Anniversary Celebration
May 9, 2017
Mixing work and family obligations is not recommended for marital bliss; and I’ve done pretty well over the years at not taking my work home to the extent that my family felt like the second team. However, once a year I insist that my wife comes to work with me. That was last Saturday night.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet occurs each May, just about the time I should be considering a nice night out for my wife as we celebrate our wedding anniversary and Mother’s Day. So, one might think I am asking for trouble by making this event our big night out.
Yet it works. For if there is one thing the Officials Banquet demonstrates, it’s the power of partners and family.
Time after time last Saturday evening, officials thanked spouses for their support. For keeping late dinners hot and uniforms clean, of course; but also for savoring the stories that sports officials have so many of and share so vividly.
Officials know what it means to have a partner, and to have his or her back in good times and bad.
Officials are a part of a big family of people with affinity for one another that often grows into deep and abiding, lifelong affection.
It wasn’t just longevity that was applauded last Saturday; partners and extended families were honored as well. Not a bad way to celebrate a 45th wedding anniversary.
Be the Referee: Libero
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
September 17, 2024
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 – Libero - Listen
In volleyball, a libero is a defensive player who plays in the back row. It’s a fairly new position, as it was introduced in 1998 – and the libero plays by some unique rules:
► The libero wears a different color jersey from the rest of the team – so they are easily identifiable. Only one libero can be designated for each set of a match.
► The libero can serve, but can't perform an overhead set in front of the attack line, or complete an attack if the ball is above the net.
► The libero is never allowed to rotate to the front line.
► The libero is the first line of defense, often passing to the setter and covering open spaces.
► The libero can be replaced without restriction – but in the event of an injury, can only be replaced by the player the libero originally replaced.
Previous 2024-25 Editions
Sept. 10: Cross Country Uniforms - Listen
Sept. 3: Soccer Handling - Listen
Aug. 24: Football Holding - Listen
PHOTO Livonia Franklin libero Mckenna Moore (1) defends during her team's match against Livonia Churchill this season. (Photo by Douglas Bargerstock.)