Be the Referee: Wrestling & Technology

February 2, 2017

This week, MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl explains how wrestling coaches are allowed to use technology matside.

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 – Wrestling & Technology - Listen

Technology seems to grow and expand in just about every facet of American life. Ironically, technology is even now moving into high school athletics, even in the sport of wrestling.

Current National Federation playing rules allow coaches, in the corner during a wrestling match, to use technology – which could be the use of video or still photographs – to instruct wrestlers during any timeout or dead clock situations.

The only thing at coaches can’t do is transmit audio information into an ear piece that a wrestler is using, or use that video to argue or contest a call.

    Past editions
    Jan. 26: Post Play - Listen
    Jan. 19: Ice Hockey Overtime - Listen
    Jan. 12: Free Throw Change - Listen
    Jan. 5: Ratings - Listen
    Dec. 22: Video Review - Part 2 - Listen
    Dec. 15: Video Review - Part 1 - Listen
    Dec. 8: Registration - Part 2 - Listen
    Dec. 1: Registration - Part 1 - Listen
    Nov. 24: You Make the Call - Sleeper Play - Listen
    Nov. 17: Automatic 1st Downs - Listen
    Nov. 10: Uncatchable Pass - Listen
    Nov. 3: The Goal Line - Listen
    Oct. 27: Help Us Retain Officials - Listen
    Oct. 20: Point After Touchdown - Listen
    Oct. 13: Untimed Down - Listen
    Oct. 6: Soccer Penalty Kick Change - Listen
    Sept. 29: Preparation for Officials - Listen
    Sept 22: You Make the Call: Returning Kickoffs - Listen
    Sept. 15: Concussions - Listen
    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: Football Holding

    By Sam Davis
    MHSAA Director of Officials

    August 27, 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 – Football Holding - Listen

    In football, it’s often said that holding happens on every play. But does it?

    When an offensive player uses their hands or arms to illegally restrain a defensive player – that’s holding. This typically happens when blockers grab or pull defensive players away from their path – impeding their ability to make a play. The penalty is 10 yards from the previous spot.

    Defensive players can be flagged for holding as well. That’s also a 10-yard penalty. An example of defensive holding is when a cornerback grabs a receiver to slow him down before the ball is thrown. If that same contact happens while the pass is in the air – then it’s pass interference. Defensive pass interference is a 15-yard penalty.

    PHOTO A football official signals holding during a 2023 game. (Photo by Gary Shook.)