Fan sentenced for conduct towards ref at Minnesota prep basketball game
A man accused of attacking during a high school basketball game in January has been sentenced by a district judge.
Get in Game Shape, Stay in Game Shape
Many officials procrastinate until just before the season of the sport they are working to get into “game shape.” That method of thinking...
Youth soccer association dealing with referee shortage, heckling fans
The St. Louis Youth Soccer Association (SLYSA) and its referees have had enough of the kicking and screaming youth soccer fans.
NCAA President Mark Emmert steps down, effective June 2023
NCAA Board of Governors Chair John J. DeGioia announced that Mark Emmert will be stepping down as president of the NCAA.
NFHS Overtime: Highlighting the Best of High School Activities
New monthly video series, NFHS Overtime. This month features a surreal state tournament debut for a basketball official in Oklahoma.
How to Recruit U30s
Even before the pandemic, state high school athletic associations faced a significant shortage of officials across the country, which was affecting games. Heavy...
Ukrainian immigrant with family in war zone will officiate PTFC for Peace match
While the foundation of their lives has been built in the U.S., Demianchuk and his wife still have family members living in war...
Joe West: MLB robo umps ‘not as accurate as they’re making it out to...
Although this technology doesn't completely eliminate a human umpire's role, former umpire Joe West remains skeptical about its efficacy.
NBC Connecticut: State Facing Referee Shortage
Connecticut is facing a referee shortage which can lead to empty fields for almost any sport if people don’t sign up to referee.
They’re Counting on It
One of the most important jobs for softball umpires is game management. And one of the most overlooked aspects of game management is...
Player banned from UIL activities due to assault of soccer referee
The committee voted unanimously to ban the girl from all UIL activities, both athletic and non-athletic. The girl is also facing a criminal...
Good Morning America: Youth sports face referee shortage crisis
Bad behavior from parents is causing a mass exodus of referees in youth sports, but the biggest losers could be children.
LA Times: Angry parents are ruining youth sports. Here’s how to rein them in.
One solution? When parents are abusive, take away their privilege of watching their kids play youth sports.
Death of a Union (May 2000)
Years of strife between the Major League Umpires Association and Major League Baseball came to a head in July 1999 when Richie Phillips,...
CONSISTENCY IS KEY TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
If you’ve officiated any length of time, you’ve had at least one coach urge you to be consistent in your rulings. Translated, that means, “Call everything so...
Craig Damon to be named the 11th Executive Director of the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association’s Board of Directors determined who would become the association’s 11th executive director.
Associated Press Column: Amid increasing abuse, officials flee youth sports
When one looks at the ugly bruise encircling Kristi Moore’s left eye, it’s not surprising so many refs and umps are hanging it...
NFL’s first female referee shares inspiration with audience
Sarah Thomas spoke at the Town Hall series in Yakima, Wash last week and provided inspiration for the audience.
Referee attacked at youth basketball game says he heard coach tell players ‘we’re going...
Sidney Freeman was refereeing a youth basketball game at a church when he was attacked. Now, he's speaking out.
NCAA Football Rule Changes
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved football rules changes that will take effect in the 2022 season.
Bad Behavior Drove a Referee Shortage. Covid Made It Worse.
For years, unruly parents have turned youth sporting events into a toxic environment - now an exodus of referees.
Umpire shortage cancels Indiana high school baseball games
High school baseball games are being canceled because of a lack of crews available to officiate the contests.
Study The Game To Improve As An Official
One of the greatest things you can do to help improve your officiating is to gain a better understanding of the game itself,...
Leaders at NFHS Officials Consortium Suggest Changes in Attitudes, Behavior
Unacceptable behavior by coaches, parents and other spectators has pushed many officials to the sidelines.
