Referee Magazine

For 50 years, Referee Magazine has shaped and been shaped by our readers. Big Ten Conference football official Kris Loving expected Referee Magazine to make him a better official. He didn't expect it to connect him to a ministry community he now calls family. Watch the Full Video here: youtube.com/watch?v=RRrdBN…

Referee Magazine was honored to be awarded the 2026 Mel Narol Medallion at the @NASOofficiating Sports Officiating Summit this past weekend in Michigan. We were even more honored that our 50th year of publishing the best sports officiating magazine on the planet was spotlighted so much. Thanks to everyone we saw in Grand Rapids!

The August 2026 issue is out now, and we're celebrating our 50th birthday with the BIGGEST ISSUE OF REFEREE MAGAZINE IN HISTORY! Don't miss these great features: 🏆The 50 Greatest Officiating Tips 👍The Greatest Calls Officials Have Made Since 1976! 🤩50 Extraordinary Individuals Who Made a Difference in Officiating 💼The 13 Landmark Legal Cases That Shaped the Officiating Landscape 🎉Win a T-shirt in the "Where's the Whistle" contest! 📰The Most Impactful News Stories in Officiating Over the Past 50 Years! 📔Our Favorite Referee Magazine Covers since 1976! 😉Much MORE!

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…

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…

For 50 years, Referee Magazine has shaped and been shaped by our readers. Jason Nickleby got his first subscription 26 years ago as a college freshman, on the advice of a 30-year official who took him under his wing. Today he's a Big Ten Conference crew chief and the head of officiating for the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) See the the full video here: youtube.com/watch?v=fIxLa-…

Since 1976, Referee Magazine has profiled hundreds of officials across every sport and level. During our 50th Anniversary year, we’ll be sharing some of these stories each week. The late Jon Bible had a uniquely remarkable officiating career, shaped by triumph, disappointment, and a lifelong quest to earn the respect of those who mattered most. Originally published in the June 2005 edition of Referee Magazine. referee.com/jon-bible-offi…

Congratulations to the umpiring crew selected for tonight's MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia! Wishing you all the best as you take the field for one of baseball's biggest nights. We know you'll do an outstanding job!

Poll: Baseball umpires, when working the plate, do you take fair/foul calls to the bag or the cutout?

Poll: Softball umpires, are you permitted to work alone at your primary level?

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…

For 50 years, Referee Magazine has shaped and been shaped by our readers. Marcia Alterman, longtime NCAA rules interpreter, college coordinator, and PAVO leader, explains why officials have always trusted Referee Magazine to get it right. See the the full video here: youtube.com/watch?v=3FCMhz…

Don't forget to enter the July issue "Where's the Whistle" contest, running now! Enter for your chance to win a free throwback Referee T-shirt! referee.com/whistle

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…

Since 1976, Referee Magazine has profiled hundreds of officials across every sport and level. During our 50th Anniversary year, we’ll be sharing some of these stories each week. As he prepared to retire from from the NFL, Jerry Markbreit reflected on officiating, leadership, fame, mentorship and the life he built around football. Originally published in the December 1998 edition of Referee Magazine. referee.com/jerry-markbrei…

The July 2026 issue is out now! Don't miss these great features: 🏆Gold Whistle Award winner Rich Fetchiet! 👍A full breakdown of the officiating craft in the timeless "Art of Being an Official" 🏈Keys to visualizing and ruling on pass play action ⚽️The latest high school rules changes from the NFHS 🎉Win a T-shirt in the "Where's the Whistle" contest! 💼Steve Shaw set to retire 👨🏿‍💼How to teach the next generation of sports officials 😉Much MORE!

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…

Poll: So far this season, do you generally like the MLB ABS challenge system?

Happy Fourth to all the dedicated sports officials who help keep the game fair, safe, and enjoyable! Whether you're spending today with family and friends or preparing for your next assignment, thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and service to your craft and your sport communities. Wishing you a safe, relaxing, and memorable Independence Day. Happy Fourth of July!

Poll: Soccer officials, have you ever used spray foam in any of your matches?