INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (Jan. 30, 2024) — As part of the partnership between the National Football League (NFL) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to help build the popularity and engagement of top school football officials, the Cleveland Browns’ named officiating team of referees was chosen as the first “Team of the Year” from top school football officials in the United States. the NFL.
“The NFL is revered for recognizing the High School Football Officials of the Year Team representing the Cleveland Browns,” said Roman Oben, the NFL’s vice president of football development. “The team paints and integrity this team of officials demonstrated in the 2023 high school football season is evidenced by their passion for advancing and supporting football at all levels. As we continue our partnership with the NFHS, we look forward to continuing to recognize those outstanding high-level school officials for their paintings on and off the field.
The first-ever partnership brought together seven NFL clubs to recognize youth and top school leaders in their states during the months of September, October and November. The initiative highlighted the teams for their demonstration of objectivity, fairness in the implementation of the rules, and commitment as top-tier school leaders. A panel of judges selected by the NFL reviewed the nominations and chose the team of referees nominated through the Browns as “Team of the Year” for the commitment to top-tier school football they have shown during the season.
Based on their recognition, the team is invited to attend NFL Pro Bowl games and compete in the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge on Feb. 4 in Orlando, Florida.
“Congratulations to Mark Riley, William ‘Jake’ Smith, Nate Filkiins, John Clay, Trevor Lotz and Kurt Schooley for being named the first NFL ‘Team of the Year,’ representing the Cleveland Browns,” said Dr. Karissa. Niehoff, executive director of the NFHS. This exceptional team of referees has demonstrated not only exceptional refereeing skills, but also service to the referee network and youth game programs. These gentlemen officiate at various games, participate in conferences, lead educational sessions, and serve as notable role models for referees at all levels. The NFHS greatly appreciates his service in many capacities and is very proud of his accomplishments. They are the most productive and we are very grateful to the Cleveland Browns and the NFL for this initiative, which gives us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate interscholastic football officials.
The Browns’ “Crew of the Year” consists of six Ohio officials who demonstrated integrity, resilience and teamwork during the 2023 football season. Referee Mark Smith (Toledo) has spent 30 years officiating high school football. He is a 25-year playoff official, six-time State Final Official Local Association leader and formed a local Officials Association called “Stripes” to recruit more diverse populations into officiating.
Umpire William “Jake” Smith (Centerburg) has been a high school football official for 15 years and is a 13-year playoff official and three-time State Final Official Local Association leader. Head linesman Nate Filkins (New Albany) has officiated high school football for 21 years, is an 18-year tournament official and a three-time State Final Official Local Association leader. Line judge John Clay (Gahanna) has been officiating high school football for 34 years. He is a 30-year playoff official, six-time state final official and a State Final Official Local Association leader. Back judge Trevor Lotz (Columbus) completed his sixth season as an official and was awarded the Outstanding New Official Award. Center judge Kurt Schooley (Hilliard) is a 16-year official, 14-year playoff official, four-time state final official and Local Association President.
Continuing their efforts to increase the participation and popularity of top school football officials, the Browns also introduced the Officials Pathway Program that supports, recognizes and promotes officials at all levels of the game. Through the Browns High School Game of the Week (HSGOTW) program, each official was identified through the Browns Officials Pathway program and earned branded merchandise.
The Browns perceive the importance of detecting and supporting officials at all levels of the game, and the Umpiring Route Program is just one of the tactics they are implementing to achieve this purpose by encouraging more Americans to care more about young people and better schools. The world of the football referee.
About the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
The NFHS, founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for premier scholastic athletics and the arts. Since 1920, NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and arts activities that help students succeed in life. The NFHS sets the long-term direction by building awareness and support, editing the participation experience, building consistent criteria and regulations for competition, and assisting those who oversee top sports and school activities. The NFHS drafts playing regulations for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, NFHS reaches more than 19,500 premier schools and 12 million participants in premier school activity programs, totaling more than 7. 8 million in premier scholastic sports. level. As the identified national authority on interscholastic activities programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanction interstate events; supplies publications and online to top coaches and school officials; sponsors professional organizations for top school coaches, officials, speech and debate coaches, and music judges; serves as a national source for interscholastic training education; and serves as a national data source for interscholastic sports and activities. For more information, visit the NFHS online page at www. nfhs. org.