Slot Machine
The most important job in a game, and often the most difficult, is calling an accurate strike zone. In order to be accurate,...
Leap Into the New Year
At its recent annual council meeting in Oklahoma City, USA Softball voted to adopt several new rule changes for the 2022 season. The...
No Happy Accidents
Last summer, I was working the bases as part of a two-person crew when it became apparent the defensive team was thinking about...
Umpire George Magerkurth Ruled With An Iron Fist
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Umpire George Magerkurth ruled with an iron fist, which he wasn’t above wielding when challenged on a baseball diamond.
Magerkurth worked 2,808 regular-season games...
John Hirschbeck Reminisces on MLB Playoff No-Hitter
It is Oct. 6, 2010, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Phillies are facing the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of...
One of Arkansas’ longest-tenured high school referee blows whistle in last season
Bobby Crafford has been a referee at high school games for more than 50 years. He told KATV, at age 86, it's time...
All Eyes Are On You
There are close plays all over a baseball field and in every game. Half-steppers at first base. Fingertips on stolen base attempts. Pitches...
5 Ways to Manage Conflict
When situations explode on the field or court, it's up to sports officials to restore the peace and manage conflict. In managing conflict, showing a little empathy, demonstrating good listening skills and providing people with options rather...
MLB passes significant rules changes including pitch clock, banning defensive shifts
A set of rules changes will fundamentally overhaul the game, including implementation of a pitch clock and banning of defensive shifts in 2023.
Travel vs. Fumble — Which is It?
There are times when a player who has control of the ball unintentionally drops it from his or her hands — a fumble...
Julie Voeck named NCAA women’s volleyball secretary-rules editor
Voeck will begin her new role Sept. 1, 2023. Over the next year, she will shadow Anne Pufahl, the current NCAA secretary-rules editor.
NFHS Officiating Services Department Newsletter: It’s Our First Edition!
This monthly newsletter will keep you in the know with regard to what's happening in the NFHS Officiating Services Department
OHSAA officials training moves online
OHSAA has moved all classroom instruction for new officials to the convenient virtual platform RefPrep.
Tips to Help Sideline Officials Look Sharp
When I was a deep official, I would catch flak from my linesman and line judge crewmates. They told me they do most...
‘No-nonsense’ referee Hugh Evans gets his due in Springfield
Resolute, confident, fair and helpful both as a referee and a colleague, Hugh Evans officiated more than 2,100 games in his NBA career.
NFL: Week 1 referee assignments
Carl Cheffers will be the referee for this season’s Thursday night Kickoff game between the Bills and the Rams. Adrian Hill is off...
Legendary referee Nigel Owens warns football not to overuse technology
Legendary rugby union referee Nigel Owens joins talkSPORT and warns football not to overuse technology - like how they do in rugby!
Dan Schachte, first American to officiate 2,000 NHL games, dies
Schachte was an NHL linesman for 30 years. He was selected for five Stanley Cup finals and the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake...
Career Suicide Can Be a Killer
Officiating is unlike many endeavors in that hard work, diligent study and the right temperament are not guarantees to success.
Conversely, there are...
Get in the Groove with Your Partner
There is nothing like throwing a perfect game as a pitcher or calling the perfect game as a referee. Just like in baseball...
Get a Leg Up On this Toe Injury
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ubungual hematoma, or bleeding under the toenail, is a fairly common occurrence among active individuals like sports officials. It can result from repeated...
Who are NHL Referee #35 and Linesman #85?
Each NHL arena has a #35 referee’s jersey and a #85 linesman’s jersey on standby. These come in handy from time to time.
Champions League refs told to punish ‘acts of simulation’
UEFA wants to punish attempts to "dupe'' referees with "acts of simulation or by overreacting to light-contact fouls'' starting this week.
