NFHS Case for Co-curriculars: Better Educational Outcomes
(8/22) Students who compete in high school activity programs have better educational outcomes.
What’s driving the ref shortage in metro Detroit?
(8/22) The ref shortage is growing across metro Detroit. It's a big problem with fall games around the corner.
Handling an Accident and Insurance from Game Travel
Sometimes the riskiest part about being a sports official is getting to and from the game. Sure, no official likes the abuse we...
“I wanted to use this stage to give back” – Little League Umpire Darrin...
(8/21) Darrin Besescheck has been an umpire for Little League for 25 years, and this milestone year is even more special.
Our Hearts Are Broken At UMPS CARE Charities – Remembering Volunteer Lisa “Kiwi” Goldenberg
(8/20) "We are humbled that in the midst of this difficult time her family chose UMPS CARE as an outlet to honor her...
Intentional Groundrules
Intentional grounding is likely the rule that requires the most judgment. Any rule that requires an official to determine “intent” is prone to...
Air quality, referee shortage concerns loom on the eve of high school football’s return...
(8/19) This season it’s not just the number of referees that are concerning, it’s also the number of athletes playing football.
Lance Lynn ejected after tossing belt at umpire during foreign-substance check
(8/19) Major League Baseball installed the foreign substance checks on June 21 as a means of pushing back against the prevalence of grip...
Thursday night football in San Mateo County
(8/19) Coaches were informed that because of a lack of officials, three PAL games would have to be moved to Thursday.
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Caleb Smith ejected after foreign-substance check
(8/19) Smith was checked by third-base umpire Phil Cuzzi, who then motioned for the other umpires to look at the glove.
Chance Encounters of the Life-Changing Kind
Today, Jim Reynolds is one of MLB’s most accomplished umpires. His resume includes 16 postseason assignments, including two World Series, plus two All-Star...
NCAA: O’Malley named secretary-rules editor for men’s basketball
(8/18) Jeff O'Malley has been named NCAA Men's Basketball Rules Committee secretary-rules editor, effective Sept. 1, 2022.
Minnesota: State officials confident high school sports won’t be disrupted this fall
(8/18) Six high school sports — including tennis, soccer, volleyball and football — began practices last week, and most competition begins Aug. 26.
Obituary: Michael Eckenrod
(8/17) His love for basketball led him to become a high school and college basketball referee for over 20 years.
Correcting Bad Behavior With Well Timed Warnings
W
arnings come in a variety of forms. There’s “the look,” “the stop sign” and “the quiet word,” to name a few. Each can...
Former rugby referee Dave Bishop reflects on 50-year career
(8/16) It’s that moment 10 seconds before kick-off, when 60,000 people wait in silent anticipation for the whistle to blow.
The Immaculate Reception: Pittsburgh vs. Oakland Dec. 23, 1972
Fred Swearingen's world had slowed down by 1998 and he was into a peaceful life in Carlsbad, Calif. His serene existence when we interviewed...
Referees are quitting in droves due to a toxic combination of abuse from coaches...
(8/15) Referees are leaving youth sports at such a quick pace that it could lead to a disastrous shortage of officials this coming...
Resistance Training to Increase Strength and Endurance
Resistance training is a form of exercise that improves strength and endurance along with flexibility. During a resistance training workout, you move your...
MLS referee returns home from role at Tokyo Olympics
(8/14) Kyle Atkins spent weeks in Tokyo, Japan at the 2020 Olympics.
NCAA: Softball approves video review challenges
(8/13) The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved implementing video review and coaches challenges beginning in 2021-22.
Pac-12, Big Ten, ACC discussing formation of alliance, likely around scheduling
(8/13) The Pac-12, Big Ten and ACC have had preliminary discussions about forming an alliance.
Christina Drumm Lives Olympic Dream as Softball Umpire
(8/13) Drumm was one of 11 softball umpires selected to work the Olympics and the only one from the United States.
Annual NASO Sports Officiating Summit a Roaring Success
(8/13) The National Association of Sports Officials launched an all digital, completely FREE Sports Officiating Summit@Home experience for the sports officiating community.
