As part of our 50th year celebrations, over the next several weeks, we're presenting 50 Reasons to Love Officiating (in no particular order). Download the entire list of 50 Reasons in poster form for free right here: referee.com/download/43328/?…

50 Voices for 50 Years – Ralph Swearingin was a nuts and bolts guy. Advocacy for officials meant nothing to him. Then Barry Mano asked him to lunch in Atlanta and explained what he was trying to build. Watch the Whole Video here: piped.video/watch?v=pZgjIwUi…

American League umpire John Hirschbeck and his family faced an unimaginable crisis after their sons were diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). This deeply personal story follows their fight, their family and the loss of young John. Originally published in the July 1993 edition of Referee Magazine. Read full story here: referee.com/john-hirschbeck-…

The September 2026 issue is out now! Don't miss these great features: 👏NFL Referee Brad Allen's journey as the white hat! 💪The 30-year fight for sports officials assault legislation in Washington 💻The new technology that's helping officials train for a faster game 🏈Do you know the non-verbal crew signals that make your football officiating better? 🎉Win a T-shirt in the "Where's the Whistle" contest! 🏐How to avoid end-of-set meltdowns 🤔A global verdict on independent contrcators? 😉Much MORE!

We remember. Twenty-five years ago this morning, the staff at Referee and NASO had just begun the workday in Wisconsin when word started coming in that something horrific had happened in New York. Soon, the reality of the tragedy became clear. We were glued to our radios and to what little news was coming through the internet in those days. One staffer set up a television in an office, using old-fashioned rabbit ears to tune in as the news unfolded. We tried to work and go about our business, but our attention was fixed on the reports. Everyone was quiet. Today, on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy that changed our world, we pause to remember, reflect and honor those whose lives were lost and forever changed.

50 Voices for 50 Years – The NCAA's Ben Brownlee talks about what college officials can still learn from officials working every other level of the game, and how Referee is the vehicle for that knowledge. Watch the Whole Video Here: piped.video/watch?v=hlyoNyu6…

In 1995, millions watched a high school football referee get punched on national television. The Ken Smotrys incident became an early warning of a problem that continues to confront sports today. Read the story here: referee.com/violence-against…

As the NFL season kicks off tonight, we extend our best wishes to NASO Chair Ron Torbert and all NFL officials for a successful season. Thank you for your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the game. Here's to a great year on the field. #NFLKickoff #FootballOfficials

Poll: Baseball umpires, what crew size do you most commonly work at your primary level?

As we all celebrate the American worker today, we'd like to give a special salute to America's sports officials. Your work matters — on the field, court, pitch & ice, and throughout our sports communities. Wishing all of you a well-deserved Labor Day!

As part of our 50th year celebrations, over the next several weeks, we're presenting 50 Reasons to Love Officiating (in no particular order). Download the entire list of 50 Reasons in poster form for free right here: referee.com/download/43328/?…

One of the NBA’s greatest referees walked away while still at the top. Jake O’Donnell revealed how he got there, what made him different, and the deeply personal reason he left. Originally published in the May 1996 edition of Referee Magazine. referee.com/jake-odonnell-nb…

50 Voices for 50 Years – Suzanne Lowry wasn't an official yet. She was just flipping through someone else's magazine on the coffee table. Twenty years later, her own Referee feature is framed on the wall. Watch the Whole Video. piped.video/watch?v=WlZpQlAE…

A 1987 poolside conversation in San Francisco led veteran umpire and instructor Corky Carter into years of writing baseball articles for Referee, then 15 more on slow pitch softball. Watch the Whole Video here: piped.video/watch?v=SuSz66Ch…

For more than two years, Bob Delaney lived under an assumed identity while infiltrating organized crime. Years later, he brought lessons from law enforcement, negotiation and survival to the NBA court. Originally published in the February 2001 edition of Referee Magazine. referee.com/bob-delaney-unde…

Poll: What is your primary form of communication with your officiating partner or crewmates when you are not physically together?

50 Voices for 50 Years – Referee Magazine showed up at the McCauley house like the newspaper. Wes McCauley's father was an NHL official who became Director of Officials before passing away at 44. Twenty-five years into his own NHL career, Wes still calls Referee the gold standard. Watch the Full Video here: piped.video/watch?v=S7qb5c_R…

50 Voices for 50 Years – Referee Magazine showed up at the McCauley house like the newspaper. Wes McCauley's father was an NHL official who became Director of Officials before passing away at 44. Twenty-five years into his own NHL career, Wes still calls Referee the gold standard. Watch the Full Video here: piped.video/watch?v=S7qb5c_R…

Pam Postema spent 13 years climbing professional baseball’s umpiring ranks and came tantalizingly close to the majors. Her story reveals the opportunities, conflicts and controversy behind a groundbreaking career. Originally published in the October 1992 edition of Referee Magazine. Read the full story here: referee.com/pam-postema-majo…