Whistle Talk

The conversation continues! In Episode 2, Mike D the Referee, Daniel Chamberlin, Coach Chip Seagle, and NJFOA’s Tommy Barlow pick up right where we left off, diving deeper into the wild world of Rule 6.

We’ll unpack even more scenarios and rule nuances, including:

• Scrimmage kicks—how punts and field goals differ from free kicks, and what officials and coaches need to watch for.

• First touching and out-of-bounds kicks—what happens w...

Join hosts Mike D the Referee and special guest hosts Daniel Chamberlin, Coach Chip Seagle, and NJFOA official Tommy Barlow for a deep dive into the wild world of Rule 6: Kickoffs and Other Free Kicks.

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about free kicks—from kickoff formations and onside kicks to touchbacks, fair catches, and those head-scratching scenarios that leave officials, coaches, and fans alike saying...

Get ready for a deep dive into one of the most fundamental—and sometimes misunderstood—aspects of high school football! In this episode of Whistle Talk, host Mike D the Referee is joined by special guest Daniel Chamberlin to break down Rule 5 of the NFHS Football Rule Book: Series of Downs, Number of Down, and Team Possessions After Penalty.

What Is Rule 5?

Rule 5 governs the heartbeat of every football game: the series of downs. He...

Episode Preview: Breaking Down Rule 4 – Ball In Play, Dead Ball, and Out of Bounds

This week, Daniel and Mike D the Referee take listeners inside one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—sections of the NFHS football rule book: Rule 4. If you’ve ever wondered exactly when a play starts, when it ends, or how out-of-bounds rulings really work, this episode is for you.

What’s Inside Rule 4?

• Putting the Ball in Play:
  Daniel...

This week on Whistle Talk, Mike D the Referee is joined by Daniel Chamberlain for a can’t-miss breakdown of Rule 3 from the NFHS Football Rulebook: Periods, Time Factors, and Substitutions. If you’re a coach, official, or football fan looking to master the clock, manage substitutions, and understand the nuances of game timing, this episode is for you.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Game Structure Demystified: Learn how every high sc...

Get ready for Episode 2 of Whistle Talk’s special two-part series as Mike D the Referee and Daniel Chamberlain dive even deeper into Rule 2 of the NFHS football rule book: Definitions of Playing Terms.

In this can’t-miss episode, Mike D and Daniel break down the language that shapes every Friday night under the lights. From what really counts as a catch to the nuances of possession, they’ll unpack the definitions that drive the bigg...

Get ready for another essential Whistle Talk series as Mike D and Daniel Chamberlain team up for a two-part exploration of Rule 2 of the NFHS football rule book: Definitions of Playing Terms. This rule is the dictionary of high school football, providing the precise language that shapes every call, play, and interpretation on the field.

What to Expect in Part 1:

• Mike D and Daniel will introduce the critical role of definitions in...

In Part 2 of our special series, Mike D the Referee and Daniel Chamberlain return to complete their deep dive into Rule 1 of the NFHS football rule book. After laying the groundwork in Part 1, this episode unpacks the finer details that define the structure and spirit of high school football.

Join Mike and Daniel as they explore:

• The remaining sections of Rule 1, including nuanced field markings, player eligibility, and equipment...

Get ready for a foundational episode of Whistle Talk as Mike D the Referee teams up with Daniel Chamberlin to break down Rule 1 of the NFHS football rule book—“The Game, Field, Players and Equipment.” Whether you’re a coach, official, player, or passionate fan, this episode will help you understand the very building blocks of high school football.

What’s Inside Rule 1?

• The Object of the Game
  Mike D and Daniel will clarify the core...

In this episode of Whistle Talk, host Mike D sits down with Chris Garner—SEC Center Judge, military veteran, business leader, and best-selling author of Whistles and Wisdom. Chris takes us on a journey from his early days officiating high school football in Ohio to his current role at the heart of the action in the SEC, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make split-second decisions that can change the cours...

In this episode of Whistle Talk, Mike D the Referee dives into the latest updates to high school football rules for the 2025 season, as announced by the NFHS. With over 20 years of coaching and officiating experience, Mike will provide insights into how these changes impact players, coaches, and officials alike. Here's what you can expect:

 Key Topics We'll Cover

1. Player Equipment Updates  

   - The new allowance for fixed e...

Get ready for an exciting and insightful episode of "Whistle Talk as we bring you a special Round Table Discussion featuring five deep officials from around the world. This episode promises to deliver a wealth of knowledge and experience from the perspective of Side Judges, Back Judges, and Field Judges.

Our esteemed panel will dive deep into the following crucial topics:

1. Collaboration with Short Wing Officials

   • Strategies for ...

Join us on Whistle Talk as we delve into the intricacies of officiating at the line of scrimmage with special guest Dan McKenna. As a seasoned line of scrimmage official, Dan brings valuable insights into the challenges and strategies involved in ensuring fair play.

• Line of Scrimmage Challenges: Dan will discuss the complexities of officiating at the line, including recognizing illegal procedures and maintaining the neutral zone...

Join us for an engaging round table discussion as we delve into the intricacies of being a football umpire, from the high school level to the pinnacle of the sport in the NFL. Our esteemed panel of umpires will share their experiences, insights, and challenges faced in this demanding yet rewarding role.

Key Discussion Points:

• Career Path and Development: Our guests will explore the journey from officiating high school games to re...

Join us for an exclusive round table discussion with some of football's most respected crew chiefs, the White Hats. From their journey to becoming referees to the challenges they face on the field, we dive into the stories behind the stripes. Hear about their most memorable moments, the evolution of officiating, and what it takes to lead a crew in the high-pressure world of professional football. Tune in for insights from the men w...

Join us on Whistle Talk as we sit down with NFL Side Judge Jim Quirk Jr. to explore his remarkable journey from playing Division III football to officiating at the highest level. Jim shares insights into his transition from back judge to side judge, the unique mechanics of his role, and what it takes to balance his officiating career with life as a financial advisor.

Key Takeaways:

• Jim's journey from player to NFL official

• Transit...

Join us on Whistle Talk as we explore the exciting growth of American Football in Europe with James Ford-Bannister, Director of Training for BAFRA and an official in the European League of Football. From his journey as an official to the challenges of officiating across different leagues, James shares unique insights into the sport's expansion and what it takes to be part of this dynamic community.

Listen Now to discover how America...

Join Mike D as he chats with Sony Tiwari, Co-Founder and CEO of RefMasters, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing the world of sports officiating! In this insightful episode, we delve into RefMasters' mission to bridge the referee gap through education, community, and innovative training methods. Sony shares his unique leadership philosophy, drawing from his experiences in musical conducting and applying those principles to the...

Get an inside look at the world of Football Officials. Mike D the Referee brings you information ranging from penalties and current game content to how you can become an official. From youth, high school, and college to the NFL, Mike D will help give you insight into what goes on Inside the Mind of a Football Official.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

*   The latest on NFHS officiating initiatives.

*   Strategies to improve the football...