Officials share stories of good deeds shown to them during Minnesota high school sporting events

Warm greetings and hot concessions. Check-ins with water and bug spray. Good-natured conversations and a genuine “thank you.” 

Acknowledgments like these might seem simple, but they’re meaningful acts of kindness to the more than 6,200 registered Minnesota State High School League sports officials and contest judges. 

That’s especially true during Spring Officials Appreciation Week from April 7-12, 2025.

It's a great time to recognize their vital service, but officials around the state report acts of sportsmanship during their assignments throughout the year. Highlighted below are just a few stories of outstanding actions by MSHSL schools, coaches, competitors and fans that show their support for officials. 

Reports submitted by officials have been lightly edited for brevity and clarity. 

Sauk Rapids-Rice Track and Field 

Multiple students from Sauk Rapids-Rice went out of their way to thank me at the conclusion of a Track and Field meet in St. Louis Park. They were enthusiastic, professional and genuine. One athlete even commented “we can't have these meets without people like you.” Talk about heartwarming! — Jen Myers, St. Paul 

Crosby-Ironton Baseball 

Crosby-Ironton catcher Ky Gressman had great sportsmanship and positivity the whole game. He greeted every batter of the opposing team, saying “Hi” or “good luck.” He checked in with me (home plate umpire) several times if I needed water or bug spray (the mosquitos were horrible). If the opportunity presented itself, he would pick up the bat and hand it to a player. Besides this, he caught a great game and worked hard. — Chris Kane, Otsego 

Burnsville and Eagan Baseball 

From first pitch to the last out, both teams played without any negative comments or actions. Thank you to both coaching staffs for their leadership and guidance of their players. 

Thanks to the Burnsville concession stand workers for greeting and thanking us after the game, too!  They also provided us with a brat and bottled water. It was nice to feel appreciated by the players, coaches and fans of both schools as we walked to our vehicles after this ball game. — Bill Ryan, Lonsdale

New Prague Basketball 

Bob Hanson is one of the site supervisors at New Prague High School events. He makes the experience 10 out of 10. He is always friendly, accommodating and visual throughout the night. He is quick with an escort to the locker room and on this particular night assisted in reminding a fan of the decorum expected in the stands. He goes above and beyond to make sure officials can focus on the task of officiating. 

A trip to the concession stand after the games is an appreciated gesture from AD Brad Skogerboe and the New Prague schools. Officials are always sent on our way with plenty of refueling treats on the house. — Casey Haas, Waconia 

Anoka-Hennepin Adapted Floor Hockey 

I fainted while officiating the Centennial-Spring Lake Park versus Anoka-Hennepin game and needed to be transported to the hospital. The game was restarted at a later date and played to its completion.  

After the game, Amber from Anoka-Hennepin (Coon Rapids) asked if I was feeling better and presented me with a picture she drew. I wanted to recognize her for her great sportsmanship. It made me feel appreciated as a game official. She should be commended for taking the initiative to do something special. — Aaron Frederickson, Lino Lakes 

Swanville Basketball 

Aaron Gapinski was an excellent host for us all night. He greeted us at the door and brought us to the locker room. He had waters for us during every break. During the varsity game, he came and got us at the appropriate times so we could be back on the court when we needed to, which is always a great help.  

At the end of the night, he even had pizza for us in the locker room. It was a pleasure working there. — Alex Buysse, St. Cloud 

Proctor Boys Hockey 

A Proctor player received a game misconduct penalty and was removed from the game with approximately 1:37 left. I spoke with the JV Coach, Andy Morin, about the incident and informed him his player would be getting a game misconduct. Morin was professional, courteous and understanding. At no point did he display any animosity or rudeness for the call. After the game, he continued this same behavior and shook our hands. 

Coaches like him make being a referee an enjoyable profession. Games like this do not go unnoticed by us referees. — Christopher Rogers, Inver Grove Heights

SMB (Blake, Minnehaha Academy, St. Paul Academy, Hope Academy) Football 

From the time we parked in our personalized parking spot to the end of the game when the SMB fans — whose team happened to lose — shook our hands to show us their appreciation, it was nothing but class.  

A special nod to both head coaches, SMB’s Hugh Brown and Benilde-St. Margaret’s Brad Anderson. Both greeted us with a “happy to be here” attitude that continued throughout the game. Both coaches developed leaders on the field a parent would be proud of. We had a few players get more competitive than we would like and both teams’ captains told us not to worry, they would take care of the issue. — Pat Spielman, Prior Lake 

Duluth East and Grand Rapids Volleyball 

Amazing parents on both teams! They cheered loud and proud without a negative word that I heard while line judging. There were a handful of dads from Duluth East that shouted encouraging words and praise to the team — even when the call was not in their favor! It was so impressive to see fans that didn't yell negative things when they didn't agree with calls. — Dara Michels, Grand Rapids

Minneapolis Camden Football 

While many schools around the states have adults who greet officials warmly and exhibit great sportsmanship throughout the contest, what distinguishes the Camden football team from others is the players. Rarely have so many young people had the maturity and confidence to chat informally with us officials, to extend a handshake and make an introduction, and to express their gratitude for us being there. I must have shaken 20 players’ hands during the course of the game and had dozens of short chats between downs. After plays, players picked one another up off the pile, and the cross-team chat was good-natured and positive. This was an exceptional officiating experience.  — Tyler Livingston, North St. Paul