Why be an Official? (Grand Rapids Press)

January 25, 2012

The Grand Rapids Press' Jane Bos tells the story of some of the most valuable, yet often-criticized people who help make our games go -- the officials enforcing the rules. 

Consider this interesting point: On a Tuesday or Friday, the O-K Conference must come up with 150 officials to work its basketball games. And it, like most if not all leagues, always is looking for more.

She also explains how another former Press sportswriter, Howie Beardsley, got into the reffing game.

Check it out:

"Why West Michigan high school referees say you should consider wearing stripes"

Today in the MHSAA: 10/31/24

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

October 31, 2024

1. BOYS SOCCER Unranked Plymouth Christian Academy also earned its first Finals appearance in this sport, downing No. 4 Lansing Christian 2-1 in Division 4 – Hometown Life

2. BOYS SOCCER Unranked Byron Center clinched its first championship match appearance with a 2-1 win over No. 4 Oxford in Division 1 – FOX 17

3. BOYS SOCCER No. 10 Elk Rapids earned its first Finals appearance since 1998 with a 3-0 Division 3 Semifinal win over No. 9 Hartford – Up North Live

4. BOYS SOCCER Top-ranked Pontiac Notre Dame Prep will play in its first Final since 2000 thanks to a 3-0 Division 3 Semifinal win over No. 13 Williamston – Oakland Press

5. BOYS SOCCER No. 7 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern advanced to the Division 2 Final with a shootout win over Grand Rapids Christian – Grand Rapids Press

6. BOYS SOCCER No. 5 Rochester Adams advanced in Division 1 with a shootout win over No. 11 Saline – Oakland Press

7. BOYS SOCCER No. 2 Warren De La Salle Collegiate pulled away during the second half for a 3-1 win over No. 5 Mason in Division 2 – Macomb Daily

8. BOYS SOCCER No. 8 Muskegon Western Michigan Christian posted its fifth shutout of the playoffs, 1-0 over No. 9 Grandville Calvin Christian in Division 4 – Grand Haven Tribune

9. GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING Midland Dow – No. 6 in Lower Peninsula Division 2 – edged Midland High 90-88 – Midland Daily News

10. VOLLEYBALL Division 2 honorable mention Traverse City Central finished a perfect run through the Big North Conference with a sweep of Petoskey – Traverse City Record-Eagle