KENTWOOD, Mich. -- The West Michigan Officials Association held their 5th Annual Greater Grand Rapids Football Officiating Clinic Wednesday night at East Kentwood High School, where officials from all over came to help prepare referees in West Michigan for their upcoming seasons.
"It's huge, because we want to get everybody on the same page as far as how we operate on the field," said TJ Restau, an OK Conference official and co-founder of the clinic. "We're getting some top notch officials here from the Big Ten and across the country that are gonna teach us the right mechanics, philosophies and fundamentals so when it happens on Friday nights we get the best product for the players, coaches, and fans."
And for the participating officials, it's all about giving back.
Dave Chesney, the supervisor of officials for the Arena Football League, added that the clinic is about providing refs with the tools to be successful. "As an experienced person, we can pass along some skills, and [...] help the official deal with uncomfortable situations."
