Be the Referee: Concussions
September 15, 2016
This week, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl discusses the official's role when an athlete experiences a possible concussion.
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 – Concussions - Listen
In all contact sports, the biggest issue of the day continues to be concussions. Game officials play a vital role in keeping athletes safe on the field, court, ice and mat.
While officials are never placed in the position to diagnose a possible concussion, the officials can often see when a player first becomes injured. When that possible injury is noticed by an official, all game rules require the contest be stopped and the student is evaluated by the school’s health care team.
It then becomes the call of the school to determine if the player has suffered a possible concussion. If yes, the player is out for at least the rest of that day. If no, the player can return to the contest.
Past editions
Sept 8: Equipment Covering the Knees - Listen
Sept. 1: Play Clock Experiment - Listen
Aug. 25: Clipping in the Free Blocking Zone - Listen
Be the Referee: Toughest Call
November 16, 2017
In this week's edition, assistant director Mark Uyl explains why pass interference is the toughest call for our football officials to make.
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 – Toughest Call - Listen
At all levels of football, far and away the most difficult and controversial call to make is pass interference.
Pass interference can be challenging for officials because so much of it is based on judgment. Were the two players moving down the field making a legitimate play on the football; or did one of the two players initiate contact that created a disadvantaged situation for the opposing player?
Remember, when the ball is in the air, that both players – the offense and the defense – have an equal right to go for the football, making a legitimate play on it. But when that illegal contact occurs, that’s when the flag should come for pass interference.
Past editions
November 9: Hurdling - Listen
November 2: The Survey Says - Listen
October 26: Helmet Comes Off - Listen
October 19: Goal Line Rules - Listen
October 12: No 1st-Year Fee - Listen
October 5: Athletic Empty Nesters - Listen
September 28: Misunderstood Football Rules: Kicking - Listen
September 21: Preparation for Officials - Listen
September 14: Always Stay Registered - Listen
September 7: Other Football Rules Changes - Listen
August 31: Pop-Up Onside Kicks - Listen
August 24: Blindside Blocks - Listen