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Minnesota State High School League Celebrates 2025 Winter Officials Appreciation Week

Posted: Monday, January 13, 2025 - 7:30 AM

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Officials Appreciation Week banner with photos of six MSHSL sports officials.

They are the “backbone of our sports.” Hawley Activities Director Brett Mayer Schmit is talking about people who deserve recognition every week, but particularly during Winter Officials Appreciation Week from Jan. 13-18.

The Minnesota State High School League has more than 6,200 registered sports officials and contest judges who administer the rules in contests between Member Schools – Adapted Floor Hockey, Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Dance, Girls Gymnastics, Hockey, Nordic Ski Racing, Boys Swimming and Diving and Wrestling in the winter. 

They rarely stop there.

“We often think of the varsity officials making the technical, precision calls, but when we look full circle at our junior high and sub-varsity officials, we see their full role in teaching rules, encouraging sportsmanship, and allowing positive experiences for kids to find their passions,” Mayer Schmit said. 

So, this week in particular, #ThankARef if you get a chance. 

"Officials are a vital part of the education-based activities experience. Without them, we cannot compete, but they often enhance the experience for those involved in the competition. Many of them take time to teach when working in a contest, helping the students learn in that moment and for the future. Just like all of us, they are human and make mistakes. When that happens, they work to improve to grow and ensure it does not happen again. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many officials working in STMA to enhance the experience for our programs, communities, and student-athletes."
Keith Cornell, St. Michael-Albertville Activities Director

Nominate an official for Minnesota State High School League awards

Do you know an official or an officials association worthy of special recognition? Consider nominating them for Minnesota State High School League awards. 

  • The Distinguished Service Award is designed to recognize and reward those individuals who go above and beyond in service to their fellow officials. This award is not based on the person’s ability or skill as an official but is dependent upon the leadership and service provided. Nominate here. Deadline: January 20, 2025.

  • The Association Award of Excellence is designed to recognize and reward an association for the overall quality of their association and the service that they provide to MSHSL member schools. Nominate here. Deadline: January 20, 2025.

  • The Officiating Association Citation Award is designed to recognize and reward associations for a specific program they have enacted that has had a significant impact on the Association or the schools, student athletes, or communities they serve. Nominate here. Deadline: January 20, 2025.

  • A recognition program for officials has been established to acknowledge the consecutive years of service provided to Minnesota State High School League member schools. You can see the previous honorees here. 

"The reason we can provide competitive contests with other schools is because of high school officials. They maintain the integrity of the game, teach our athletes the importance of good sportsmanship and provide a safe place to compete at a high level. Without officials, schools would not be able to provide the fun and meaningful experiences that make high school athletics special."
Ali Mach, Blooming Prairie Activities Director

Become a Minnesota State High School League official

Would you like to stay involved with sports? Do you want to provide a valuable service? Would you like to contribute to the education of today's youth?

Then become a sports official!

The League has a collection of resources for aspiring officials, including frequently asked questions, contact information and registration details.

"Officiating MSHSL activities is the most important factor in any competitive event. They provide safety, encourage sportsmanship, and apply fairness in any competitive environment. They all want to give back to an activity that was a building block in their youth."
Brent Schimek, Deer River Activities Director

Must-read stories about MSHSL winter sports officials

  • From Coaching To Officiating, Goring Stays In The Game — During Zach Goring’s days as the head boys basketball coach at Apple Valley High School, he blew a whistle all the time. He’s doing the same thing now, but the coach whose teams played in four state championship games and won three titles — and whose rosters included three current NBA players — is now blowing his whistle as a basketball official. Read more in John's Journal.

  • Three Siblings, Three Hockey Officials — The Szymanski kids grew up in a sports-oriented family in Sauk Rapids. Ryan, Matt, Justin and little sister Kaelyn were athletes at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. They all became hockey officials, which set up a special day for their family when Ryan, Matt and Kaelyn officiated together for the first time. Read more in John's Journal.

"We appreciate the personal sacrifices officials make and all the time they put in preparing to be at our games because we can't play without them."
Gary Revenig, Monticello Activities Director

How schools and teams can get involved during Officials Appreciation Week

  • Messages: Thank-you notes or videos and a PSA read at the start of the game.

  • Gift bags: Cookies, Gatorade or other items presented to the crew by both teams.

  • Signage: Officials’ appreciation week banners and signage surrounding the playing area or in the officials’ locker room.

Spread the word: The League encourages you to use the hashtag #ThankARef on social media to spotlight participating schools and officials.

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