Kalamazoo's Winter a Pro in the Fall

July 19, 2012

Kalamazoo's Ron Winter has been part of just about every major event possible on a football field with more than four decades officiating high school, college and now National Football League games.

He can appreciate each level for what makes it special. And he's passed on those experiences and lessons galore to young officials and students at Western Michigan University.

Winter -- and MHSAA registered official the last 42 years -- was appointed earlier this month to serve a two-year term on the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.

Click to read more about what  he enjoys about each level of the game, and for his advice for young officials looking to join him at the highest level.

Be the Referee: Feet Rule on Soccer Throw-In

By Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

September 13, 2023

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Feet Rule on Soccer Throw-In - Listen

In basketball, when a player is inbounding the ball, his or her feet have to be behind the line when passing the ball. Their feet can’t be touching the line.

But in soccer, a player just has to be on the line to complete a throw-in – even if their heels are both barely touching the line and the majority of their body is in the field of play.

It is considered a legal soccer throw-in if any part of both feet is either touching the line or behind the line, including if the player does a somersault or front-flip style throw-in. As long as they flip and land with both feet on or behind the line and throw the ball – it’s a legal throw-in.

Previous Editions

Sept. 6: Volleyball Jewelry - Listen
Aug. 30: Football Rules Similarities - Listen
Aug. 23: Football Rules Differences - Listen