Virtual Banquet Honors More Than 400 Officials

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

July 26, 2021

The MHSAA annually honors high school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45 and 50 years of service at its Officials’ Awards & Alumni Banquet.

However, with this spring’s banquet again canceled due to COVID-19, we instead present this virtual recognition for 401 officials who celebrated a milestone school year.

Twenty-three officials with 50 years of service are honored below, along with 49 officials with 45 years. A 40-year award has been presented to 50 officials. In addition, 98 officials with 30 years and 181 officials with 20 years of experience are honored.

Be the Referee: Blocked Kick

By Sam Davis
MHSAA Director of Officials

October 10, 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 – Blocked Kick - Listen

It’s 4th-and-10. Team A is lining up on its 25-yard line to kick a field goal. The kick is blocked backward by Team B, never crossing the line of scrimmage. The kicker is able to scoop the ball up and take off, getting down to the 7-yard line before being tackled.

The next down should be:

  • First-and-goal from the 7 for Team A – the kicking team.
  • First-and-10 from the 7 for Team B – the defensive team.
  • First-and-10 from the 25-yard line for Team B.

If you said 1st-and-Goal for Team A, you are correct. Because the kicked ball never crossed the line of scrimmage, the kicking team is able to pick the ball up and advance it. Because it was carried past the line to gain, it’s a first down.

Previous Editions

Oct. 3: Volleyball Double & Lift - Listen
Sept. 26: Registration Process - Listen
Sept. 20: Animal Interference - Listen
Sept. 13: Feet Rule on Soccer Throw-In - Listen
Sept. 6: Volleyball Jewelry - Listen
Aug. 30: Football Rules Similarities - Listen
Aug. 23: Football Rules Differences - Listen