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PODCAST

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 on TikTok @mike.d.the.referee On

sports football

All Episodes

00:46:38

Inadvertent Whistles, Every Officials Nightmare

Whistle Talk ·

2025/09/24

In this episode of Whistle Talk, Michael D and Daniel Chamberlain delve into the complexities of inadvertent whistles in football officiating. They discuss personal experiences, the emotional impact of games, and the rules surrounding inadvertent whistles, including how they affect gameplay and the options available to teams. Through case studies and examples, they highlight the importance of understanding the rules and the human element involved in officiating. The conversation emphasizes the need

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00:48:34

"Roughing, Roughing and Roughing" Insights from the...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/09/17

In this episode of Whistle Talk, Michael D'Ambrosio and Daniel Chamberlain discuss various aspects of football officiating, including reflections on 9/11, updates on their respective football seasons, and an in-depth exploration of casebook scenarios related to roughing the passer, kicker, and snapper. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the rules and the challenges faced by officials on the field.TakeawaysUnderstanding the mindset of football officials is crucial.9/11 is

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00:52:36

Inside the NCAA 2025 Rulebook: What's New This Season...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/09/10

In this episode of Whistle Talk, Michael D'Ambrosio and Michael VanderVelde discuss the current state of football officiating, focusing on the differences between NCAA and high school rules, key rule changes for the season, and the challenges of managing feigning injuries. They also delve into the importance of game tempo, the impact of technology on officiating, and the evolving standards of sportsmanship and player conduct. The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts to improve the officiating

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00:59:15

Navigating the Challenges of New White Hats

Whistle Talk ·

2025/09/03

In this episode of Whistle Talk, host Mike D engages with new white hats in football officiating, discussing their challenges, experiences, and the importance of communication and teamwork. The conversation with Aaron Oskian, Brett Wiggins and Keith DeShane, covers the transition to referee, the significance of pregame strategies, and how to effectively manage interactions with coaches and players. The officials share personal anecdotes and insights on improving officiating standards and fostering a

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00:48:29

Mastering the Mental Game of Officiating with Andrew...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/08/27

In this episode of Whistle Talk, Michael D and Andrew Toce discuss the critical role of mental preparation in officiating football games. They explore various strategies for officials to enhance their mental game, including pregame routines, in-game focus techniques, and post-game reflections. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication within officiating crews and how to handle pressure from coaches and crowds. Toce shares insights on sports psychology and its relevance to

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01:20:31

Bad to the Bone : Officiating the Flex Bone Offense

Whistle Talk ·

2025/08/20

Join Mike D, the referee, as he dives deep into the world of football officiating with a special focus on the Flexbone offense. In this episode, Mike is joined by a panel of seasoned coaches, including Anthony Petruzzi, Chris Damian, Bryan Gallagher, and Daniel Chamberlain, to explore the intricacies and challenges of running and officiating the Flexbone offense. From the history and evolution of the Flexbone to the nuances of perimeter blocking and the impact of recent rule changes, this episode

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00:46:59

Replay Systems: The Future of Football Officiating

Whistle Talk ·

2025/08/13

In this episode of Whistle Talk, host Michael D'Ambrosio speaks with veteran football official Mark Mesnick about his extensive career in officiating, the intricacies of the replay system in college football, and the challenges faced by referees on the field. They discuss the importance of communication among officials, the impact of replay on decision-making, and the controversial targeting rule that can lead to player ejections. Mark shares insights from his years of experience, emphasizing the

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00:31:20

2025 Points of Emphasis NFHS

Whistle Talk ·

2025/08/07

In this episode of Whistle Talk, Michael D'Ambrosio discusses the NFHS points of emphasis for high school football officials, focusing on illegal equipment, sportsmanship, and player safety. He emphasizes the importance of educating coaches and players on these rules to ensure a fair and safe playing environment.Understanding the role of officials in football is crucial.NFHS points of emphasis guide officials in their duties.Illegal equipment can lead to serious penalties for teams.Coaches play

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00:55:27

The Ultimate Guide to NFHS Football Penalty Signals &...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/07/30

Master the Language of the Game — Clear Communication, Accurate Enforcement, and Winning Strategies for Every Sideline RoleEpisode Description:In this must-listen episode, Mike D and Danial break down everything you need to know about NFHS penalty signals and their associated yardage. Whether you’re an official enforcing the rules, a coach making strategic game-day decisions, or part of the pressbox team providing real-time updates, understanding these signals is crucial for a smooth, fair, and

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00:51:51

Navigating the Intricacies of Penalty Enforcement in...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/07/23

In this episode, I replay an episode from last year as it falls in line with the completion of the NFHS Rule Book Series In the world of football, penalty enforcement is a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of the game. As Jim Corpora, a seasoned official, explains, the rules surrounding penalties are both complex and nuanced, requiring officials to balance precision with efficiency. This episode delves into the intricacies of penalty enforcement, offering insights from Jim's extensive

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01:17:48

Whistle Talk: The Penalty Playbook — Mastering NFHS...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/07/16

Get ready for a can’t-miss episode of Whistle Talk as hosts Michael D'Ambrosio, Daniel Chamberlain, and Tom Barlow break down the most complex and misunderstood section of the NFHS Football Rule Book: Rule 10 – Enforcement of Penalties.Rule 10 Unpacked:The crew will guide listeners through the essential structure of Rule 10, demystifying the “who, what, when, and where” of penalty enforcement. Listeners will learn how to quickly identify:Which team committed the foulWhat type of foul

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01:25:19

Rule 9 Deep Dive: Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Illegal...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/07/09

In this episode of Whistle Talk, Mike D and Daniel Chamberlain dive deep into the intricacies of football officiating, focusing on Rule Nine. They discuss various aspects of player conduct, illegal blocking, personal fouls, and the importance of maintaining safety on the field. The conversation also highlights the partnership with Vets to Refs, aiming to support veterans in becoming sports officials. Throughout the episode, they share personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences as

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00:55:33

Mastering Football Rule 8: Scoring and Touchbacks

Whistle Talk ·

2025/07/02

In this episode of Whistle Talk, hosts Michael D'Ambrosio and Daniel Chamberlain dive deep into the intricacies of football rules, focusing on scoring plays, touchbacks, and the nuances of officiating. They discuss the importance of understanding point values, the differences in rules between high school and NCAA, and the implications of fouls during touchdowns. The conversation also covers field goals, the try after a touchdown, and the concepts of force and momentum in football. Through case

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01:16:04

Lucky #7 - Understanding Rule 7 of the NFHS Rule Book

Whistle Talk ·

2025/06/25

In this episode of Whistle Talk, hosts Michael D'Ambrosio and Daniel Chamberlain delve into the intricacies of football officiating, focusing on Rule Seven, which covers the snapping of the ball, encroachment, false starts, formation positioning, numbering requirements, shifts, motions, and pass interference. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these rules for both coaches and officials, providing insights into how they impact gameplay and officiating

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00:52:33

Episode 2 Rule 6 – Kickoffs, Free Kicks, and the...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/06/18

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 when the kicking team touches the ball first, and how the receiving team

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00:50:58

Rule 6 – Kickoffs, Free Kicks, and the “Crazy Stuff"...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/06/11

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, “Wait, what just happened?” We’ll explore key definitions, unusual

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00:44:40

Chains, Challenges, and Change of Possession: Rule 5...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/06/04

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. Here’s what you’ll learn:Each team in possession of the ball is granted

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00:45:51

A Deep Dive into Rule 4 : Inadvertent Whistles &...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/05/28

Episode Preview: Breaking Down Rule 4 – Ball In Play, Dead Ball, and Out of BoundsThis 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 and Mike explain the different ways a ball is put in play: by kickoff (to

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01:09:32

Rule 3-Periods, Time Factors, and Substitutions

Whistle Talk ·

2025/05/21

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 school football game is divided into four 12-minute quarters, with 1-minute

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01:20:48

Rule 2 Part 2 - From Catch to Possession: Mastering...

Whistle Talk ·

2025/05/14

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 biggest calls and the smallest details on the field. Whether you’re a

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85 results

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