Be the Referee: Wrestling Stalling

December 27, 2018

This week, MHSAA officials coordinator Sam Davis explains what wrestling officials look for while watching for stalling on the mat.

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 – Stalling in Wrestling - Listen

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Today in our series about misunderstood high school sports rules, we’re going to take up the topic of stalling in wrestling.

National high school rules require that stalling be called by the referee whenever it is recognized – regardless of the position of the wrestlers, the time in the match or the score of the match. When considering stalling, officials are watching to see if both wrestlers are making an honest attempt to stay within the 10-foot circle in the middle of the mat, and whether or not each wrestler is initiating action. Stalling would not be called when a wrestler is overpowering an opponent.

We hope that by becoming familiar with what referees are required to look for, that fans will better understand that stalling is a subjective call based on objective criteria.

Past editions

December 20: Basketball: You Make the Call - Listen
December 13: Basketball Uniform Safety - Listen
December 6: Coaching Box Expansion - Listen
November 29: Video Review, Part 2 - Listen
November 22: Video Review, Part 1 - Listen
November 15:
You Make the Call - Sleeper Play - Listen
November 8: 
7-Person Football Crews - Listen
November 1: Overtime Differences - Listen
October 25: Trickery & Communication - Listen
October 18: Punts & Missed Field Goals - Listen
October 11: What Officials Don't Do - Listen
October 4: Always 1st-and-Goal - Listen
September 27: Unique Kickoff Option - Listen
September 20: Uncatchable Pass - Listen
September 13: Soccer Rules Change - Listen
September 6: You Make the Call: Face Guarding - Listen
August 30: 40-Second Play Clock - Listen
August 23: Football Rules Changes - Listen

Be the Referee: Volleyball Jewelry

By Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

September 6, 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 – Volleyball Jewelry - Listen

There’s a new rule in volleyball regarding the wearing of jewelry.

Previously, participants were not allowed to wear stud or post-like jewelry, such as earrings, even if they were covered by tape.

But now, stud or post-like jewelry, worn above the chin, is allowed. Stud earrings are now allowed to be worn during play – and do not need to be covered by tape.

Hoop-style jewelry, such as hoop earrings, are still not allowed, even if covered by tape. If a player is wearing hoop earrings, the coach will be issued an administrative yellow card for the first offense and a red card for a second offense in that set.

Items such as a medical-alert medal or a religious medal must be taped to the body and can be visible during play.

Previous Editions

Aug. 30: Football Rules Similarities - Listen
Aug. 23: Football Rules Differences - Listen