Whistle Talk

Mike D the Referee

Inside the Mind of a Football Official An inside look at the world of Football Officials. Interviews and content related to officiating the greatest team sport around. Mike D the Referee will bring you information ranging from Penalties, current game content, to how you can become an official yourself. From youth, high school, college to the NFL, Mike D will help give you the insight of what goes on Inside the Mind of a Football Official. And be sure to follow me on TikTok @mike.d.the.referee On Instagram @mikedthereferee and Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MikeDtheReferee and X @MikeDtheRefe Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mikedthereferee/support read less
SportsSports

Episodes

The Keys to Being an Elite Field Judge: Insights from the SEC's Raymond Tate III
2d ago
The Keys to Being an Elite Field Judge: Insights from the SEC's Raymond Tate III
https://whistletalk.net/home-page Raymond Tate III, an accomplished football official, joined us to discuss his role as a Field Judge in the Southeastern Conference. With extensive experience officiating at various levels, including the XFL Championship and Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Raymond provided valuable insights into the responsibilities and challenges of being a deep wing official. He explained the importance of proper positioning and angles for making accurate calls as a Field Judge. Raymond also highlighted the pre-game preparations, such as crew meetings, field inspections, and reviewing team tendencies. He detailed his pre-snap duties, including counting defensive players, monitoring formations, and communicating with other officials. Raymond shed light on the different keys he focuses on during run and pass plays, as well as his crucial role in the kick game. He candidly discussed the physical and mental demands of being a Field Judge, requiring split-second decisions under immense pressure. Maintaining professionalism and effective communication with players and coaches was another topic Raymond addressed, sharing his experiences in handling disputes and maintaining control of the game. He also provided an in-depth explanation of what officials look for when calling pass interference, emphasizing the importance of consistency and the impact of these calls. Overall, this episode offered a comprehensive look into the life of a Field Judge, thanks to Raymond's expertise and willingness to share his knowledge with our listeners. I always appreciate your feedback and input. Please be sure to follow and review with 5 stars. And click here if you would like to buy me a beer ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MikeDtheReferee⁠ Become an Official in NJ State ⁠https://www.njsiaa.org/officials⁠ Shore ⁠https://njfoashore.com/join-us/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/njfoashore/⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/njfoa⁠ TikTok ⁠tiktok.com/@mike.d.the.refere?_t=8kq8vW0OjSk&_r=1⁠ Instagram ⁠instagram.com/mikedthereferee⁠ X ⁠twitter.com/MikeDtheReferee⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mikedthereferee/support
Mastering the Gridiron: Coach John Hart on Championships, Officiating, and Memorable Moments
May 29 2024
Mastering the Gridiron: Coach John Hart on Championships, Officiating, and Memorable Moments
In this episode of Whistle Talk, we sit down with the legendary Coach John Hart, whose 39-year coaching career boasts over 300 victories. Coach Hart shares highlights from his extensive career, including his transformative work at Brownsburg and other high school programs. He delves into his interactions with officials, emphasizing the importance of respectful engagement and effective communication. Coach Hart also discusses the differences in officiating between Indiana and Illinois, offering unique insights from his experiences in both states. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how Coach Hart manages the sidelines, maintains discipline, and prepares his team for high-pressure situations. He reflects on both positive and challenging experiences with officials, sharing anecdotes and lessons learned. The episode also covers rule changes in high school football, highlighting those Coach Hart supports and those he finds problematic. Finally, Coach Hart reminisces about some of his most memorable moments in sports, including championship victories and game-changing plays. This episode provides a comprehensive look into the mind of a seasoned coach and offers a wealth of knowledge for aspiring coaches and football enthusiasts alike. I always appreciate your feedback and input. Please be sure to follow and review with 5 stars. And click here if you would like to buy me a beer ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MikeDtheReferee⁠ Become an Official in NJ State ⁠https://www.njsiaa.org/officials⁠ Shore ⁠https://njfoashore.com/join-us/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/njfoashore/⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/njfoa⁠ TikTok ⁠tiktok.com/@mike.d.the.refere?_t=8kq8vW0OjSk&_r=1⁠ Instagram ⁠instagram.com/mikedthereferee⁠ X ⁠twitter.com/MikeDtheReferee⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mikedthereferee/support
Passing the Torch: Zach Hilbers Takes Over West Bloomfield Dynasty
May 22 2024
Passing the Torch: Zach Hilbers Takes Over West Bloomfield Dynasty
Welcome to another riveting episode of Whistle Talk! In this installment, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Coach Zach Hilbers, head coach of the West Bloomfield Lakers Football team, for an illuminating discussion on the intersection of coaching and officiating in high school football. Coach Hilbers brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, having served as an integral part of the West Bloomfield community for over 17 years. As an alumnus of West Bloomfield High School and a former multi-sport athlete, Coach Hilbers' journey from student-athlete to head coach provides a unique perspective on the evolution of the game. Throughout the episode, we explored various topics, including the state of officiating in the Detroit, Michigan area, recent rules changes that have impacted gameplay, and Coach Hilbers' vision for the future of high school football. From discussing the challenges faced by officials to highlighting the importance of positive interactions between coaches, players, and referees, our conversation shed light on the intricacies of managing a successful football program. We also delved into memorable moments from Coach Hilbers' coaching career, from exhilarating victories to heartbreaking defeats, and examined the role of officiating in shaping these experiences. By sharing his insights and reflections, Coach Hilbers offered valuable lessons for coaches, officials, and sports enthusiasts alike. Join us as we navigate the highs and lows of high school football with Coach Zach Hilbers on this captivating episode of Whistle Talk! I always appreciate your feedback and input. Please be sure to follow and review with 5 stars. And click here if you would like to buy me a beer ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MikeDtheReferee⁠ Become an Official in NJ State ⁠https://www.njsiaa.org/officials⁠ Shore ⁠https://njfoashore.com/join-us/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/njfoashore/⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/njfoa⁠ TikTok ⁠tiktok.com/@mike.d.the.refere?_t=8kq8vW0OjSk&_r=1⁠ Instagram ⁠instagram.com/mikedthereferee⁠ X ⁠twitter.com/MikeDtheReferee⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mikedthereferee/support
Cravonne Barrett: A Journey of Resilience on the Gridiron
May 15 2024
Cravonne Barrett: A Journey of Resilience on the Gridiron
In this episode of Whistle Talk, we shine a spotlight on Cravonne Barrett, a remarkable figure whose journey through the world of football officiating exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a passion for the game. Hailing from California, Cravonne's story is one of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities, both on and off the field. From his early days playing football in the Antelope Valley to his current role as a respected official, Cravonne's love for the sport has been a constant throughout his life. Inspired by his father's entrepreneurial spirit, he ventured into the business world at a young age, laying the foundation for a successful career in finance while never losing sight of his true passion for officiating. Cravonne's ascent in the world of football officiating has been nothing short of extraordinary. Starting with high school and youth games, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning assignments in NCAA conferences and prestigious postseason matchups, including the Gasparilla Bowl and the Pac 12 Championship. His journey has taken him to professional leagues like the UFL and XFL, where his expertise and dedication have made him a standout figure in the officiating community. But Cravonne's impact extends far beyond the gridiron. As a clinician and mentor, he has played a pivotal role in training and developing new officials, sharing his knowledge and experience to nurture the next generation of talent. Join us as we dive deep into Cravonne Barrett's remarkable story, exploring the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way. And be sure to listen to Cravonne on his podcast The UnOfficial Lounge I always appreciate your feedback and input. Please be sure to follow and review with 5 stars. And click here if you would like to buy me a beer ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MikeDtheReferee⁠ Become an Official in NJ State ⁠https://www.njsiaa.org/officials⁠ Shore ⁠https://njfoashore.com/join-us/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/njfoashore/⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/njfoa⁠ TikTok ⁠tiktok.com/@mike.d.the.refere?_t=8kq8vW0OjSk&_r=1⁠ Instagram ⁠instagram.com/mikedthereferee⁠ X ⁠twitter.com/MikeDtheReferee⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mikedthereferee/support
From the Great Lakes to the Granddaddy of them All: The Journey of Mike VanderVelde
Apr 17 2024
From the Great Lakes to the Granddaddy of them All: The Journey of Mike VanderVelde
Welcome to Whistle Talk, the podcast where we blow the lid off the world of sports officiating! I'm thrilled to be joined today by Mike VanderVelde, whose journey through officiating spans over two decades and across multiple levels of competition. Mike has been an integral part of high school athletics in Michigan, Colorado, and Louisiana for years. But his expertise doesn't stop there; he's also made significant contributions to college football officiating, having worked in various conferences and prestigious bowl games, including the last 2 Rose Bowls. If you enjoyed today's discussion and want to stay in the loop with the latest insights, be sure to subscribe, comment and review Whistle Talk on your favorite podcast platform. Search here https://episodes.fm/1731739637 Stay connected with us by following Whistle Talk on social media, where we share behind-the-scenes glimpses, updates, and engage with our incredible community of officiating enthusiasts. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, and TicTok– just search for Whistle Talk Podcast. Your support means the world to the show, and we'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes. Drop us a line through our website or message me on social media. I’m  always eager to connect with fellow fans and continue the conversation. TikTok tiktok.com/@mike.d.the.refere?_t=8kq8vW0OjSk&_r=1 Instagram instagram.com/mikedthereferee X twitter.com/MikeDtheReferee NJ Shore Chapter https://njfoashore.com/join-us/ https://www.instagram.com/njfoashore/ https://twitter.com/njfoa State https://www.njsiaa.org/officials---Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mikedthereferee/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mikedthereferee/support
Semper Fidelis: From Marine to the Gridiron, One of L.A.'s finest
Apr 10 2024
Semper Fidelis: From Marine to the Gridiron, One of L.A.'s finest
Welcome to Whistle Talk, the podcast where we blow the lid off the world of sports officiating! I'm thrilled to be joined today by a true veteran of the field, Tony DeVeres. Hailing from California, Tony brings a remarkable 24 years of experience in officiating, with 7 of those years served as a crew chief in the CFOA South Bay chapter. But that's not all – before his illustrious officiating career, Tony dedicated 12 years of his life to serving in the US Marine Corps. Today, he not only continues his service on the field but also as the current president of the South Bay chapter. Join us as we dive into Tony's journey, insights, and the unique perspective he brings to the world of officiating. For more information or if you are interested in becoming an official in the Los Angeles area, please email Tony at tdwhitehat3@gmail.com Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Whistle Talk, where we unravel the fascinating world of football officiating. If you enjoyed today's discussion and want to stay in the loop with the latest insights, be sure to subscribe, comment and review Whistle Talk on your favorite podcast platform. Stay connected with us by following Whistle Talk on social media, where we share behind-the-scenes glimpses, updates, and engage with our incredible community of officiating enthusiasts. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, and TicTok– just search for Whistle Talk Podcast. Your support means the world to the show, and we'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes. Drop us a line through our website or message me on social media. I’m  always eager to connect with fellow fans and continue the conversation. TikTok tiktok.com/@mike.d.the.refere?_t=8kq8vW0OjSk&_r=1 Instagram instagram.com/mikedthereferee X twitter.com/MikeDtheReferee NJ Shore Chapter https://njfoashore.com/join-us/ https://www.instagram.com/njfoashore/ https://twitter.com/njfoa State https://www.njsiaa.org/officials --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mikedthereferee/support