Official News
We are looking for additional SDCFOA member photos and stories from the past and present. If you have any photos or stories that you would like to have posted please send them to sdfbrefs@outlook.com
Include the names of the officials.
Photo: Pop Warner photo at University City
Mike Sexton, Don Carey and Mike Carey
Steve Coover's 2024 Weekly Bulls
Message from CIF Commissioner
Dear SDCFOA,
I trust this message finds you well, and that your association is enjoying an outstanding fall 2024 season in the San Diego Section! Earlier this summer we were notified of the intent from both the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) & State of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) to choose one week in each season of sport to honor the men and women who make everything we do across our section possible, our officials! For the fall 2024 season, the week of October 6th - 10th has been selected as “Officials Appreciation Week”!
When I first heard of the proposed recognition, I couldn’t believe that we didn’t already have something like this in place! How we have not taken the time on an annual basis to thank and honor the individuals who take on an often-thankless position of being the arbiter of our athletic contests is beyond me. So, from an extremely grateful San Diego Section office, I would like to express my gratitude for the leadership you provide your association on a daily basis. Being a leader is never easy, and it often puts us in the difficult position where tough decisions need to be made to move a group forward and get back in alignment with the mission of our work. As Simon Sinek once said, “The true value of a leader is not measured in the work they do, but by the work they inspire others to do.” Thank you for your leadership!
To all the officials in your association, we would like to say thank you for taking the time out of your daily schedule to officiate our contests. For the tireless work they put in both in and outside of our arenas and stadiums to continually improve, we say thank you! The professionalism and care that you show our student athletes and coaches should be commended, and please know how grateful we are that you have chosen to officiate in the San Diego Section.
We are truly lucky to have such an outstanding group of officials working with our student athletes and coaches in the San Diego Section.
Thank you for all you do, and I hope you and the members of your association have a wonderful Official’s Appreciation Week. You definitely deserve it!
Mr. Joe Heinz and Mr. Todd Cassen
Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner
San Diego Section San Diego Section
San Diego Section San Diego Section
Mike Carey Guest Speaker
The 2nd year class would like to thank Mike Carey, former NFL Referee, who was our Guest Speaker and participated in Class Discussions and Instruction last night!
Garth DeFelice Guest Speaker
The 2nd year class would like to thank Garth DeFelice, NFL Officiating Coordinator Coach, who was our Guest Speaker and participated in Class Discussions and Instruction last night!
So, You Want to Officiate
SDCFOA is remembering two Officials that have Passed Away
Ed Olsen
I am sad to report that long-time SDCFOA Crew Chief, Mentor, El Cap and Grossmont College Baseball Coach Eddie Olsen passed away. He was 89. Ed was an official between 1968 to 1986. He worked at the college level between 1977 to 1983. Longtime crew till 1986. He worked in several finals notably in 1983 Division 2A and as a Referee in 1986 in a Division 1A game.
I'm sorry the younger members didn't get to know him. The year I was on his crew was one of the most intense years I've had but I learned a lot and he made me a Crew Chief. Tom Ables
Robert Smith
I am very sad to report that long time SDCFOA member, Bob Smith, passed away. Bob was a member between 1981 to 2020. Worked college from 1987 to 1992. Bob was long time Secretary-Treasurer.
He was, I believe, the nicest man I've ever known. I drafted him 5 times and worked many college games with him. I'll always remember, after every game the crew had at one of the Escondido schools, driving up Starvation Mountain for the post-game dinner his wife, Alice, made. She notified me this morning and mentioned how much he loved the SDCFOA. Tom Ables
Creating Playlist Cutups
By Steve Coover
Line of Scrimmage and Umpire Clinic
By Ed Blick and Steve Coover
Announcement Guidelines and Proper Use of Stadium Microphones
By Rob Schaerer and Ted Schiess
Tom Ables on Prep Pigskin Report
Draft Day 2024
Steve Coover Instructional Chair
Don Carey 2nd Year Instructor and Former NFL Back Judge
June 1st was draft day. 27 crew chiefs were in attendance to pick their crews for the upcoming 2024 season. It is the best and most interesting day of the year. Good Luck to all Crews.
NCAA Meeting
Last night was the first college meeting for the 2024 season. It is great to see the officials coming back and preparing for the upcoming season. The San Diego Unit welcomes special guest Jack Wood, former PAC-10 Referee and former PAC-12 Replay Official. Jack for the last several years has come down to go over the new rules for the 2024 season.
2024 New Crew Chiefs
Leonard Blevins
Corey Butts
Glenn Inigo
Eric Stoffers
Levi Sumner
SDCFOA would like to congratulate the three new Crew Chiefs for the 2024 season.
Good Morning San Diego by Katie Ott
Katie talking about her first-year experience as a SDCFOA member.
Congratulations to the following Officials that worked the 2023-2024 Post Season!
NFL Post Season Assignments
Congratulations to SDCFOA members for working the NFL Post Season.
Tim Podraza
Super Bowl LVIII Kansas City vs. San Francisco – Alternate
Kansas City vs. Buffalo – Line Judge
Clay Reynard Jr
Green Bay vs San Francisco – Alternate
Danny Short
Miami vs. Kansas City – Alternate
Green Bay vs San Francisco- Down Judge
College Bowls
Fenway Bowl 12/28
Marlow Fitzgerald - U
68 Ventures Bowl 12/23
Steve Hoslett - LJ
Gator Bowl 12/29
Jason Gant - CJ
Chris Wiggins - Alternate
Pinstripe Bowl 12/28
Justin Elliott - R
Jon Stabile - LJ
ReliaQuest Bowl 1/1
Scott Countryman – Communicator
Idaho Potato Bowl 12/23
David Middleton – Alternate
Myrtle Beach Bowl 12/16
Jace Carlson - CJ
NCAA DII Playoffs
Congratulations to Jacob Wittler who traveled to South Dakota for a NCAA DII playoff game between Augustana and Minnesota State.
Mark Halby was also assigned but had to step back due to the arrival of their new baby! Congratulations for both the game and the growing family!
Junior College Playoffs
John Gill, Kyle Takeo and Blair Havens – SoCal JC Championship Game
Greg Covington – JC Semifinal
Bowl Game Assignments
Cale Dester, Andre Coleman and Blair Havens
CIF State Semi-Final
David Sibbet, Sammy Totah, Charlton Lynch, Greg Covington, Ben Boccoli, Eric Stoffers and Ryan Robinson
CIF State and Semi-Final Championship Games
Ted Schiess, Andre Coleman, Terry Bernard, Glen Inigo, Brian Mills, Shawn Franklin, Rob Schaerer, David Collins, Corey Butts, Jacob Wittler and Andy Wilson
High School Finals
| Division | Open | I | II | III |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Referee | Ted Schiess | Jacob Wittler | Dave Garza | David Sibbet |
| Umpire | Andre Coleman | Andy Wilson | Sammy Totah | Franklin Simmons |
| Head Linesman | Greg Covington | Glenn Inigo | Charlton Lynch | Nick Motta |
| Line Judge | Terry Bernard | David Collins | Spencer Hoffelder | David Hardage |
| Field Judge | Ben Boccoli | Ryan Lanz | Anthony Finney | Nathan Wolf |
| Side Judge | Brian Mills | Eric Stoffers | Matt Starr | Leonard Blevins |
| Back Judge | Rob Schaerer | Corey Butts | Ryan Robinson | Phillip Rogers |
| Alternate | Rick Christensen | Art Warren | Robin House | Mike Andrews |
| Division | IV | V | 5AA | VI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Referee | Scott Carroll | Darrin Bronk | Imperial County | Nathan Thernes |
| Umpire | Tom Flint | Jim Wrightson | Imperial County | Joe Barr |
| Head Linesman | Ken Bostwick | Imperial County | Tommy Patrick | Kirby Wallace |
| Line Judge | Domicus Perdue | Imperial County | David Duffield | Joe St. Onge |
| Field Judge | David Rios | Imperial County | Kevin Fuller | N/A |
| Side Judge | John Gill | Imperial County | Mike Andrews | N/A |
| Back Judge | John Downing | Lavil Franklin | Imperial County | Kyle Takao |
| Alternate | Gerry Burgos | Ed Blick | Mitch Villalpando | Michael Allen |
National Football Foundation
Steve Hoslett will be honored by the National Football Foundation at a dinner and social at the Doubletree Hilton in Mission Valley. Ticket information will be sent out asap. Steve has been such a great asset to our high school and college officials we will want to attend in support of Steve and this well-deserved honor!
High School Sports Association
Tom Ables was awarded "All-Star Recognition" on Monday night by the High School Sports Association. That distinguished group's mission is to celebrate high school athletics and the presenter, Damon Baldwin head coach of Ramona High School, was quick to point out the importance of the roll that officials play in the sport of football. Tom joins a very distinguished group of coaches, administrators and officials who have distinguished themselves as All-Stars! Congratulations Tom!
SDCFOA Remembers John McDade
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the sad news of the passing of our own John McDade. He was a great crew member and a wonderful umpire. John was the coordinator for volunteers for the Holiday Bowl and got many of us involved in the production. John was an on-field official for 22 years. He worked finals in 2011 and 2018. John was the liaison for the football officials who worked the San Diego State games. An instant replay technician for SDSU women basketball and for 15 years sideline replay assistant for SDSU football. He passed away this morning in peace with his family by his side. We will all remember and miss his deep friendship and love for the game of football. He lived a full and successful life, and we are all better off for having him as a good friend! God Bless John! - Steve Coover
Tim Podraza
Tim worked his 250 NFL game when he worked the Colts/Bengals game Sunday. A milestone for one of SDCFOA finest. Congrats Tim!
Congratulations to the Winners of the 2023 CIF Sportsmanship Award
Fallbrook
Kearny
Santana
Santa Fe Christian
Montgomery
Referee Magazine
Congratulations to two of our own making it in the Referee Magazine. Matt Starr, our President in December 2023 and Parker Anderson in August 2023.
2023 SDCFOA Banquet
2023 SDCFOA Award Winners
George A. Schutte Award
Frank Alfano Over Time Award
Rookie of the Year
Ed Zapolski
Mike Downing
Katie Ott
SDCFOA Anniversaries
50 Years
Tom Ables
Nate Weiss
40 Years
30 Years
Bob D'Angelo
Mike Weseloh
Mike Andrews
David Sibbet
20 Years
Mike Becker
Terry Bernard
Ted Schiess
Scott Trimble
Banquet Photos
SDCFOA has Added Videos for the 2023 season
Steve Coover, the Instructional Chair for SDCFOA has put together an Instructional and Calibration Videos
Review Instructional Videos
Review Calibration Videos
2023 Working the Back Judge by Mark Halby with Don Carey, Former NFL Back Judge
Review Video
2023 Line of Scrimmage Clinic presented by Steve Hoslett (Mountain West Conference) and Jon Stabile (PAC-12)
Review Clinic Video
2023 Referee/Umpire Clinic presented by Garth DeFelice NFL Position Coaches, Former NFL Umpire and Michael Mothershed, PAC-12 Referee Position Coach, Former PAC-12 Referee
Review Clinic Video
Additional Videos are available to view
The 20th annual SDCFOA Golf Tournament Information
“The 20th annual SDCFOA Golf Tournament benefitting the SD Youth Football Fund will take place on November 1 at the beautiful Admiral Baker Golf Course. Tee time is 11:30am and the event is open to all football officials/guests and all skill levels. Entry fee is $150 for all of the benefits or $125 for just golf. Space is limited, so please go to www.sdyouthfootballfund.org and click on “Fundraisers” ASAP to sign up. Singles are welcome…we’ll make sure you get paired-up. We can also use donations for the 19th hole raffle. Please contact Mike Downing, Mike Gunzelman, or Ed Blick if you have questions.”
Rules Analyst - Joe Greene
Joe Greene appears on the KUSI Prep Pigskin Report as a Rules Analyst to discuss a play at a recent High School football game.
2023 Honor Bowl
“It’s more than just a football game!”
Photos courtesy of Josh DaFoe
Welcome to The Honor Bowl, America’s finest High School Football Showcase with teams that have traveled from 14 states. The Honor Bowl continues to attract some of the best High School Football Programs in the U.S. We bring an educational experience for athletes, coaches, the fans, and their communities about who the true heroes are the men and women who volunteer to protect our freedoms and way of life!
High school football programs play in an event that is ‘more than just a football game!’ Cathedral Catholic High School of San Diego will be the host of the SoCal Honor Bowl. The list of teams will be compelling with programs that understand hard work equals success.
Game 1: Oak Ridge (El Dorado, CA) vs. Madison (San Diego, CA)
Game 2: Brophy College Prep (Phoenix, AZ) vs. Cathedral Catholic (Del Mar, CA)
Game 3: Trinity Valley (Ft. Worth, TX) vs. University City (San Diego, CA)
Game 4: Red Mountain (Mesa, AZ vs. Helix (La Mesa, CA)
Game 5: Punahou (Honolulu, HI) vs. Centennial (Corona, CA)
To learn more about this program go the website Honor Bowl.org
Referee Magazine September Cover
Congratulations to Mike Andrews for being the 4th SDCFOA member to be on the cover of Referee magazine for September 2023.
Welcome to the 2023 Football Season
The SDCFOA kickoff the 2023 season with the first general meeting of the season. Welcome back to all certified officials. SDCFOA would like to welcome the first year and transfer officials. Matt Starr, the President of the Association started the evening with his opening remarks.
SDCFOA would like to welcome our newly certified officials.
Additional speakers included Mike Downing from the SDFYF, Steve Coover, Instructional Chair and the keynote speaker was Andy Castagnola.
Happy Fourth of July
The SDCFOA is wishing everyone a safe Holiday!
The members will be preparing for the 2023 season starting July 5th with their first general meeting. It will be great to see everyone again.
Looking for New Officials
We are looking for new officials. We will be working girls flag football this season. Sign up today!
Joe Greene is interviewed by Paul Rudy at KUSI.
https://www.kusi.com/san-diego-county-football-officials-association-seeking-referees-for-fall-2023-season/
Referee Magazine July 2023
Congratulations to two of our own making it in the July 2023 Edition of Referee Magazine. Matt Starr, our President and Glenn Inigo.
San Diego State Passing Tournament
SDSU held their annual passing tournament June 9th, 10th, 17th and 18th. It was an opportunity for officials to take out their uniforms and prepare for the 2023 season.
Marlow Fitzgerald National Football Foundation Official of the Year!
Congratulations to our own Marlow Fitzgerald for being selected by the National Football Foundation as the Official of the Year. The dinner and awards will be on April 14th at the Doubletree Hotel in Hazard Center. I will send out ticket information as soon as it is available. Congratulations, Marlow!
Attached is the flyer announcing the NFF Annual Awards Banquet where our own Marlow Fitzgerald will be recognized as the Official of the Year. It is always a great event which includes a no-host social, dinner and the awards presentations. Please join us as we recognize and honor Marlow for all of his achievements and for what he has meant to the SDCFOA! The link below will lead you to on-line ticket sales using the Eventbrite site. I found the process to be fairly easy to use. Call me or Jennifer Bower (see flyer) if you have any difficulty
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-annual-national-football-foundation-scholar-leader-athlete-banquet-tickets-513410393307?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
Congratulations to Steve Coover
Last night Steve Coover received the Bob Breitbard Meritorious Achievement Award at the San Diego Hall of Fame High School Coaching Legends 22nd Annual Induction Dinner.
San Diego County Football Officials Assoc/School Administrator
Steve began his officiating career in 1976 following in the footsteps of his father Chuck Coover who played, coached and officiated football in San Diego County. During Steve’s 32 years as an official, he was assigned to some of the top games including over 20 CIF semifinals and 6 CIF Championships and 1 State Championship. He continues to serve as the Instructional Chair for the San Diego County Football Officials Association and is currently the CIF Rules Interpreter for the state. Steve is a paid observer for several West Coast Football Conferences and the NFL. He is a retired administrator who served as a Principal in both the La Mesa-Spring Valley and Grossmont Union School Districts.
Steve Coover Acceptance Speech
Junior Garcia starts his 50th season with SDCFOA
Channel 10 News interview
Read News Article
As officials, we know that what we do isn’t easy. It takes a lot of snaps to become proficient at what we do. Even with experience, there is always room for improvement. Always a cause to get better. We have fun and look back proudly at what we have learned and experienced over the years. But sometimes it’s tough. You have a bad game. A coach gives you hard time. Or sometimes the old body just doesn’t feel up to the job on a particular day. It’s fun and it can be rewarding but imagine doing this for 50 years.
This year our own Junior Garcia will complete his 50th year as an official in our Association. 50 years of snaps, flags, whistles, and calls. 50 years of learning, growing, improving, and setbacks. 50 years of leadership, mentorship, friendship, and comradery. This is truly an amazing accomplishment. Junior has dedicated himself to our Association, the youth in our community, and the game of football. He has done it faithfully, competently, and happily for all these years.
When you do positive things for your community, people take notice. Local media has taken notice and came out to see Junior in action on opening night. Please watch Junior in this Positively San Diego segment recently aired on 10 News. On behalf of the entire Association, Thank you Junior! Congratulations on reaching the 50-year milestone. Now, for the good of the Association, get back on the field!
Terry Bernard President SDCFOA
Recruitment Interview
San Diego County Sports Officials Hall of Fame Annual Induction
Here is a story regarding Sal Gambino from the Rancho Santa Fe Review
Sal Gambino and John Ferguson (Instructional Chair and amazing referee) are both being inducted into the San Diego County Sports Officials Hall of Fame on Tuesday September 13th at 5:00pm at the Scottish Rite in Mission Valley. Ticket information can be found at: http://www.sandiegosportsofficialshof.com/
Trying to cope with officials shortage
Credit to both John Maffei and the San Diego Union Tribune for this article.
https://enewspaper.sandiegouniontribune.com/infinity/article_share.aspx?guid=ecd4a7ff-8ae9-4b56-a60b-d713345a6c9e
2022 Football Season Kicked Off
Last Wednesday we had our general meeting. President Terry Bernard and Instructional Chair Steve Coover welcomed everyone back. Former NFL Back Judge Don Carey gave the members a presentation to get the season started.
SDCFOA would like to welcome 32 first year officials. It is not too late to join. We are accepting new officials. Go to our Home Page to register.
All training and instruction provided.
Shortage of youth football officials could push high school games to Thursdays and Saturdays
Read Article
Recruitment Video on KUSI featuring Joe Greene
Paul Rudy interview with Joe Greene
San Diego County Football Officials Association seeks new referees for Fall 2022 season - (kusi.com)
SDCFOA in the News
The SDCFOA and its officials have been highlighted many times in the local news, including articles on the association’s efforts to recruit new members, podcast interviews with the instructional chair, and feature stories highlighting notable SDCFOA officials and their accomplishments on and off the field.
July 13, 2021: “Football Officials Association Seeing Shortage in Referees” – KUSI
July 12, 2021: “Referees Sought for San Diego County Fall Youth Football Season” – Patch
July 12, 2021: “Referees Sought for San Diego County Fall Youth Football Season” – Times of San Diego
July 12, 2021: “Referees Sought for San Diego County Fall Youth Football Season” – NBC 7/39
July 12, 2021: “Referees Sought for San Diego County Fall Youth Football Season” – Coast News Group (also appeared in referee.com)
June 29, 2021: “The SDCFOA Meeting Our Officiating Diversity Deficit Head On” – Voice & Viewpoint
Aug. 4, 2020: “High School Football Seeking Officials to Combat Shortage” – San Diego Union-Tribune
Dec. 11, 2019: “Safety is Priority #1 for San Diego County Football Officials” – U-T Prep Podcast, San Diego Union-Tribune
July 24, 2019: “U-T Prep Report Online: Interview with Steve Coover” – U-T Prep Podcast, San Diego Union-Tribune
Oct. 17, 2018: “Official, 80, Has No Plan to Take a Seat on the Sideline” – San Diego Union-Tribune
July 13, 2017: “Hall of Famer Earned His Stripes as Football Referee” – San Diego Union-Tribune
June 28, 2017: “Military Seen as Hotbed for Recruiting Sports Referees” – San Diego Union-Tribune
June 28, 2016: “Ex-Charger Gets Football Fix as Official” – San Diego Union-Tribune
June 24, 2016: “Football Officials Looking to Increase Ranks” – San Diego Union-Tribune
Sept. 3, 2015: “Former Ref Mike Carey Now Explains the Calls” – Associated Press
June 27, 2015: “Officials Find a Way to Stay in the Game” – San Diego Union-Tribune
May 6, 2014: “County Looking for Football Officials” – San Diego Union-Tribune
Feb. 24, 2013: “NFL Referee Mike Carey a Success On and Off Field” – San Diego Union-Tribune
Sept. 16, 2011: “NFL Official Knows He’s Only as Good as His Last Call” – San Diego Union-Tribune
Training Videos by Garth DeFelice
Garth DeFelice has provided training video for Back Judges and Running Play Coverages.
Garth is a former NFL Umpire and currently a NFL Supervisor.
SDCFOA would like to thank Garth for his continued support.
Back Judge 2nd Level Fouls
Running Play Coverage
Referee Magazine Article by Bob D'Angelo
September 2021
Referee Magazine Covers
Garth DeFelice August 2002
Tim Podraza September 2004
Mike Carey November 2006
Butt-Fumble Play
Featuring Mike Carey
11/24/2012
You Tube videos of this play has over 4 million views.
Stories:
ESPN 5 Year Anniversary Mike Carey shares his thoughts.
Sports Illustrated
History Notes:
Wikipedia
Fathers, Sons and Brothers
12/1/2016
Father, Son and Brother family members serving in the San Diego County Football Official’s Association gathered together to enjoy a photo opportunity at the conclusion of this year’s annual SDCFOA Banquet. Recruitment and retention of quality football officials has been a source of strength and long held tradition of our association for many years. Many of these family members have served on Varsity crews together and in several cases, Fathers were instrumental in training their Sons to become successful crew chiefs, following in their Dad’s footsteps.
Left to right (Fathers standing, Sons kneeling)
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John Gill and John Gill III
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Rick and Jimmy Christensen
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Don and Kevin Clay
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Richard and Ian Sage
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Bob and Mike Duggan
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Edward and Sergio Delos Reyes
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David and Alec Rios
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John and David McDade
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Dave and Jim Sibbet (in front)