the trunk, it would likely take too
What Do I Do if My Car Breaks Down on My Way to the Game?
long to take effect.
You can use your cell phone to call your spouse, a friend or the auto club that provides roadside assistance, anything to take care of your car and get you back on the road toward your game assignment. But wait. You’ve got no signal (or worse, you left your phone at home). You may have to wait until another
What Do I Do if I Forgot Part of My Uniform?
After swearing for several minutes, begin to gather your emotions. First, pray that one of your partners is thorough enough to pack doubles of everything. If not, search the locker room for extra shirts, whistles, shoes, etc. Occasionally, there are some around at the high school and small college level.
Find the game site administrator. Acknowledge your mistake, beg forgiveness, and ask if any of the coaches or anyone else at the facility has any equipment available that you can use.
If you’re not too far from home, you can always call and ask someone to make an emergency run. This is one of the many reasons you get to game sites early.
Call your assigner and have them check the master schedule. An official with the night off who lives nearby may drop off what you need. If you’re far from home, use Google to find a sporting goods store. Call and ask for stuff to be delivered — please!
driver passes by, sees your plight, and either places a call for help or drives you to the nearest town with a mechanic who can assist you in getting your disabled car back on the road.
Once you have access to a phone, call your partner(s) or the school to explain. Then, do your best to reach the game site any way you can.
What Do I Do if I Never Got Paid for a Game?
You submitted your availability. You worked the game. You even got a compliment on your hustle. But weeks later, there is still no check, no deposit, nothing.
Before you start firing off angry emails, gather some information. Determine who is responsible for paying you. Was it the school? The league? A city rec department? If you’re chasing payment from the wrong entity, you’re wasting time.
Next, double-check how and when payments are typically made. Was it supposed to be a paper check handed out after the game? A direct deposit processed every other Friday? An online system that requires you to transfer the funds into your account yourself? It’s possible that the payment is still in process or a simple administrative hiccup is holding things up.
from your officials association. Sometimes, having someone else in your corner can yield results. In more stubborn cases, especially with repeat offenders, your association may need to escalate to a school principal, league director or state association, depending on the type of organization involved. The bottom line: You shouldn’t need to take it to court — and in most cases, you won’t have to. But you do need to be organized, persistent and willing to follow the chain of command to get what you’re owed.
If you’re sure payment is overdue, reach out to the point of contact listed for the game. It will usually be the athletic director, assigner or recreation supervisor. Be professional and clear. Something like: “Hi, I officiated the varsity boys’ game between Central and West on Oct. 18 and haven’t received payment. Can you confirm the payment status and method?”
Still nothing? Loop in your assigner or a representative
NOW WHAT?
Sometimes, that situation is unavoidable, particularly at a smaller school or recreation center. The coach’s office may be the only available dressing room, and the coach or assistant coaches invariably have to come in to retrieve something. The problem arises when they linger, ostensibly to shoot the breeze.
What Do I Do if the Home Team’s Coaches Keep Barging Into Our Locker Room While We’re Dressing?
If the coach’s presence becomes a distraction, ask if there is another area where you and your partner(s) can meet privately. Hopefully, the hint will suffice. If not, politely ask the coach to leave so the crew can proceed with its pregame. Some coaches may “just have to find one more thing in my desk, and I’ll be
What if I’m 100% Sure About a Rule, But the Crew Chief Overrules Me?
If your crew chief appears to apply a rule incorrectly, you should take action. Try this: Gently immerse yourself in the situation and show curiosity or ask the boss what happened. If this isn’t a “regular visit” on your part, that’s typically enough of a signal for a rethink or clarification. If you do that well, the chance to receive support from your crewmates and/or correct the ruling will have presented itself,
which is all you can ask. If things get resolved, you’ll all come out of it looking like gold. If your case isn’t compelling enough, the only thing you can do is wait for a quiet moment later to educate the chief (and assure yourself that you were right). While that won’t fix what transpired, it will prompt them to pay more attention the next time you visit.
outta your hair,” and then invariably continue to linger. Other coaches may continue to barge in. If so, it might be best for upcoming game management if you find a hallway or even a restroom to hold a quick pregame discussion in private.
What Do I Do if a Coach Redlines Me?
In many areas, coaches are granted the power to redline or decline to use specific officials. Whether that is right or wrong is irrelevant. Professionalism must overshadow any feelings of hostility. Not every official is suited to officiate at every level of a particular sport. You may not yet have accrued the necessary experience to call a varsity game. You may lack the composure or personal attributes needed to officiate a youth league. Additionally, your personality might simply conflict with that of a particular coach.
Utilize the incident as a learning opportunity. Avoid contacting the offending coach directly. Instead, request the assigning secretary to intervene by seeking an explanation and possibly some constructive feedback.
Regardless, for the “good of the order” and the continued relationships that are important for games involving others in your chapter, accept the poor decision of the coach and gracefully withdraw from future assignments. There are plenty of opportunities and certainly more than enough leagues for the right fit.
What Do I Do if I’m Hired by a College
Conference?
The call you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived, and now you’re working at the college level. Don’t stand around patting yourself on the back; now is when the work starts
First things first: Thank your family, the ones who enabled you to fulfill your dreams. Do something special with them, such as having dinner at their favorite restaurant.
Next, write thank-you letters to everyone who helped you achieve your goal. This might include officiating mentors, individuals who wrote recommendation letters and assigners of the leagues you worked.
Now, get on the phone and call current conference officials to find out their policies and procedures, including any unofficial ones. You want to be a good conference citizen, so you must know what’s expected of you. Talk to your new boss to get his or her advice and expectations. After that, open your wallet. Upgrade your wardrobe by buying new uniforms and equipment. Purchase fresh clothing for officiating events, and check your league’s dress code to ensure you meet its expectations while traveling.
While you’re doing those things, remember your roots. Maintain your connections with your local high school unit. You never know when you might return there in search of games. Volunteer as an instructor or observer. Become a mentor to help others navigate the career advancement process.
Finally, regardless of how many years you have officiated top-level high school games, you are now a “rookie” in your new conference. Stay humble and always strive to learn from experienced officials.
What Do I Do if My Job Forces Me to Move to a New State?
Relocating to a new state can deliver a tough blow to your officiating career after years of establishing yourself in one area. Suddenly, all your contacts are lost, and your accumulated experience holds little value to the local officials in your new state.
Don’t enter your new area with an arrogant attitude. Few will care that you were a two-time state championship game official with 20 years of officiating experience. Be prepared to pay some dues before the officials in your new city begin to appreciate your veteran skills. Connect with a local association. Accept any games you can, even if they’re JV or freshman contests.
You’ll make contacts at the association meetings, and your skill will speak for itself during games. It won’t happen immediately, but you should be able to establish a solid reputation in short order in your new home.
NOW WHAT?
“Just follow my lead” is not particularly helpful advice from the grizzled vet in the pregame locker room.
“What if this happens …?” you ask the older official.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”
It’s obvious that he or she is not going to be drawn into any real pregame conference. So, what do you do?
What Do I Do if a Veteran Official Doesn’t Want to Have a Pregame and is Treating Me Like a Kid?
Try dazzling your partner with your commitment: “I appreciate that you’ve got me covered and I’m grateful for it, but I want to be a real part of this officiating crew and earn my keep. …”
Perhaps that earns you respect, demonstrating that you’re willing to sink or swim on your own. If nothing else, your persistence might be persuasive. Take the lead in the
What Do I Do if There’s a Problem Spectator and No Game Manager Present?
Officials have their hands full dealing with game action. For the most part, fans fall outside the officials’ purview. The game manager is a person designated by the home team school to address spectator problems.
Often, especially in smaller, lower-level games, there is no one fulfilling that role. So, where do you turn in those cases?
If a fan has become truly disruptive, stop the contest. Calmly inform the home team coach that
conversation and outline your main areas of concern, such as gametime communication between officials, clock issues, meetings with the coaches, etc.
If you continue to face resistance, let it go — and consider avoiding partnering with that official in the future.
What Do I Do if a Reporter Calls with Questions About the Game I Worked?
the game will not continue until the issue is addressed. As the host team, it is the head coach’s responsibility to regain control. Be sure to update the visiting coach on the situation. Do not confront the spectator yourself. That could easily inflame the situation, and you might end up with a mob on your hands. Your power is confined to the field or court. If the home team coach won’t take care of it, you can always suspend the game.
Most, but not all, reporters have good intentions and ask about plays because they want to inform their readers, viewers or listeners. While the play in question may have seemed routine to you, a reporter may not have perceived it in the same way or may be influenced by hometown bias. That’s why your best response should be, “I can’t comment on that, but here’s the number of the league supervisor.”
You give up all rights to respect and control when you speak too quickly or out of anger or confusion.
“Think before you speak” is probably as good a rule in life as it is for officials answering reporters’ questions.
Officiating is more than rules—it’s pressure, poise, and presence. Build the mindset you need to stay confident, handle adversity, and level up your game. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to move up, this course gives you the mindset and tools to lead, respond, and thrive in any situation.
•Build mental resilience for tough calls and tougher crowds
•Communicate with clarity, control, and confidence
•Stay sharp and composed under pressure
•Find more fulfillment and longevity in your officiating journey
•Improve your chances of recognition and advancement
EDITOR:
COORDINATOR:
GET IT IN WRITING
Accurate Info Helps Avoid Confrontational Situations
By Bill Ward
I
magine this: The home coach comes out for what you believe is his third charged conference. As he leaves the field without making a pitching change, the visiting coach storms over, insisting the home coach has used all his visits and must now replace the pitcher. You and your partner can’t remember, so you let the pitcher stay. The visiting coach refuses to accept the decision and ends up ejected.
Now imagine the same scenario, but when the visiting coach approaches, you calmly pull out
your notepad or a 3-by-5 card. You show him that:
The first visit was in the second inning with one out, runners on first and third, and No. 37 at bat.
The second visit came in the fourth inning with two outs, the bases loaded and No. 4 at bat.
The third situation was an injury check in the fifth inning with no outs, a runner on first and No. 10 at bat — it was not a charged defensive conference.
With that information clearly documented, the coach returns to the dugout. No argument. No ejection. Just baseball.
The entire opening scenario, including the paperwork that follows an ejection, could have been avoided by doing one thing: documenting the game.
A small notepad and pen are as vital to your equipment as a stopwatch or plate brush. Whether you’re working the plate or bases, documenting is part of the job.
Why Document?
Here are just a few reasons:
•It prevents confusion over the number of charged conferences used (including coaches versus player conferences in college).
It’s important for umpire Terry Torline, Huntington Beach, Calif., to document all necessary information related to charged conferences so that if questioned by a coach later in the game, he can show he has an accurate record regarding what has transpired.
•It helps manage offensive conferences and courtesy runners.
•It protects you when coaches challenge your memory or judgment.
•It’s essential if a game gets suspended, especially if a different crew picks it up.
•If you don’t write things down, there’s no record — and when emotions run high, your memory won’t hold up as well as your notes.
A Simple System
There are plenty of sound systems for tracking visits, changes and key moments. What follows is just one example (PlayPic A ). It’s simple, effective and doesn’t require any pre-planning. It’s formatted to fit neatly in a lineup card holder or your pocket and include all the structure you’ll need to track visits, courtesy runners and more.
That said, the real beauty of this system is that it takes minimal effort to recreate it on your own. Even if you don’t have the printed card, you can quickly draw the structure on the back of a lineup card during warmups — just after the plate meeting. All you need is a pen and about 30 seconds.
For base umpires, you can bring out a preprinted version or carry a few blank 3-by-5 notecards for any game in which you’re not working the plate. They fit easily in a back pocket and give you a readymade place to jot down key info like charged conferences, courtesy runners or ejections.
The important thing isn’t what you use — it’s that you use something.
Plate Work: Layout and Setup
Start by putting each team on the side of the page that matches their dugout when you’re facing the field.
If you’re working the plate, the team in the first-base dugout goes on the right side of the page.
Write the head coaches’ names at the top of the page. This helps you build rapport and professionalism. Calling a coach by name — and inviting them to call you by yours — humanizes you and reinforces mutual respect.
Next, get a name for the ball boy or whoever is bringing you baseballs from the dugout. It makes it much easier to get his attention when you’re calling for baseballs mid-inning by using his name.
Write down the first names of the starting catchers. It’s a simple move that pays off later when you’re managing pace, safety or mound visits.
Now, draw two vertical lines down the center of the page, creating three columns. Write “1, 2, 3, P, C, O/C” in the middle column for a high school game. The numbers track defensive conferences, the P and C track courtesy runners and the O/C tracks the offensive conferences used in a game.
For college, write “C1, C2, C3, P1, P2, P3, 1, 2, 3.” This tracks the three coaches’ conferences, the three player conferences and the three offensive timeouts allowed in a collegiate game.
Each team gets a side of the card to track visits and other notes.
Using the System During the Game
Let’s say a coach comes out for his first visit with pitcher No. 17 in the second inning, with one out, runners on first and third and batter No. 37 at the plate. You’d fill out the card as shown in PlayPic B (next page), with the pertinent information next to the “1” on the card.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1887, Bob Emslie attended a professional game as a fan … and left as an umpire. When the scheduled umpire fell ill, Emslie was asked to step in. That day launched a 33-year major league career — and made him the first Canadian full-time umpire in the majors.
QUICKTIP
If you call “Time,” sell it loud and big — even if it wasn’t ideal. Umpires occasionally need to stop play in awkward moments — like a base umpire calling “Time” just as the pitcher begins his motion. Once “Time” is called, play is dead, regardless of the reason. So, when you make the call, be loud, use strong mechanics and move toward the mound until echoed by your crew. The faster you establish that play is dead, the cleaner the outcome for everyone.
SIDELINE
NJ Incident Offers Teachable Moment
Umpires prematurely ended a high school baseball game this spring in New Jersey in the seventh inning after tensions escalated between the two teams. The question is whether their decision was covered by rule. Despite multiple heated exchanges and players leaving their positions during the game, no ejections or formal restrictions were issued. The umpires ultimately walked off following a hit batter, without following the full state-mandated game termination procedures, which include escalating discipline, coach/ administrator involvement and detailed reporting.
In response, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association reminded all officials that ending a varsity contest due to misconduct is a serious action — one that should come only after all other tools have been used.
While the crew’s intentions were likely rooted in safety, this situation highlights how properly addressing misconduct early in a game can help avoid escalating problems later.
TEST YOURSELF
In each question, decide which answer is correct for NFHS, NCAA or pro rules. Solutions: p. 87
1. With R1 on first, R2 on second and no outs, the legal batting order is Dalby, Edward, Frank. Dalby is the legal batter, but Frank is in the batter’s box. The runners attempt a double steal, with R2 thrown out at third. Frank doubles on the next pitch and R1 scores. The defense appeals the batting out of order after all action has ceased.
a. Return R1 and R2 to first and second. Dalby is out, Edwards is the next batter. After Edwards bats, Frank will bat again.
b. Return R1 and R2 to first and second. Dalby is skipped in the order with no out awarded to the defense, Edwards is out, Frank will bat again.
c. R2’s out stands. R1 remains at second. Dalby is skipped in the order with no out awarded to the defense, Edwards is out, Frank will bat again.
d. R2’s out stands. R1 remains at second. Dalby is out. Edwards is the next batter. After Edwards bats, Frank will bat again.
2. When a batted ball contacts the batter while he is in the batter’s box:
a. He is declared out.
b. It is a foul ball.
c. The ball is live and in play.
d. It is declared to be a no-pitch.
3. If two runners are on the same base at the same time in a nonforce situation, and both are tagged:
a. Both runners are out.
b. Neither runner is out.
c. The preceding runner is declared out.
d. The following runner is declared out.
4. With the bases loaded and two outs, the batter hits a home run. The runner from second fails to touch third and the defense properly appeals the mistake.
a. Four runs will score.
b. Three runs will score.
c. One run will score.
d. No runs will score.
If a courtesy runner enters for the pitcher, write the runner’s number and inning next to the “P.”
Use the “C” line for courtesy runners for the catcher.
If the coach takes an offensive timeout (one allowed per inning), log that besides “O/C” with the inning, outs, locations of runners and who was at bat.
Leave space at the bottom for miscellaneous notes — warnings, injury checks, ejections or things to talk about postgame with your partner.
Working the Bases
When you’re on the bases, follow the same general format. The key difference is what you track near the top:
Below the head coach’s name, write the first-base coach’s name. Below that, write the first baseman’s name.
If you’re U3 in a three-umpire crew, use the third-base side instead.
You may not have a lineup card holder, so a small notepad or index card works best. I’ve used 3-by-5 cards, bank promotional notebooks and even the backs of old lineup cards. Whatever you use, use something. Just make sure it fits in your pocket and doesn’t become a distraction.
If any other player introduces himself by name, I write it down. Names help de-escalate conflict. “Number 4, that’s enough,” sounds confrontational. “Tyler, that’s enough,” sounds human.
Closing Thoughts
This simple, effective system fulfills your responsibility to track what’s happening in the game. On the rare occasion something is challenged, your notes speak for themselves. No guessing. No debates.
Coaches may not like the rules, but they can’t argue with your documentation.
And remember: If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen. Bill Ward, Madison, Ala., officiates in seven college conferences and remains active in high school umpiring.
‘But He Already Scored!’
By Patrick Faerber
Here’s the play: runners on first and third with no outs. The pitch by F1 is wild and gets past the catcher. R1 advances to second base, and R3 comes home and scores. After R3 crosses home plate, the catcher lobs the ball to the pitcher covering home. R3 is just a few steps beyond the plate and in line with the throw. He catches the throw (see MechaniGram) and then lobs the ball back to the pitcher.
Seeing the strange interaction, R1 attempts to advance to third. The pitcher throws to F5, who tags R1 before he reaches the bag, resulting in F5 being called out.
The plate umpire did not see the interception by R3 or his lobbing the ball to the pitcher. The defense argues there should have been interference, R3’s run should not count and R1 should also be out.
The umpires confer and allow the out at third to stand and the run to score.
But was that the right call? Does R3 score? Who is called out? What happens to R1, and what if R1 did not attempt to reach third base?
Definitions
Let’s start with the NFHS definition of a “retired runner.”
Rule 2-30-3: “A retired runner is a player of the team at bat who has been put out, or who has scored and is still in live-ball area.”
So even though R3 has scored, he is considered a retired runner. That term applies to a runner who has scored, just like it would to a runner who has already been called out.
When we compare this to the NCAA and pro rules, we see neither has the term “retired runner.” Instead, we have to use context from their definitions of a runner.
NCAA rule 2-70 defines a runner as “an offensive player who is advancing to, returning to, or touching a base.” This is pretty much the same as the pro definition, which states “a runner is an offensive player who is advancing toward, or touching, or returning to any base.”
A runner that has scored would not fall into either of those definitions, so a scored runner (just like a runner that has been put out) would be treated differently from a runner. So in our play, R3 is no longer a runner in NCAA or OBR because he is no longer trying to advance or return to any bases.
NFHS and Pro
Now look at NFHS rule 8-4-2g: “If a retired runner interferes, and in the judgment of the umpire, another
runner could have been put out, the umpire shall declare that runner out. If the umpire is uncertain who would have been played on, the runner closest to home shall be called out.”
In other words, R3 can’t be out — he already scored — but if his interference prevents a play, another runner can be called out. In this case, that runner is R1. The result? R1 is out, and the run counts.
This is the same outcome in the pro rule code, which is worded almost precisely the same as the NFHS rule. Pro 6.01a5 states “any batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate.” The notable difference between the two rules is that the pro rule is clearer in stating the runner on whom the play was going to be made is the one who is called out.
NCAA
NCAA rules do not define a retired runner or interference specifically committed by a runner who has scored. Instead, they lump all interference by the offensive team, except for runners, into the “Team Offensive Interference” category, and the rules are somewhat scattered throughout the rulebook.
NCAA rule 6-2i addresses specific situations by saying “if a member of the team at bat (other than a runner) hinders a fielder’s attempt to field a thrown ball, the ball is dead, the runner on whom the play is being made shall be declared out and all runners return
to the last legally occupied base at the time of the interference.”
That rule correlates to the NCAA 5-3 Pen. for team offensive interference, which says “(1) The umpire shall call offensive interference and call out the runner on whom the play was attempted, or would have been attempted. (2) If a runner or batter-runner, who has been put out or obstructed, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner, such runner shall be declared out because of a teammate’s interference.”
The second part of the penalty perfectly combines the penalties given in NFHS and pro. Again, we have the somewhat confusing wording regarding which runner is called out, but the practical answer is there is no difference between the different rule sets; R3 scores and R1 is then out for the interference committed by R3.
It Never Actually Happened
In all three rule sets, interference is an immediate dead ball. So in all three, the throw to third and the resulting tag are ignored because the ball is already dead if we have interference (NFHS 5-1-1e; NCAA 6-2g; pro 6.01a11).
But Was It Actually Interference?
All three rule codes require that interference can only occur if the defense is attempting to make a play (NFHS 2-21-1a; NCAA 2-51m; pro Definition of Interference).
So, if at the time R3 caught the ball, there was no play being made — and R1 was standing on second — then some umpires might judge that there was no interference yet, and might simply call, “Time.”
That would be a somewhat generous interpretation. You could easily rule that once R1 sees R3 catch the ball and then decides to advance, the defense tries to make a play, and R3’s action has interfered. Thus, interference should be called. The ball becomes dead, R3 scores and R1 is declared out.
Patrick Faerber, Alpharetta, Ga., is a former professional umpire who now works high school baseball and football. He is Referee’s baseball coordinator.
F2
F1
WILD PITCH THROW
R3
CASEPLAYS
A Matter of Seconds
Play: With R2 on second, B2 slashes a base hit into right field. On the sliding tag play at the plate, F2 misses the tag and R2 misses the plate. To correct his mistake, R2 is advancing directly to the plate when he makes accidental contact with F1 who was backing up the play. F2 reaches to tag him but the frustrated runner intentionally knocks the ball out of F2’s hand then touches the plate. B2, who had stopped at second, advances to third when he sees the ball on the ground. Ruling: In NFHS, the ball is delayed dead on the obstruction by the pitcher and is immediately dead on the interference by R2. They are enforced in the order of occurrence, so R2 scores on the obstruction, and B2 is ruled out due to the interference. In NCAA and pro, the ball is immediately dead on the obstruction. R2 is awarded home and B2 returned to second (NFHS 5-1-1e, 8-3-2, 8-4-2r, 8.3.2H; NCAA 8-3e; pro 6.01h1).
Empty Real Estate
Play: With R2 on second and left-handed pull hitter B2 at the plate, the defensive team executes an exaggerated shift. F5 is playing near the basepath close to the shortstop position. R2 decides to steal. He is struck with a ground ball as he approaches third base with no defensive player near him. Ruling: Since the ball has not passed through or by an infielder who had a chance to field it, the runner is out (NFHS 8-4-2k; NCAA 8-5k; pro 5.05b4, 5.06c6, 6.01a11).
No Receiver
Play: With R3 on third and no outs, R3 attempts to score on a passed ball that deflects toward the first-base dugout. The pitcher hesitates before heading home and is two-thirds of the way to the plate when the catcher’s errant throw to the plate strikes the on-deck hitter who had moved into the dirt circle to signal his teammate to stay up. Ruling: Since there was no fielder at the plate to field the throw, the on-deck hitter did not hinder a fielder’s attempt to field a thrown ball, so there is no interference. The run scores (NFHS 2-21-1; NCAA 2-51a; pro 6.01b).
Mirror, Mirror
Oneof the most fundamental principles in rotations — yet rarely taught in time-limited camps — is the mirror principle. Present in crews of two, three and four umpires, it centers on a simple idea: Our rotations exist to get the best possible look at a play on the lead runner.
If an umpire is expected to rotate, that umpire must mirror the movement of the lead runner on the opposite side of the diamond. That movement allows us to beat the play, get set and be square to the action when it matters most.
Crews of Two: Timing Is Everything
In a two-umpire crew, the mirror principle shows up clearly with a runner on first or runners on first and third. The rotation calls for the plate umpire to take the play at third base on R1 if a base hit to the outfield occurs.
Yes, R1 may not be the lead runner when starting with first and third, but on a clean hit, R3 is guaranteed to score. The plate umpire can glance over the right shoulder to confirm the touch of home while rotating for a potential play on R1 at third.
If the plate umpire rotates properly and a play develops at third, he or she can get into the cutout just a few feet from the play. Without that rotation, U1 is left splitting distance between two runners and may be 40–45 feet away from the play at third. That’s a massive difference in getting the call right.
Note: The plate umpire can’t take the play at third in foul territory because he or she still needs to be able to cover the plate. If he or she rotates wide and the throw gets by the third baseman, the plate umpire will trail the runner to home without a view of the play.
Ultimately, the determining factor is the plate umpire’s ability to read the developing play and get into position.
The mirror principle here is simple: PU should move to third in lockstep with R1 approaching second.
That timing allows the umpire to arrive early, read the throw, get set and make a confident call.
Crews of Three:
A Full Coverage Triangle
In a three-umpire crew, the mirror principle is in full effect with a runner on first or with no runners on.
Take the case of no runners on and no umpires going out. We see the mirror principle step by step:
U3 mirrors the batter-runner and moves to second.
PU mirrors the batter-runner approaching second and prepares to cover third.
U1 mirrors the batter-runner toward third and rotates to the plate.
A proper three-umpire rotation ensures there is always an umpire ahead of and behind the lead runner. This gives the calling umpire the freedom to “work the bag” and take the play from the best possible angle — inside, outside, fair or foul.
But that only works if everyone is moving with urgency. Umpires with a developing play must see their partner heading to the next base so they can fully commit to the call at their bag. Trusting the system keeps the triangle intact.
Calls at Third: Two vs. Three
Let’s look at a play that highlights the mirror principle’s impact — a bases-empty triple with no umpire going out.
In a two-umpire crew, this play belongs to U1. To cover both third and a possible retreat to second, U1 must stay in fair territory, usually the cutout. If something weird happens, like the runner reversing course, U1 needs to recover and adjust. Taking the play in foul territory limits those options and gives up coverage at other bases.
The plate umpire won’t rotate here. He or she would be forced into the same cutout position, creating redundant coverage at third and worse positioning for a potential play at home.
In contrast, in a three-umpire
crew, this becomes the plate umpire’s play. Now:
U3 has second base.
PU has third base.
U1 is at the plate.
This frees up the plate umpire to work from any angle on a play at third because his or her partners have the rest of the field covered. That flexibility improves accuracy and presence on the call.
In Practice: Mirror Means Move
While simple in concept, the mirror principle demands athleticism and awareness.
In theory, we move in sync with the runner. But in reality? We’re sprinting to keep up.
Runners have a head start. R1’s trip from first to second might be about 80 feet with a healthy lead. The plate umpire’s race from home to third is a full 90 feet. We’re slower, older and farther away.
So, umpires must assess in real time: “Can I get there?” If not, declare no rotation and stay home. That communication keeps the crew in sync and maintains coverage integrity.
A Race to the Same Base: Double Tag Fly Ball
There’s one situation we aren’t mirroring — we’re racing the runner to the same base.
Less than two outs. Runners on first and second. A deep fly ball.
If caught, both runners may tag. This creates a double-tag situation, and the plate umpire can rotate to third to take any plays made on R2, assuming no fair/foul responsibility up the first-base line.
Here, the plate umpire must read the potential play and start moving early. This is about beating the runner to the bag, not mirroring.
In a two-umpire crew, the plate
umpire still owns the plate. If R2 breaks for home, PU has to retreat and be ready.
In a three-umpire crew, the plate umpire only has third. U1 rotates home.
Now, U1 mirrors R2’s move to third, seeing the tag up at first and hustling to get ahead of any play at the plate. This lets the plate umpire take third with freedom.
U3, meanwhile, shades toward first in the working area, ready to help if a play develops on R1 at second or first.
Wrapping It Up: Stay in Step
The mirror principle isn’t just a concept — it’s a commitment. Done right, it gives umpires the best shot at being set and getting the call right.
We don’t just chase runners. We mirror them because our job is to get the best angle on the lead play every time.
GETTING IT RIGHT INSPIRATION,
Iowa Continues Cooper’s Legacy
By Steven L. Tietz
Since 2006, MLB’s UMPS CARE
Charities has done a great deal of marvelous work including Build-ABear Workshops, college scholarships and thousands of opportunities for youth and military to visit MLB ballparks and meet umpires.
But arguably the most important thing it has done for the officiating industry is create the nationwide Official Leadership Program (OLP), a six-week course that teaches teens aged 13-18 basic umpiring techniques and life lessons.
An annual bowling tournament fundraiser has been held to honor Cooper’s legacy and this past year, the proceeds were used to support the Des Moines OLP. The Cooper family is a large supporter of the OLP as well.
One of the young umpires who benefited was Aydrian Simmons, 13, who came out of the program in 2024 and earned Rookie Umpire of the Year honors for the Iowa USSSA Sports Officials (IAUSO) organization. He helped cover some of the more than 25,000 games played last year in central Iowa.
JP Richardson, a trainer for the OLP and umpire supervisor of the IAUSO, said Simmons is continuing Cooper’s legacy of officiating in Iowa.
“We’ve had the good fortune of having many minor and major league umpires come out of central Iowa,” Richardson said. “There are about five or six working in the minors right now.”
Richardson thinks the youthful Simmons has the tools to be a sound arbiter.
“Aydrian has a mature attitude, more mature than a lot of adults,” Richardson said. “He manages a game well and tries to learn a new rule every day.”
Simmons worked over 40 youth games last year and made over $2,000, saving most of it to restore a classic car he’s working on.
Parents Pitch in for Umpire
Former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Eric Newman was forced off the field nearly two decades ago after significant tears in both his hamstring and groin. He has since found a new calling — umpiring Little League softball. Newman has been umpiring girls’ softball for Arcadia Little League (Scottsdale, Ariz.) since his football career ended, and parents of the league’s players recently recognized his dedication by surprising him with a check for $6,600 at a game May 16.
“It’s hard to find somebody that actually cares about the girls like Eric does,” league board member Joey DeVenuto said.
Newman takes the time to explain the game to players if they have questions, and is also the girls’ “hype man” and lifts morale.
“Social media influences girls a little differently,” Newman said. “So, it’s a lot of pressure on them. I just like them to come out, have fun, relax and forget about the world problems.”
SOURCE: AZFAMILY
Indigenous Officials Make History
More than 500 teens have graduated from the program, with 13 sites holding sessions this year, including Des Moines, Iowa.
And in Iowa they take this program personally, as it is dedicated to the memory of late MLB umpire Eric Cooper, a Des Moines native who died in October 2019 after developing a blood clot following offseason knee surgery. Cooper is beloved in Des Moines, with Hoover High School, his alma mater, dedicating four batting cages in his memory in 2021.
“The class was a dedication of my time, but it was worth it,” Simmons said in an UMPS CARE news release. “I learned lots of rules that I wasn’t even aware of.”
He was one of the 24 graduates at the Des Moines-area OLP last year who worked more than a combined 1,000 games. All told, 38 graduated from this program in 2024.
“In Des Moines, this program has really taken off,” Richardson said, “and we get them started right away so they don’t lose interest.”
Steven L. Tietz is an award-winning sportswriter from Milwaukee.
Dan Jourdain, Phillip Johnson and Jonathan White made history during the Minnesota State High School League state basketball tournament this past winter. On March 14, the trio became the first all-Indigenous three-person officiating crew to work a state basketball game in Minnesota when they officiated Caledonia’s 69-63 win over Sauk Centre in the Class AA girls’ consolation bracket semifinals. Jourdain is a Red Lake Nation member while Johnson and White are members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
“It feels surreal because there’s not many Native officials out there and there is not many people from my community that do that, and to be that one out there representing and supporting my nation — it’s kind of hard to explain in one word because there’s so many emotions that go into it, so much pride that goes into it,” Jourdain told The Bemidji Pioneer
SOURCE: THE BEMIDJI PIONEER
Have you heard an inspirational or motivational officiating story?
Send your ideas to GettingItRight@referee.com
Umpire Aydrian Simmons, a graduate of the Official Leadership Program, speaks at the Eric Cooper Memorial Bowling Tournament Nov. 23, 2024, at Gameday Lanes in Des Moines, Iowa.
PLAY IT FORWARD
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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Pregame Preparation Prepares Partners
By Erin Peterson
Before the first pitch is thrown, one of the most critical parts of any game has already taken place — the pregame meeting between umpires. This meeting is essential for ensuring a smooth, successful game, regardless of the level or age group being umpired.
To make the most of a pregame meeting, umpires should coordinate arrival times to allow for a thorough discussion beforehand. This time together is invaluable, whether you’re working with someone for the first time or the hundredth time.
Preparing for the Pregame Meeting
There are several steps umpires can take to prepare:
Research the Teams
Check standings and available statistics to learn tendencies, such as base-stealing frequency, bunt tendencies and hit-by-pitch trends. Depending on the level you are working, you may even be able to see video to get a feel for each team. The additional information on the teams will help you know what you might be in for and what type of game you may have.
Talk to Other Umpires
If others have worked the teams before, gather insights on any notable issues or behavior. Ask about the coaches, field quirks, what types of pitchers the teams have, if they are aggressive on the base paths or whether they are power hitters.
The goal is not to predict what will happen but to be ready for what could happen. This way, you won’t be surprised and can be ready for what may lie ahead. Again, just because something happened in a previous game does not mean it will happen in your particular game.
What happens before the first pitch can ultimately set the crew up for success or failure. Walking the field is one of the last opportunities the crew has as part of the pregame process to make sure everyone is on the same page. From left, California umpires Mel Titus, Thousand Oaks, Anthony Leonard, North Hills, and Jesse Steinberg, West Hills, take a moment before the state championship game to inspect the field.
At the Game Site
Once the crew arrives, share any relevant information each member has gathered. If anyone has prior experience with the teams involved, now is the time to talk through it. However, if something negative happened in a previous game, it should not affect the way you umpire this particular game. Each game should be a clean slate. Sharing information from a previous game prepares you for potential scenarios that may occur.
Regardless of how long you’ve worked together, pregame communication is always beneficial. Each game presents a new challenge, and you should always be prepared instead of walking mindlessly into the situation.
Key Topics to Cover
Here are a list of topics to discuss pregame to give the crew the best chance at success:
Game Logistics
Discuss any game-specific rules or conditions. Touch on all of the following at a minimum:
• Run rule.
•Tiebreakers.
• Halted game procedure.
• Drop-dead time.
• Time limits.
• Expected weather impacts.
If you umpire different levels and multiple conferences or leagues, the rules surrounding each of those things may differ. Make sure you and the rest of the crew are on the same page before leaving your cars or the locker room to head to the field. Many of these points will be discussed at the plate meeting with the coaches, and you want to provide accurate information. Otherwise, you leave a bad impression on the coaches, and they may think you are new to that particular conference or league. Knowing information ahead of time shows that you are wellprepared.
Rule and Mechanics Review
Go over any new or modified rules for the league, conference or code you’re umpiring. Review
mechanics thoroughly — many umpires work multiple levels or codes, and mechanics may vary. This is especially important if you find yourself working three-person mechanics and are primarily used to working two-person mechanics.
Discuss how to handle certain situations, such as a bunt-and-run or situations involving an umpire getting trapped at a base (such as a first-base umpire getting trapped on an overthrow and unable to rotate home in three-person mechanics). While deviations should not be predetermined, it is important to discuss the potential scenarios where deviations may occur, ensuring the entire crew is on the same page. This hopefully prevents either having two umpires covering the same play or potentially having no umpire covering a play.
Umpire-to-Umpire Communication
The plate umpire should clarify all of the following:
•Signals to be used and when.
•How to initiate infield fly calls.
•How check swings will be handled.
•Any additional in-game signals. Again, different codes have different mechanics and signals. It is important to make sure you are using the proper mechanics for the level you are working that day. Take a few minutes to discuss each of these, so everyone is on the same page.
In-Game Responsibilities
Based on crew size, define responsibilities clearly, including:
•Coverage for runners leaving early.
•Tag-up plays.
•Check swings.
•Fly ball chase areas and tendencies.
•Fair/foul calls.
Again, know a particular code’s mechanics to handle these situations appropriately. Make sure the entire crew knows the proper mechanics to be used in your game. Don’t be afraid to use a magnetic board or an app on an iPad or phone to illustrate some of these mechanics if you or your crew are visual learners.
THEY SAID IT
“It was a dead ball call. We reviewed it; it didn’t hit our player, and in the review, you placed the runner. They called a dead ball on a live ball, so they placed the runner, and then it went to a protest. I think the misunderstanding is that everybody just thought the review in itself was taking 30 minutes, but once you go to a protest, even at that point, that particular rule is not in the rulebook. It’s an added rule, so it’s not something that could be solved on-site.
“It had to be solved through Birmingham. I don’t know the extent of what they went to, to solve it. It was either going to be Birmingham or Vicki Van Kleeck (NCAA softball secretary-rules editor) … it wasn’t in the umpire’s hands anymore.”
— University of Arkansas head coach Courtney Deifel describing an incorrectly called batter-runner interference in an April Southeastern Conference matchup against Florida that took nearly 30 minutes to decipher and led to Florida head coach Tim Walton being ejected.
SOURCE: SI.COM
TOOLS
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TEST YOURSELF
Each of the following includes a situation and possible answer(s). Decide which are correct for USA, NFHS, NCAA or USSSA rules and which might vary. Solutions: p. 87
1. With R3 on third and one out, B3 hits a ground ball to third base. As F5 fields the ball, R3 returns to third base. However, the third-base coach moves to the baseline and starts running down the thirdbase line toward home plate. F5, thinking the coach is R3, throws the ball to the plate.
a. The ball remains live and play stands.
b. The ball is dead, B3 is ruled out and R3 is returned to third base.
c. The ball is dead, R3 is ruled out and B3 is placed on first.
2. B1 hits a ground ball up the middle to F4. Her throw to first base is high and causes F3 to jump off the bag to catch the ball. While F3 is in the air, B1 leaps for first base. In doing so, she leaps over the bag and never touches it. After B1 passes the bag, F3 comes down on the base with the ball.
a. This is a force out and the base umpire should initially rule B1 out.
b. The umpire should initially call and signal B1 safe.
c. B1 is ruled out if F3 tags B1 before she returns to first base.
d. B1 is ruled out if F3 makes a proper live-ball appeal that B1 missed first base.
e. The ball is dead and B1 is ruled out for missing the base.
3. B1 steps to the plate in the top of the first inning and is wearing stud earrings.
a. B1 must remove the earrings.
b. If the umpire judges the earrings to be dangerous, B1 must remove them; otherwise they are legal.
c. There is no rule prohibiting jewelry. B1 is legally equipped.
4. With the bases loaded and two outs, B6 hits a home run. In her exuberance, B6 jumps over first base and never touches it. After B6 finishes rounding the bases and enters the dugout, the defense properly appeals she missed first base.
a. B6 is the third out of the inning on the appeal.
b. Three runs score.
c. Two runs score.
d. One run scores.
e. No runs score.
Umpire Huddles
Discuss procedures for in-game conferences. The calling umpire should present the issue, and each crew member should provide input. Confirm who needs to be addressed and what should be communicated before breaking the huddle. Make sure everyone on the crew feels comfortable gathering the rest of the crew if something doesn’t feel right. Remember, it’s better to get together and have a quick discussion than to not say anything and realize after the game that you missed something because someone was afraid to speak up. This is a good time to talk about option plays as well that may occur and how they should be handled by the crew.
Warnings
and Ejections
Review how to support each other during these moments. Agree on
Line Judge
By Brad Tittrington
Working in the Referee offices, there is never a shortage of interesting plays or scenarios that make their way to our desks, often sparking discussions among the various sports editors about how to handle them.
One particular play occured in May during an NCAA regional, which made its way around the editors’ desks, sparking discussion about the proper way to handle the situation. What made it interesting was that the announcers for this particular game didn’t know the correct mechanics and were incorrectly spouting baseball mechanics, which differ from softball in this instance.
Here is the scenario: Runners on first and second, and the batter-runner hits a bounding ball down the firstbase line. The ball hugs the line and then bounds near the first-base bag, where it touches just to the foul side of first base (as shown in the PlayPic on p. 68). When it is touched by the first baseman behind the bag, the
where ejected participants should go and how communication should flow within the crew.
Walk the Field
One final piece to the pregame is walking the field together as a crew. This gives the crew the opportunity to discuss any unusual quirks of the field, how to handle out-of-play areas and tarps, and allows the crew to show a united front before the game begins.
While you can’t predict everything that might happen in a game, starting on the same page gives your crew the best chance for success and smoother outcomes throughout the contest. Erin Peterson, Seattle, is an NCAA umpire and has worked four NCAA Women’s College World Series. She is a USA Elite umpire and is a member of the mechanics committee for the CCA Manual.
video makes it tough to tell whether the ball was fair or foul. The particular angle in the video makes it difficult to determine whether the ball veered right before it reached the bag or if it bounded just over the corner of the base. Either way, it is a tough call.
The first-base umpire turned toward the first-base dugout to indicate he thought the ball was foul. The plate umpire, however, ruled the ball fair. The base umpire then realized the plate umpire had signaled fair and quickly had to turn back toward first base and rule on a close play at first base, ultimately ruling the batterrunner safe on a bang-bang play, as the batter-runner just beat the first baseman to the bag.
This particular game had four umpires, but the mechanics for one, two, three or four umpires are the same across all softball codes. When it comes to ruling fair and foul on balls bounding down the lines, the plate umpire is responsible for the call if the ball lands before the base umpire’s feet — meaning all ground balls are going to be the responsibility
of the plate umpire. Line drives and fly balls are handled differently, as the base umpire becomes responsible for these calls if the base umpire is on the line and chases. In NCAA, if there is a base umpire on the line and there is a line drive down the line, the base umpire can point and take responsibility for the fair or foul call and not chase — meaning that umpire stays on the infield and assumes normal baserunning-coverage responsibilities.
Now, the confusion comes in because baseball handles this differently. In baseball, if there is an umpire on that particular baseline, the plate umpire has fair/foul responsibility up to the front of the base. Once it reaches the front of the base, it now becomes the base umpire’s responsibility. So, why is there a difference between the two sports? The reason why softball has the plate umpire always take this call is because, usually, umpires are working the two- or three-person system. Sometimes there is an umpire on the line, and sometimes there is not. Instead of having umpires trying to remember when they are responsible for the call and when they aren’t, softball leadership has made it standard for the plate umpire to always take the call, thereby eliminating the guesswork. Baseball leadership prefers the base umpire to take these calls as that umpire is closer to the play and usually has a much better angle to see if the ball is fair or foul.
On the play noted, the announcers criticized the base umpire for turning his back on the play and not making a ruling when it should have been his call. Unfortunately for them, they had the wrong sport’s mechanics.
This is normally a topic discussed during pregame meetings between softball umpires. It is often discussed that the base umpire will turn toward foul territory to indicate a foul ball or will turn toward fair territory to indicate a fair ball. Because of the short infield in softball and the likelihood that catchers and batterrunners will be in the plate umpire’s sightline, this type of call for the plate umpire can be very difficult, which is
5 MINUTES WITH PHILIP FREELS
Residence: Knoxville, Tenn.
Experience: Has worked NCAA softball for 30-plus years; been a member of the SEC since 1997, the first year the SEC sponsored softball, and is only one of three umpires still left from that original staff; works multiple Power Four conferences and has worked numerous conference and NCAA postseason tournaments; has worked two high school football state championships, one high school basketball state championship and worked 16 years in the Ohio Valley Conference and Atlantic Sun Conference in women’s basketball; umpired two high school baseball and one high school softball state championship; assigns high school football referees in Knoxville.
REFEREE: How important is having a rapport with coaches?
FREELS: The biggest thing is sometimes experience. You get a little bit of a different relationship with coaches than a newer official. And a lot of times, you’ve built up a reputation of rapport of what you can do, what you tolerate and things of that nature. I think the biggest thing is if you can just try to be approachable, sometimes that helps.
REFEREE: When talking to coaches, do you prefer to use their first name?
FREELS: I try to keep the head coaches as coach and their last name. Perhaps sometimes assistant coaches, we may not know them quite as well. And they might come out and introduce themselves as their first name, and that might be the only thing we remember. I think it’s more professional if you say Coach Jones or whatever.
REFEREE: What kinds of things do you do to help build rapport?
FREELS: I’ve done four sports — football, basketball, baseball and softball. I’ve done college softball and did college basketball for many years. So, I think you learn sometimes the more sports you do or even if you’re doing summer leagues or things of that nature, you’re going to learn how to talk to coaches. One of the things that I try to pride myself on is if I get a newer umpire, I want them to know they’re part of the crew. I’m not the king of it, you know. I want them to be able to say, “Hey, let’s work together
as a crew. And if you’ve got a question on something about a coach, let’s communicate things you may know.” And I think sometimes that helps. But I don’t ever want anyone to think just because I’ve been doing it this many years, that I’m better than them. We are a crew and you work better as a crew if you go that way.
REFEREE: What advice do you give on ways to deal with an upset coach?
FREELS: Try to defuse the situation. Say, “Hang on coach. Let’s talk about this first. I’ll listen to you if you talk, but if you’re ranting and raving, we can’t have a communication.” Hopefully, you can say, “I will listen to you and let’s talk. But I can’t listen long if you’re ranting and raving.”
REFEREE: Has replay helped lower the temperature?
FREELS: I do believe replay has helped in that aspect. I think if you talk to the majority of umpires, we all will miss calls and we don’t want that. But our ultimate goal is we would like to get the calls right. And I think the coaches appreciate the fact that hey, this gives us an opportunity to get the calls right. You know, it’s an ever-evolving thing. Years change what we can look at, what we can’t look at. But I believe overall for the game, it’s been really good for the communication between umpires and coaches.
REFEREE: How do you determine a warning versus an ejection?
FREELS: I try to get the coach to talk about the particular play and not let them talk to you personally about things that you do wrong. If a coach is talking about the play and you can keep the rhetoric down to where it’s not yelling, a lot of times you can talk to them. When they come out and they’re yelling and things of that nature and they just don’t want to talk, the warning is there in the rulebook and you need to issue that. Sometimes a coach just may want to go, and you’ve got to know that. Issue the warning, make sure your partners know that the warning has been issued, and then once you’ve issued that warning, you need to adhere. If something else happens, then your next step is, of course, an ejection. I don’t care what anybody says, nobody likes an ejection. Or shouldn’t, I should say. But sometimes it is part of the game that you have to do. But hopefully if you can try to communicate with the coach and keep the tone down, sometimes that will help.
Power Four conference umpire discusses the importance of communication with coaches.
CASEPLAYS
Interference?
Play: With R1 on first and running on contact, B2 hits a sharp ground ball between first and second base. F3 is playing in front of the first-base bag and F4 is shaded up the middle. The batted ball hits the back leg of R1 and ricochets out into right field. Neither F3 or F4 had a play on the ball. R1, not even realizing she had been hit by the ball, reaches third base easily and B2 stops at first. Ruling: In all codes, this is not interference by R1 and all play stands. Since the ball had passed a fielder (F3) and no other fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play, the ball striking the runner does not constitute interference. And since the runner did not intentionally contact the ball, the ball remains live and all play stands with runners able to advance with liability to be put out (NFHS 8-611, 8.6.12; NCAA 12.17.2.1.1 thru 12.17.2.1.3; USA Softball 8-7K; USSSA 8-18N).
How Many Score?
Play: With the bases loaded and one out, B5 hits a grand slam. R3 touches home, R2 is excited jumping up and down rounding third base and jumps over third without touching it, R1 touches second and comes to third base and touches third. R1 then sees R2 standing near third and R2 goes back to touch third, causing R1 to momentarily pass R2. Both then run home, in the correct order, and touch home. B5 then comes around to touch home as well. Ruling: In all codes, only three runs are counted on this play. R1 is ruled out for passing R2 and R1’s run does not count. The other three runs count and play continues with no one on base and two outs. Had there been two outs before the home run, only one run would have counted as only R3 had scored before R1 passed R2, which would have been the third out and no other runs would have counted (NFHS 8-6-4; NCAA 12.4.3; USA Softball 8-7D and Eff. 3; USSSA 8-18O).
why it is part of the pregame and why the base umpire will help by turning.
However, the ultimate decision on these plays still falls on the shoulders of the plate umpire. If in doubt, plate umpires are told to keep the ball fair (especially if video review is available). The crew can always get together after the play and turn a fair ball into a foul ball and return runners and move on. The opposite, however, is not always true. Once a foul ball is called, you can’t unring that bell and just make it a fair ball. There are only a handful of situations when the umpires can do this, and this particular play does not meet any of those criteria.
The umpires on this play went to video review as it was challenged by the defensive team and the call of a fair ball on the field was upheld. It was one of those plays where, most likely,
whatever was called on the field was going to be upheld because there was no conclusive evidence to overturn the call. Without a perfect view of the bag, it would be nearly impossible to tell if the ball clipped the bag when it went over or if it veered foul just short of it.
The things umpires can take away from this situation are the importance of pregame communication on how to handle fair/foul situations to avoid confusion, the importance of knowing the mechanics (especially if you work both softball and baseball), and if in doubt, keep the ball fair and then get together with the crew if you need additional information.
Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He umpires D-I softball and officiates high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football.
Give Me a Reason
W hen it comes to signaling, there are a couple of instances when we must use a secondary signal to convey additional information when making a ruling. Two of these instances are “off the bag” and “bobbled ball,” as shown in PlayPics A and B, respectively.
When making these rulings, it is important to remember the reason for calling the runner safe comes first, followed by the safe signal. The reason for this is actually pretty simple. We give the “off the bag” or “bobbled ball” signal first because it should help to prevent a potential argument. If we give the safe signal first, a coach may only see that signal and wonder why a runner is safe if the ball beat the runner to the bag. The coach may never even see the secondary signal in that instance. By giving the safe signal second
in the sequence, we are letting everyone know there was a pulled foot or no control, and that is the reason the runner is safe. The runner didn’t beat the throw to the bag, but there is another reason why they are being ruled safe.
In instances where the runner clearly beats the throw and then there is a bobbled ball or pulled foot, we simply need to just give the safe signal. In those instances, the pulled foot or lack of control had no bearing on the play, and we don’t need to give a secondary signal.
It is only on those occasions where the ball beats the runner and the pulled foot or lack of control by the fielder allows the runner to be safe where we should be emphatic with the preliminary signal and then quickly follow it up with the sell safe signal.
PROFILES
Hawthorne ‘Calls It All’
By Leah Berard
It has been a rapid ascent through the officiating ranks for Natola Hawthorne, a multi-sport official who resides in Atlanta. Born in Cincinnati and raised in Maywood, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, Hawthorne and her achievements aren’t a surprise to her family and those close to her.
“When I was growing up, my Auntie Barbara told me, ‘Natola, the world is going to remember your
name,’” Hawthorne said. “At the time, I had no idea what she meant, and I’m sure she didn’t know or think it would be in this capacity; however, as I reflect on her words, I’m filled with gratitude.”
Hawthorne dove headfirst into officiating in 2017 and hasn’t looked back. She currently officiates six sports: baseball, basketball, flag and tackle football, softball, volleyball and even kickball. She works most of those sports at the high school level and also works at several college levels for baseball, including NAIA, NJCAA, NCAA Division II and midmajor Division I.
Highlights of Hawthorne’s career include becoming the first Black woman to serve as a plate umpire
in a Division I baseball game; one of only two women selected to work the MLB Celebrity All-Star Softball Game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Ala., in 2024; and the only woman to umpire in the Alaska Baseball Collegiate League. In 2023, Hawthorne attended the MLB Umpire Prospect Development Camp, a five-week program at the Jackie Robinson facility in Vero Beach, Fla.
A member of the Capitol City Officials Association (CCOA) and Georgia High School Association (GHSA), Hawthorne was also the first woman to umpire a GHSA state baseball championship game.
Although her short-term goal is to officiate a conference tournament or postseason in college, her longterm vision is to transition into an off-field role as a mentor to other officials. To support that dream, Hawthorne has launched an organization, “She Calls It All, LLC,” dedicated to helping women pivot into officiating after their playing careers conclude.
“My goal is to help women, and eventually men, discover their niche in any sport that ignites their interest and passion, while providing the training and support they need to succeed,” Hawthorne said.
Hawthorne is thankful for the help she has had along the way throughout her officiating journey. Some of her mentors include Doug Vines and Kedrin Wright, both of whom are former professional baseball umpires who now work NCAA Division I; Robert Holloway, former NCAA Division I baseball umpire and former Southwestern Athletic Conference baseball coordinator of officials; and Ralph Green, Hawthorne’s football assigner with CCOA.
“I’m grateful for the support of my high school association, Capitol City Officials Association and GHSA,” Hawthorne said.
Leah Berard, Bisbee, Ariz., officiated international rugby and now officiates college football.
Double Rookie
Larry Smith Leavenworth, Kan.
Larry Smith is in his first year as principal of Arrowhead Middle School in Kansas City, Kan. When football season starts this fall, Smith will be a rookie for the second time in the same year as he begins his career as an NFL official.
Smith noted there are similarities between working in education and officiating.
“The problem is brought to you,” Smith said. “You have to know the rules. You have to know the district policy. You have to satisfy one or both parties.”
After serving as a referee in the Big Ten, Smith will be an umpire in the NFL. Some of Smith’s major assignments as a college official were refereeing the 2022 Sugar Bowl and the 2023 United States Football League championship.
SOURCE: KSHB (KANSAS CITY, KAN.)
2,500 and Counting
Rob Bissonnette Andover, Minn.
After more than three decades of officiating high school and college basketball, Rob Bissonnette has spent thousands of nights on the court. Bissonnette recently worked a high school game between Becker and Zimmerman to mark the 2,500th game of his career.
“I always say there’s three teams out on that floor,” he said. “The referees are the best team out there.”
Bissonnette, who started officiating in 1994, treated the Becker-Zimmerman contest like every other game he officiates, and he has no plans to quit anytime soon. He hopes to referee for at least another 10 to 15 years — “if my body lets me,” he said.
SOURCE: KMSP (MINNEAPOLIS)
Do you know a person or group who should be profiled? Send info to us at profiles@referee.com
Natola Hawthorne umpires baseball at the NAIA, NJCAA, NCAA Division II and midmajor Division I levels.
The official NFHS Swimming & Diving Officials Manual produced jointly by the editors of both Referee and the NFHS! Loaded with dozens of mechanics scenarios and featuring Referee’s exclusive PlayPic® and MechaniGram® graphics, this new resource is a must have for high school swimming & diving officials.
YOU’VE NEVER SEEN A GAME OFFICIALS MANUAL LIKE THIS ONE!
ConcenTraits
Everyone, including officials, must employ self-talk at some point. Is your self-talk positive or negative? Does it enhance or hinder your performance? Does it boost your confidence or diminish it?
These are all questions we must ask ourselves. It needs some practice if your self-talk sounds something like, “Get your mind in the game!” “Remember the rulebook!” “No mistakes this time!” or “Ignore the crowd!” Self-talk can help or hinder and significantly shape our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
A constant stream of negative self-talk does not benefit us. We experience enough negativity from coaches, fans and players. This stream often distracts us from where our focus should be and puts us in a lessthan-ideal mental state.
The Danger of False Confidence
Concentration and confidence are closely aligned. Have you ever encountered officials who appear calm under pressure? Those who carry themselves as if nothing can ever get to them? No anxiety, selfdoubt or indecision is ever found on their face.
According to Dr. Alan Goldberg, one of the nation’s top sports performance consultants, they are denying reality. Fighting a thought sometimes takes more mental energy than addressing it.
Emotions like anxiety aren’t bad or undesirable; they are part of the human experience. Pretending they aren’t there or shutting them down internally doesn’t get rid of them — it just pushes them down the road for us to deal with later.
BY THE REFEREE EDITORS
said Dr. Gary Bennett, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in sports psychology at Virginia Tech University. “The trick isn’t to deny the feelings but to recognize and reinterpret them. Anxiety can be interpreted as a desire to do well.”
Change Your Thought Relationship
One key to effective concentration is getting in touch with our thoughts and how our minds work. It is possible to “rewire” our brains and change our thinking. Becoming aware of our self-talk and learning to replace negative thoughts with positive ones is possible. This is a powerful tool we can use for personal growth and selfimprovement as officials.
Our thoughts aren’t the problem; the problem is how we engage our thoughts. We must learn to change what we focus on. This change starts by acknowledging that we have negative thoughts, self-doubts and anxieties. Controlling our mindset requires us to have a high level of self-awareness. Improving our selfawareness and working on it should be as high a priority as learning the rules of the game. Without selfawareness, we won’t improve our mindset.
“False confidence isn’t in the best interest of an official,”
and players, and the stimuli of the arena or stadium. Then, internally, we have our thoughts, emotions and other cognitions.
We can have two types of focus during a game: internal or external.
•Internal Focus: Concentrating on our thoughts, perceptions of others, the repercussions of mistakes and the uncertainty of the future. The messages we communicate to ourselves dwell in our front brain. This area of the brain responds after self-dialogue and assessment, but it tends to be slow and inefficient.
•External Focus: Staying present and responding to our surroundings. This is where we perform best because we react to what is in front of us rather than what’s happening in our minds. Maintaining an external focus shifts the work to our hindbrain. This part of the brain is non-judgmental, examines what it senses as a whole and processes complex stimuli instantaneously.
How to Do It
“Concentration is having the ability to focus on what’s important and letting go of everything else,” Goldberg said.
The Right State of Mind
When we officiate, we have a lot going on at once. There is the game itself, the reaction of the coaches, fans
Achieving an optimized mindset is simple; just be mindful. The easiest exercise to develop this mindset is to focus on your breathing without trying to control or change it. Just observe the inhale and exhale. While doing this, notice what thoughts and emotions enter your consciousness. If the thoughts are negative or disturbing, allow them to exist and understand they will eventually lessen, worsen or stay the same, but they don’t define you or have to influence anything you do. Choose to coexist with whatever your mind presents to you.
The next step is to shift your focus from your thoughts to what is important to you. We want to base our behavior on our values instead
ConcenTraits
of our thoughts. Determine what you value most and commit to acting on those values instead of your thoughts. It takes time and introspection to learn what you value most. If you value ego, attention and the impression you make on others, you are more likely to remain stuck in your front brain. There, you will become internally focused and preoccupied with distracting thoughts about whether your performance is good enough, all to uphold your ego. Conversely, if you prioritize making the next call accurately, ensuring a fair outcome for the game and protecting the safety of the athletes, you are more likely to be externally focused. This fosters a mindset of observing and reacting, allowing you to pick up on external stimuli and respond using your experience and knowledge. Your efficient and quick-thinking hindbrain will operate without needing to process information through the more contemplative front brain.
Mind your inner voice, sharpen your focus.
that you can do it anywhere and for as long as you wish.
It’s also important to reflect on your values. Take a pen and paper to write down the kind of official you aspire to be. Be honest, and when you notice the ego-driven part of you, refocus on the values that prioritize the betterment of the games and your sport. When your concentration falters, you will want to commit to
Practice to Improve Performance
Concentration is a skill, one that we can all improve with practice. It differs from memorizing the rulebook. It is the mechanism that keeps us in the now, activates our hindbrain and gets us to see and react.
One of the simplest forms of concentration training is to sit and focus on your breathing. Practice noticing, labeling and creating conscious space for your thoughts while gently redirecting your focus back to your breath. You will use this mechanism in officiating when you find yourself caught in the past or the future and need to return to the present. The beauty of this exercise is
those values and base your behavior on them.
Mindfulness is a lifelong process that we often slip in and out of. Take time to absorb your current surroundings, observe your thoughts and connect with your physical sensations. There is more that our attention can perceive than we typically realize.
Base umpire Chris McDaniel, Cerritos, Calif., sets up square to the batter in preparation for the next pitch.
IT’S YOUR MOVE Tips for Building a Schedule, Getting Seen and Advancing
By the Referee editors
Regardless of your sport or level, the time will come to start building your schedule for next season. For some officials, it’s as simple as waiting for a text or email from assigners and filling open dates. But if you’re aiming for better games, more opportunities or a chance to move up, it pays to be proactive. Elevating your officiating career takes more than just showing up; it takes strategy. Here’s how to set yourself apart from the crowd.
Prioritize Your Leagues
As you begin the assigning process, take a realistic look at the leagues in which you’ve worked. Has a particular assigner been especially supportive? Is there a league that makes more geographic or personal sense for you?
If so, consider prioritizing your availability for that assigner. Giving that assigner first access to your open dates allows him or her to schedule you more easily and shows that you value the relationship. Just be sure to let that assigner know
you’re doing so. It helps streamline his or her assigning and builds trust. But be aware: Prioritizing one league may risk alienating others. That’s why this tactic is often best suited for established officials with strong relationships across multiple assigners.
Get in Front of the Right Eyes
No official wants to stand out for the wrong reasons — a misapplied rule or missed call. But you do want to be noticed for the right ones: strong game
Maintaining a good working relationship with assigners can help ensure a full schedule every season. Tim Lazar, Morehead, City, N.C.
management, a standout season or upward potential. Of course, the most basic element of getting noticed by the “next level” is being a quality official. Too often, officials forget what that means. Beyond that, how can you increase the likelihood of getting noticed for the right reasons?
Don’t limit yourself to working in the same small league every week. Doing so reduces your exposure and makes it harder for other evaluators to see you in action. The more varied your schedule, the more people can vouch for your ability.
Assigners at every level talk to one another. When your name comes up, you want it tied to words like reliable, prepared and professional. The officials who say yes, follow through and perform consistently are the ones who keep getting called back.
Be Honest With Assigners
As you build your schedule, be open with assigners about your goals and availability. Let them know about any potential conflicts upfront. Clarify their policy on turnbacks so you’re aligned from the start. If your goals and the philosophy of the assigner are at odds, do not accept the assignments.
If you’re offered a game at a higher level than you typically work — and you’re serious about advancing — take it. But if you already have an assignment that day, talk to your current assigner before
committing elsewhere. Asking to be released shows respect for his or her time and investment in you.
These opportunities often come at the last minute and may require travel or schedule juggling. That’s the price of moving up. Be upfront about the possibility of future changes — it’s better than burning bridges midseason.
Approach Every Game
Like You’re Being Watched
Treat every game, regardless of level, as if the director of officials is sitting in the stands. It’s easy to subconsciously lower your effort on lower-level contests, but decisionmakers are always watching.
Assigners, coaches and athletic directors want to trust their officials. When mistakes happen — and they will — they want confidence you’ll handle them professionally. Support your partners. Hustle. Be approachable. That attitude is contagious and often remembered.
Your Career Is in Your Hands
In a subjective field like officiating, advancement depends on how others perceive you. If you’re happy with where you are, that’s great. But if not, ask yourself tough questions. Are you giving evaluators what they need to see? Are you putting yourself in a position to succeed?
Work hard, back your partners up and be approachable. There’s nothing wrong with striving for success. Ultimately, it’s your move.
Hurtin’ for Certain?
How to Prevent Injuries and Extend Your Officiating Career
By the Referee editors
Let’s face it — some things are unavoidable. You get older every year. Your injury risk increases with age. And when you do get hurt, recovery takes longer.
But here’s the good news: You can take steps to prevent common
injuries like muscle pulls, strains and tears. With discipline and preparation, you can extend your officiating career and avoid sitting out due to preventable issues.
A well-rounded injury prevention plan includes three key phases: before the season, before the game and after the game.
QUICKTIP
When the game is stopped because of a call — one that results in controversy — the best way to turn down the heat is to get the game started again as soon as possible. If the coaches, players and fans have something else to watch or think about, they’ll turn their attention to the next play and won’t have as much time to bark about the last one. If a complicated rule is involved and you need to explain things to a coach, do it. And don’t resume the action if it puts another official or either team at a disadvantage. But you’ll often find the noise will dissipate if a new play develops.
TOOLS
How Successful People Lead
Best-selling author John Maxwell’s book, How Successful People Lead: Taking Your Influence to the Next Level, takes issue with the idea that only someone with a title such as crew chief can be a leader. In fact, being named to a position is the lowest of Maxwell’s five levels that every effective leader achieves. To be more than a boss people are required to follow, Maxwell asserts that people must master the ability to inspire and invest in others. Success means building a team that produces not only results but also future leaders. The book is available from Amazon, priced at $5.99 for Kindle, $8.99 for hardcover and $6.79 for paperback.
Before the Season
Fitness professionals agree — a strong cardiovascular base is the foundation for any good preseason workout. Activities like biking, running, swimming and rowing help improve heart and lung health. Jogging is great for cardio and calorie burn, but it’s tough on your joints. If you have knee, hip, foot or ankle issues, consider lower-impact options like cycling or using an elliptical.
If you’re already in decent shape, shift your focus to sport-specific movements like cutting, sprinting and pivoting. Regardless of your fitness level, start slowly and be intentional. The goal isn’t just to get in shape — it’s to stay healthy and avoid injuries both during workouts and the season.
How much exercise is enough? The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week — that’s 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Remember that as you age, your pace and intensity may need to adjust.
Before the Game
Most officials do some form of stretching before a contest. Some do only a little. Others stretch extensively. But athletic trainers want you to know that stretching before a game doesn’t necessarily prevent injury.
Stretching and warming up aren’t the same thing. A proper warmup raises your heart rate and gets your
Running in place helps Linda Lomeli, Mission Viejo, Calif., prepare for the rigors of the game ahead. Warming up in that way prepares muscles for the starting, stopping and turning required to officiate.
After the Game
If you wrap up a game, hop in your car and feel stiff by the time you get home, you may be skipping a key step: the cooldown. Stretching after a game is actually beneficial — your muscles are warm and more responsive. Stretching helps your body recover and prevents tightness the next day. Just make sure you’re hydrated — muscles stretch more effectively when properly fueled with fluids.
Speaking of hydration, don’t wait until game time to start drinking water. Begin hydrating at least 24 hours before your assignment.
When injuries happen. No one wants to leave a game due to injury; most officials try to power through. But that isn’t always the smartest move.
If there’s a certified athletic trainer present, take advantage of his or her expertise. Ignoring pain and hoping it will pass can turn a minor issue into a long-term problem.
muscles ready for action. Try jumping jacks, running in place, push-ups or light dynamic movements — especially for sports that involve long periods of standing followed by sudden bursts of movement.
Cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warming up properly ensures you’re ready when the game shifts from stillness to sprint.
Listen to your body. If something feels wrong or the pain persists, it’s better to miss a game or two now than be sidelined for weeks later down the road. One missed assignment is far better than a missed season.
Officiating demands a lot from your body, and as you age, protecting it becomes even more important. A smart, consistent injury prevention plan isn’t just about avoiding pain; it’s about giving yourself more years to enjoy the game.
Call the Game, Not Your Mood
By Jeffrey Stern
“Where is the moment when we needed the most? You kick up the leaves, and the magic is lost They tell me your blue sky’s faded to gray They tell me your passion’s gone away”
— Lyric from “Bad Day”
by Daniel Powter
Television news anchor Neil Cavuto once said, “There’s nothing wrong or evil about having a bad day. There’s everything wrong with making others have to have it with you.”
Depending on your profession and how many people you interact with, your mood can easily affect those around you. That’s especially true in officiating. If you show up to
a game in a sour mood, it’s going to show, and it will likely impact the game for everyone.
For many of us, officiating is an escape from life’s everyday stresses. But no matter how tough it may be, you must separate personal challenges from the job on the court or field.
Officiating is a serious commitment. Balancing your day job, family life and games isn’t easy.
But if that stress starts affecting how you treat others on the field, your officiating career may be in jeopardy — and all that juggling might not be worth it. On the flip side, entering each game with the mindset, “We’re all here to work together and make this a great game,” can influence your entire crew — and even the teams — for the better.
If possible, take a short nap before the game — it might just be fatigue behind your bad mood. A little sleep will recharge your batteries and improve your overall outlook.
In addition to rest, start that attitude adjustment on the way to the game. Set aside thoughts of your day job and domestic problems and focus on game scenarios you might encounter. Not only does that mentally prepare you, but it helps shift your attention to officiating.
Sometimes, past run-ins with a coach or team can sour your mood
“Entering each game with the mindset, ‘We’re all here to work together and make this a great game,’ can influence your entire crew.”
before the game starts. Begin each game anew without harboring old grudges. If a coach brings up old battles, stop it quickly but respectfully: “It’s a new day, Coach. The slate is clean.”
Don’t let a bad mood put you in a defensive state of mind in which you become inflexible. If there is a question about a rule interpretation, discuss it privately with your partner. The goal isn’t proving who’s right, it’s making sure the call is right. Expect questions about your judgment. It happens in almost every game, whether you are in a good mood or not. Don’t let your temper
or frustration cause you to overreact to actions or statements that don’t cross the sportsmanship line.
Players expect officials to hustle, be fair and consistent and stay approachable. The last one is key: Don’t shut down when someone asks a legitimate question. A player asking, “Where was that pitch?” isn’t always challenging your zone; he or she may be trying to understand it. Smart athletes collect that kind of intel to adjust their strategy during the game.
Instead of viewing your game as just another burden on a lousy day, think of it as a break from reality. Who knows? Two hours away from life’s problems could be precisely what you need, and you might just leave the field feeling better than when you arrived.
Jeffrey Stern was Referee’s senior editor. He officiated high school and collegiate football, and umpired high school baseball.
FOR THE RECORD
AWARDS, ROSTERS, NOTABLES
POSTSEASON ASSIGNMENTS
COLLEGE
•Grand Valley State defeated Cal State Dominguez Hills, 70-58, to win the 2025 NCAA Division II women’s basketball championship. Officials for the title game were Ty Bills, McCall Judd and Stacey Thomas Final Four officials were Syd Mott, Jessyca Christopher and Bills (Grand Valley State 68, Pittsburg State 61) and Michelle Kramer, Thomas and Judd (Cal State Dom. Hills 68, Union [Tenn.] 50).
Other tournament officials: Katelyn Adams, Angie Ahrendt, David Arden, Matt Balster, Sarah Barr, Josh Batin, Amanda Bender, Katie Bossenmaier, Silas Bowers, Kina Brown, Taacha Brown-Drummond, Alganese Carr, Jake Coody, Christopher Cooper, Kristen Csontos, Eduardo Cuan, Giulia D’Ambrosio, Darryl Dawkins, Jarra Dennis, Carolyn Derksen, Glen Dixon, Desiree Dopson, Kamaria Douglas, Traci Drake, Utahya Drye, Lauren Dudziak, Brad Duistermars, Eric Ferris, Rich Fetter, Jacob Finn, Tara Gallupe, Katelynn Hall, Kayl Hamre, Cris Haro, Andy Heo, Dominique Hunter, Laura Isabelle, Karli JeldenChilds, Camille Johnson, Sean Jones, Scott Klomfas, Kerri Lang, Brihtani LassiterBurgoyne, Rachel Lenz, Elicia Lynch, Mark Majewski, Chet Martin, Ken McClain, Jeremy McHugh, Chris Meyerson, Gabrielle Mortis, Michael Motta, Kiara Negron, Jelisse Oliver, Ashley Olsen, Joel Oswald, Paige Parliament, Genesis Perrymond, Kyle Pottkotter, Jocelyn Price, Tommy Prosise, Walter Quiller, Jillian Quinn, Tim Rein, Rory Robinson, Praise Russell, Amy Sanchez, Rachel Scheinbein, Montrel Simmons, Dustin Smith, Jessica Smith, Shuntavia Smith, Quaniece Spearman, Darwin Thompson, Michael Thorner, Renee Tourigny, Michael Urdiales, Wes Magnum-Smith, Jennifer White, Melquan WilliamsMorris.
•Nova Southeastern defeated Cal State Dominguez Hills, 74-73, to win the 2025 NCAA Division II men’s
basketball championship. Officials for the title game were Nick Nadeau, Juan Corral and Luke Chittum. Final Four officials were Greg Deverson, Curtis Vigil and Corral (Nova Southeastern 94, Washburn 68) and Nadeau, Nick Meyer and Chittum (Cal State Dom. Hills 94, Dallas Baptist 83).
Other tournament officials: Jordan Ablon, Ryan Adams, Greg Anagnostopoulos, Chris Anderson, Derek Anganes, Kelly Anlauf, Fred Babadjanians, Travis Bain, Nathan Bemis, Bryant Berry, Aaron Broadway, Michael Brode, Robert Burns, Josh Burton, John Caputo, Joe Carmisione, Ben Cartmell, Andrew Casas, Travis Caswell, Elliott Clark, Isaiah Conrad, Keith Cooper, Will Del Valle, Aaron Dickerson, Justin Dorris, Peter Eberz, Owen Farist, Eddie Fontno, Bob Franklin, Nate Gamet, Travis Gardner, Doug George, Corey Gilpin, Darren Griffen, Mike Gullingsrud, Wes Harper, Marvin Harris, Roddy Hartle, Patrick Harwood, Josh Haug, Hayden Hilty, Courtney Holmes, Jimmy Jarrett, Travis Jecks, Jon Jensen, Jeff Johnson, Larry Johnson, Austin Jones, Brandon Kamil, Ted Kessler, Matthew King, Zack Kmieciak, Alex Langley, Kyle LeRoy, Joe Limbaugh, Owen Luckie, Wacey Lym, Shawn Manuel, Steph Maxwell, Ian McClenny, Connor McDaid, Tom McDermott, Kevin McGuire, Nate Melson, Patrick Moehrle, Devyn Page, Zach Perine, Steve Ploetz, Ron Porter, Andre Roberson, Byron Rosier, Christian Smith, Kirk Smith, Ryan Snyder, John Sousa, Jackson Strong, Kurt Tackett, Corey Taylor, Shane Thurston, Brandon Tolson, Grant Tyler, Tyler Wellendorf, Justin Wieberg, Michael Woods.
•NYU defeated Smith, 77-49, to win the 2025 NCAA Division III women’s basketball championship. Officials for the title game were Rachel Lenz, Paolo Trujillo and Taacha Brown-Drummond. Final Four officials were Carolyn Derksen, Kareem Smith and Kerri Lang (Smith 49, Wis.-Oshkosh 47) and Kristen Csontos, Ryan Nunes and Maggie DeWall (NYU 74, Wis.-Stout 55).
Other tournament officials: Angie Ahrendt, Matt Andrews, Brandon Appel, Brett Barnes, Amanda Bender, Tom Berry, Jonathan Best, Joseph Bleacher, Silas Bowers, Christopher Boyer, Nick Brigati, Jenna Buffi, Teron Buford, Isaac Bumgardner, Sarah Burgess, Abby Burmeister, Montrell Cade, Joshua Carlisle, Jessyca Christopher, Christian Cintron, David Claudio, Steve Corya, Marcia Cotton, Meg Dallmann, Jarra Davis, Sharlene Davis, Lamar Diamond, Glen Dixon, John Dotson, Kamaria Douglas, Jodi Duffe, Heather Durbrow, Austin Edge, Joseph Emerson, Daniel Esteves, Joseph Foster, Victoria Francis, Paulette Franklin, Erin Frias, Sarah Fye, Ryan Gates, Kevin George, Marc Gibson, Timothy Gilbertson, Shante Glenn, David Gnall, Alyssa Hahn, LeAnn Hall, Cris Haro, Carson Hattel, Ben Hauge, Mark Horn, DeMarcus Hubbard, Annmarie Keller, Stephen Kent, Deanna Key, Jeff Klaus, Nick Lancaster, Keith Lehrman, Brock Matlock, Steve Matuszewski, David McAndrew, Robert McDow, Jeremy McHugh, Kristin McKinnon, Jeff Meeks, Kelly Mitchell, Donna Mobley, Michael Motta, Nick Nadeau, Jason Nate, Chris Oakes, Chris Osterhoudt, Gilberto Palmer, Nicholas Park, Simona Petronyte, Corey Pothier, Kyle Pottkotter, Tommy Prosise, Kristin Quinn, Troy Ramey,
Kat Reine, Jeffery Rousseau, Larry Ruffing, Aaron Rush, Amy Sanchez, Drew Sannes, Megan School, Dexter Shorter, Brad Solberg, Kevin St. John, Blair Stephenson, Cole Tappe, Chantal Thomas, Suzanne Tiranno, MJ Wagenson, Brian Wallace, Kristie WatkinsDay, Mark Woelfel, Christina Zazzaro.
•Trinity (Conn.) defeated NYU, 64-60, to win the 2025 NCAA Division III men’s basketball championship. Officials for the title game were Tim Windler, David Gawrisch and Darren Budahn Final Four officials were Izzy Santiago, A.C. Sallee and Jay McMichael (Trinity 73, Wesleyan [Conn.] 69) and Matt Arellano, Michael Rapp and Kristyne Esparza (NYU 72, WashU 60).
Other tournament officials: Walker Abrahamovich, Kevin Agee, Nathan Alcott, Chris Anderson, Kelly Anlauf, Julian Austin, Mamadou Ba, Andrew Barksdale, Chris Bennett, Robert Bennett, Scott Bennett, Michael Berry, Troy Boardman, Chris Boehm, Kyle Bottoms, Tyler Brady, Dillon Brasher, Ralph Bretz, Joseph Brogan, Jim Bruno, Kevin Calzonetti, John Caputo, Joe Carmisione, Mark Casamassa, Greg Cecere, Mike Collins, Isaiah Conrad, Gary Corbett, Alvin Cox, Trent Crenshaw, Davide Curiotto, Dave Cusick, Nate Dartmann, Cory DeGroote, Chris Devlin, Collin Dotson, Marek Drabinski, Tom Drennan, Brian Dumont, Eric Dust, Ryan Ehrie, Albert Freeman, Chase Furlough, Bryan Gaine, Samantha Galloway, Travis Gardner, Michael Glover, Brian Gogerty, Zac Goode, Jimmy Googas, Gregory Haas, Brandon Harris, Gregg Hedglin, Derik Hrubosky, Jimmy Jarrett, Josh Jennings, Brandon Kamil, Michael Kelso, Casey Kett, Devorn Kinsey, Jailann Kinsey, Jim Koskinen, Craig Lastres, Brian Lauducci, Craig Lavigna, Jeff Lewis, John Lienert, Rufus Lott, Ellis McArdle, Riley McGraw, Kevin McGuire, Nick Meyer, Jim Miller, Kenneth Moreland, Quinn Morris, Rod Mrakovich, Andrew Murray, Rich Napolitano,
Garrett Nestor, David Niven, Matt Oblas, Kevin Orange, Vince Pease, Mike Pilla, Nitin Rao, Kendall Ridley, Jermaine Rogers, Jon Rohr, Bruce Rothwell, Jonathan Rumley, Bryan Scipio, Brent Sharff, Brian Shore, Sutton Simon, Craig Sikorski, James Slattery, Christian Smith, Shane Snyder, John Sousa, Alex Tensi, Brandon Tolson, Frank Torbert, Jared Torrence, Javed Trotman, Nick Vecchio, Dan Viscariello, Chris Webber, Tyler Wellendorf, Tavori White, James Wilbern, Dan Williams, Tracey Williams, Tarrell Willis, Brad Zapenas.
HIGH SCHOOL
•These officials were assigned by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association to work 2024-25 winter sports championships: Girls’ basketball — Bob Benjamin, Andrew Callaghan, Chad Davis, Steve Greenwood, Bobby Griffis, Barry Hammer, Bruce Mason, Chris Matte, Dennis Ordway, Stacie Reece, Ashley Tighe, Dave Zwicker.
Boys’ basketball — Jeff
Barnard, Peter Burkhart, Steve Burrows, Bill Dapkus, Richard Dichard, John Dunham, Patrick McCarthy, Shawn McNamara, Ken Miano, Tim Purrington, Darrell Robichaud, Rob Stadnicki.
Unified basketball — Keith Byette, Peter Naitove.
Girls’ ice hockey — Rebecca Caron, Keith Frost, Anson Thibault.
Boys’ ice hockey — Shane Belanger, Kevin Cunningham, Michael Frost, Jamie Jacobus, David Maxfield, Jeff Postera, Chris Rousseau, Nate Rumford, Matthew Smethurst.
Wrestling — Jeff Boufford, Eric Campbell, Bob Daniels, Lou Ferullo, Kyle Gaffney, Scott Kleinschrodt, Will Martin, Nathan Monteiro, Rick Ross, Caiden Skakalski, Mike Stuer, Ben Tessier, Justin Wear.
Swimming and diving — Ken Galica, Lisa Gowern, Paul Hagen, Suzanne Hoey, Stephanie Hosking, Manny Martines, Carol Prescott, Laurie Reeder, Gregg Weber, Anne Zwart.
Spirit — Kim Barnett, Jen Cully, Natalie D’Angelo, Amy Foote, Ivanna Hayden, Caroline Marsh, Danielle Miner, Shauna Norris
OBITUARIES
• Consalvo Turchi, 83, of Yonkers, N.Y., died Feb. 26. A longtime soccer referee with the Eastern New York State Soccer Association (ENYSSA), Turchi held many administrative roles within ENYSSA, including referee assigner and state referee administrator. He was inducted into the ENYSSA Hall of Fame in 2004 and the United States Adult Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 2009.
• Mark Brewer, 64, of Scotts Valley, Calif., died March 27 after a battle with diabetes. Brewer established the Santa Cruz Coast Volleyball Officials Association and officiated local high school boys’ and girls’ volleyball, in the gym and on the beach, for over 40 years.
•Rick Owens, 79, of Modoc, Ind., died March 29. Owens officiated high school basketball for 33 years; during that time, he worked 29 sectionals, 19 regionals, seven semifinals and three
state championships. In 2000, he received the Roy Gardner Award, annually given to the state’s top official, from the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association. Owens was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 and recognized as one of its “Center Circle Officials.”
•Mike Hopkins, 74, of Apex, N.C., died May 1. Hopkins was a longtime softball umpire who worked 16 ASA national championship games and is a member of the USA Softball Umpire Indicator Fraternity. He was inducted into the North Carolina ASA Hall of Honors in 2015.
• Rob Ruta, 29, of Grosse Ile, Mich., died May 16 in a car accident. A U.S. Soccer and NISOA referee, Ruta worked at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels and also officiated professional soccer. He earned NISOA’s Region 7 Referee of the Year Award in 2024 and had recently been named a U.S. Soccer National Assistant Referee.
Do you have any rosters, assignments or awards that warrant mention? Send info to us at ForTheRecord@referee.com
LAW ISSUES AFFECTING OFFICIALS
Eligible for Trouble
By Alan Goldberger
In a court of law, witnesses are asked to promise that they will “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” The request is made because the “whole truth” can facilitate a fair, equitable and just resolution of a case. The whole truth, however, does not include testimony that contorts, distorts or obscures the truth — or that is simply unnecessary. Down on the field, officials need to be sure that they officiate the game, the whole game and nothing but the game. Here’s why.
Earlier this year, this column featured a cautionary tale for officials based on a lawsuit filed in federal court against a school district administration and a referee. At issue was a dispute between a school hosting a soccer match and several home team parents who attended the game wearing pink wristbands to protest a transgender athlete playing for the visiting school that day.
In today’s cultural environment, where feelings often substitute for facts, officials cannot afford such blatant lapses in judgment.
The ensuing lawsuit claimed that, upon observing school administration reminding two previously admonished spectators that political protests against certain students’ participation were prohibited on school grounds, the referee stopped the game, approached the parents and ordered them to remove the wristbands or “the game is over.”
In court, the plaintiffs alleged that the referee conspired with the home school administration and local police to intimidate the parents; and that he uttered profanity at one of the parents after the game.
The circumstances surrounding this lawsuit are emblematic of the times. In the 21st century, political issues, social norms, athletes’ acute sense of entitlement and a number of other factors frequently generate challenges
to the authority of athletic governing bodies. All too frequently, those legal challenges are aimed at officials.
Officials, for their part, should be well aware that governing bodies determine game-day eligibility. Why, then, would referees get involved in matters outside the scope of their duties? Officials who, while on assignment, feel it necessary or appropriate to interject themselves into a dispute among non-participants before or during the competition are not only asking for trouble, but also failing their responsibilities to the teams and the athletes present.
Over the past decade, there have been other instances where the officials involved have impaired their impartiality by threatening to penalize players for kneeling during the national anthem. Additionally, other officials have actually walked out of the venue when all players did not stand at attention during the anthem. In today’s cultural environment, where feelings often substitute for facts, officials cannot afford such blatant lapses in judgment.
In addition, failing to officiate the game, the whole game, and nothing but the game includes any gratuitous comments — especially regarding a player whose eligibility is questioned in a sport where game-day eligibility is determined in advance by the rules of the sport and governing body regulations.
When officials appear for an assignment in a sport where issues or questions regarding the eligibility of the athletes on the scoresheet, roster or lineup card have long since been determined, there is no excuse to comment on, debate or discuss in any fashion a protest from any source regarding an athlete who is entitled to participate.
Officials who become involved in unwarranted discussions regarding game-day eligibility will find the perception of their impartiality questioned, and sometimes challenged in court.
Alan Goldberger is an official and attorney from Fairfield, N.J. This column is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Sticking to Contractual Duties Reduces Legal Risks
Officials are engaged by schools, conferences, governing bodies, assigners, officials associations or other organizations to officiate according to the rules of the game.
Officials who think they are on the field for any other reason better read their contracts.
Last time I looked, an “official” is defined as “a referee, umpire or other person who checks that the players follow the rules,” or, “one who administers the rules of a game or sport especially as a referee or umpire.”
This does not encompass, in any way, shape or form, any conversation with onlookers or spectators. Remember this: Officials who see officiating as a platform to express judgments about political, cultural or religious views lose not only their focus in calling the game by the rules, but also subject themselves to unpleasant and costly legal consequences that often ensue amid allegations by athletes or coaches of officiating bias or dishonesty.
As every official knows well, the perception of impartial judgment is everything.
SOURCE: ALAN GOLDBERGER
External Disruption? Let Site Management Handle It
Officials have been sued for a variety of perceived injuries over the years. In today’s climate of disrespect for institutions, distrust of experts (such as officials), cultural or political issues may attract spectators or onlookers to a game site, seeking to draw attention to themselves or a cause by disrupting a game.
Should this happen and the game is interrupted, officials need to direct the teams to the bench areas or, if necessary, locker rooms. The officials should confer privately with site administration and law enforcement, if present. In no case should officials engage with any spectator or anyone not directly involved with the teams or administration.
SOURCE: ALAN GOLDBERGER
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QUIZ ANSWERS
BASKETBALL
1 — All – a (NFHS 4-6-1, 9-11, 10-7 Pen. 5a, 6.7.9; NCAAM 9-15.2.a.1, 10-1 Pen. d.1, AR 9-55; NCAAW 9-15.2.a.1, 10-10 Pen. c.2, AR 9-54)
2 — All – c (NFHS 4-41-1, 4-415, 6-7-7 Exc. a, 6.7.7; NCAAM 5-1.7, 5-1.8, 5-1.11, 6-6.1, 10-1 Pen. d.2, AR 5-7; NCAAW 5-1.7, 5-1.8, 5-1.11, 6-6.1, 10-10 Pen. c.2, AR 5-9)
3 — All – b (NFHS 6-7-7 Exc. b, 10-7 Pen. 1.a and 3; NCAAM 6-6.4, 10-1 Pen. a.1, c, and d.3; NCAAW 6-6.4, 10-10 Pen. a.1 and c.1)
4 — NFHS – d (3-4-2a); NCAAM/W – c (NCAAM 1-25.1; NCAAW 1.24.1)
5 — All – d (NFHS 6-3-7; NCAAM/W 9-8.1)
FOOTBALL
1 — Both – a (NFHS 6-5-4a; NCAA 6-5-1)
2 — NFHS – a, b, d (6-1-9 Pen.); NCAA – a, b, f (6-2-1 Pen., 6-2-2)
3 — NFHS – b (8-2-3); NCAA – a (10-2-5a-2)
4 — NFHS – a (3-1-2); NCAA – b (3-2-2)
BASEBALL
1 — All – d (NFHS 7-1-1; NCAA 7-11a2; pro 6.03b4)
2 — All – b (NFHS 7-2-1f; NCAA 2-35e, 7-7e; pro 5.09a7)
3 — All – d (NFHS 8-2-8a; NCAA 8-1c; pro 5.06a2)
4 — All – d (NFHS 9-1-1 Exc. D; NCAA 5-6c Exc. 2; pro 5.08 Exc. 2)
VOLLEYBALL
1 — NFHS – e (9-8-2); NCAA, USAV – c (NCAA Interp. 11.1; USAV Techniques, Mechanics, Procedures – Referee Points of Emphasis-10)
2 — NFHS, NCAA – b (NFHS Interp.; NCAA 11.4.1); USAV – c (Techniques, Mechanics, Procedures – Referee Points of Emphasis-7a)
3 — All – b (NFHS 9-5-1-c Note; NCAA 14.6.1 Note; USAV 14.6.2, 23.3.2.3g)
4 — All – a (NFHS 4-2-1h-3, 4-21i-2; NCAA 7.1.1.5; USAV 4.3a)
5 — All – a (NFHS 3-1-5, 3.1.5; NCAA 2.2.1; USAV 2.4)
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AUGUST
FLASHBACK
40 YEARS AGO … 1985
•NHL supervisor of officials John McCauley acknowledges the tworeferee, one-linesman system used in much of amateur hockey could eventually be implemented at the sport’s highest level. The NHL, which previously used one referee and two linesmen, phased in the tworeferee system over a three-year period from 1998-2000.
SOCCER
1 — All – c (NFHS 16-1-1; NCAA 16.2.5; IFAB 16)
2 — All – b (NFHS 12-5-1f9; NCAA 5.6.4; IFAB 12.3)
3 — NFHS, IFAB – a (NFHS 1.2.6; IFAB 1.6); NCAA – c (1.6.3)
4 — NFHS, NCAA – b (NFHS 4-21; NCAA 4.2.5); IFAB – a (3.10)
5 — NFHS – a (4-1-2 [2025-26]); NCAA – b (4.1.7); IFAB – c (4.5)
SOFTBALL
1 — All – c (NFHS 8-6-16a Pen.; NCAA 12.17.4.2 Eff.; USA Softball 8-7M Eff.; USSSA 8-18AB)
2 — All – b, c, d (NFHS 2-1-10, 8-3-4, 8-8-8; NCAA 7.1.1.2.5b, 7.1.2.1.1, 12.9.1 Exc. 2, 12.10.13 Eff.; USA Softball 8-7I Eff. 2, R/S 1L; USSSA 8-18T, 9-1A, 9-2)
3 — NFHS, USA Softball, USSSA – b (NFHS 3-2-13; USA Softball 3-6F; USSSA 2-5); NCAA – c (point not covered)
4 — All – a, e (NFHS 2-1-2a, 2-13b, 8-3-1 Eff., 9-1-1 Exc. a; NCAA 7.1.1.2, 7.1.2.2, 12.10.1 Eff.; USA Softball 5-5B-1, 8-7G Eff. 3, R/S 1; USSSA 8-18T; 9-1A, 9-3)
MISSION
Referee is a magazine written from an officiating perspective, blending editorial credibility and business viability. It educates, challenges and inspires officials at the youth, recreational, high school, collegiate and professional levels in all sports, with an emphasis on baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball. Referee is the journal of record for officiating and takes informed positions on selected issues. The magazine provides a forum for its readers, facilitates the flow of information, raises public consciousness about officials’ roles and serves as a catalyst for improved officiating worldwide.
30 YEARS AGO … 1995
•Ivan Tabora, a high school soccer player for J.M. Wright Tech (Stamford, Conn.), is expelled and sentenced to six months in prison for assaulting referee Skip Lance. As Lance was issuing a yellow card after Tabora protested an opposing goal, Tabora punched Lance, knocking him to the ground. Tabora then kicked Lance several times before being restrained.
20 YEARS AGO … 2005
•Longtime NCAA Division I men’s basketball referee John Clougherty retires from his oncourt duties and is named coordinator of men’s basketball officials for the Atlantic Coast Conference. Clougherty officiated 26 NCAA tournaments, including 12 Final Fours and four championship games, during his 30 years on the court.
10 YEARS AGO …
2015
•Former NFL umpire John Keck, 83, dies of pneumonia, a complication of his ongoing battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Keck umpired in the NFL from 1972-96; prior to that, he worked college football in the Big 8 Conference (now Big 12).
How Many Wins Do You Have?
The lights in the gymnasium dimmed. The announcer asked for everyone’s attention. A picture of the head coach appeared on the scoreboard acknowledging his achievement of winning 200 games. The fans, players and officials all clapped, appreciating this milestone. The coach, a humble man, whispered to our crew, “I’ll be a lot happier when my picture is no longer on that scoreboard. Of course I’ve won 200. I’ve been coaching 80 years.”
Two hundred wins. Certainly a notable milestone for this coach. Worthy of everyone’s appreciation in the gym. As the announcer transitioned the pregame activities toward the national anthem, granting the coach his wish, I thought, “Two hundred is good, but I have more wins than that.”
I win almost every night I referee a high school basketball game.
Over the course of my officiating career, I think I have somewhere between 300-400 wins. In fact, my win-loss record is stellar. I’m talking numbers that would be hall of fame worthy for any coach. Some might not think that way, but I do.
I win almost every night I referee a high school basketball game. Think about it. I get to be out on the court, participating in the game and performing my responsibilities at a high level. While I rarely recognize the existence of fans when I’m officiating a game, sometimes I glance over and
say to myself, “I’m so glad to be doing what I’m doing versus sitting in those stands. I’m so fortunate.” In fact, sometimes I think I’m not even sure many of those people in the stands could do what I do. Some might not have the physical ability. Some might not have the aptitude. Some might not have the fortitude. I do, and I am also getting paid for doing something that I love. What a deal!
I win when I know I performed my responsibilities. Legendary retired NBA referee Joe Crawford once said, “The difference between good referees and bad referees is good referees know when they’re bad and bad referees don’t know when they’re bad.” I’m not a great referee but I’m a good referee. I know that because I watch my games on video. I know when I’m standing where I need to stand. I know when I’m looking at what I need to be looking at. I know when I’m projecting the image I want to project. I’m never perfect. None of us is. But I learn from my mistakes and that makes me better. I’m often good and I win when I’m good.
I win when I relate with my partners. In a few years I’ll retire from my job, and I’ve started to work on a plan for retirement. I’m going to need something to do. I decided to take up another sport and officiate boys’ lacrosse. Part of the reason is I like being around officials. I like talking to them. I like hearing their experiences. I like sharing my experiences with them.
It’s comforting to know an NBA referee could be scared before a game, just like I have been scared before some games. It’s comforting to know a Final Four official could make a mistake at a key moment in a game and fear he’ll never get another opportunity, just like I fear consequences for my mistakes. We talk the same talk. We share the same experiences. We desire similar goals. We fear similar fears. I win when my partners relate to me. I win when I can share something that relates to them.
Sometimes my wins are close wins. Sometimes they’re not. Occasionally, there is probably a tie. But if I’m
winning, who’s losing? There must be a loser if there is a winner, right?
I’m not competing against teams, coaches or partners. In fact, I’m there to run the game to enable the experience for them. So what am I competing against? If I think about what wins look like, it’s the opposite of those things that score points against me. The opposites are the challenges that go along with officiating the game.
For example, it might be the challenge of seeing success even though 50% of the people think I’m wrong. It might be the challenge of not accepting that I’m human and I will make mistakes. It might be the challenge of not handling criticism that often is part of the nature of a competitive environment. It might be the challenge of losing focus in a game that is lopsided in score or talent. It might be the challenge of not connecting well with my partners. It might be the challenge of leaving for work at seven in the morning and not returning home from my game until 10 in the evening. These challenges will sometimes get you. They can get all of us. It’s how the opposition scores points and tries to win. Sometimes, they get me. I rarely toss a shutout; but I often win.
The game ends and I head to the locker room. I feel great. Chalk up another win. In fact, I probably have a multi-game streak going. For that coach, it was probably number 14 on the year. For me, I’ll probably get 30-40 wins this season. I’ll count my losses using the fingers on one hand. His win was close. Mine was a blowout. As we dress and talk about some plays from the game, I hope my partners realized they won, too. One day I’ll look back and say, “What a ride that was, it was so much fun winning night in and night out.” I liked my partners tonight. I hope they get to say the same thing, too.
Jim White, Collegeville, Pa., has been officiating high school basketball for 17 years and recently started officiating boys’ lacrosse. He is an IT professional.
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