The NFL and NFHS have partnered to promote high school football officiating, and the Cleveland Browns’ nominated crew was chosen as the inaugural NFL High School Football Officials “Crew of the Year” to further this goal.

“The NFL is proud to acknowledge the Cleveland Browns’ High School Football Officials ‘Crew of the Year’,” stated Roman Oben, NFL Vice President of Football Development. “The collaboration and ethical conduct displayed by this group of officials throughout the 2023 high school football season reflects their dedication to promoting and assisting football at all levels. As we continue to work with NFHS, we look forward to honoring these exceptional high school officials for their contributions on and off the field.”

The initial collaboration involved seven NFL teams in honoring young and high school referees in their respective states during September, October, and November. The program recognized crews for their unbiased approach, adherence to rules, and dedication to their role as high school officials. A panel of NFL representatives evaluated the nominations and selected the Browns’ crew as the “Crew of the Year” for their exemplary display of commitment to high school football throughout the season.

As a form of acknowledgement, the team has been extended an invitation to attend the NFL Pro Bowl Games and take part in the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge on February 4th in Orlando, Florida.

Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the NFHS, announced that Mark Riley, William ‘Jake’ Smith, Nate Filkins, John Clay, Trevor Lotz, and Kurt Schooley have been selected as the inaugural recipients of the NFL’s ‘Crew of the Year’ award for their representation of the Cleveland Browns. These officials have not only demonstrated exceptional officiating skills, but they have also made significant contributions to the officiating community and youth athletic programs. In addition to officiating multiple sports, they have also participated in speaking engagements, led educational sessions, and served as role models for officials at all levels. The NFHS is incredibly grateful for their dedication and proud of their achievements. They are truly the best in their field, and the NFHS is thankful to the Cleveland Browns and the NFL for this wonderful opportunity to recognize and honor these outstanding interscholastic football officials.

The “Team of the Year” for the Browns includes six Ohio officials who displayed honesty, perseverance, and collaboration throughout the 2023 football season. Referee Mark Smith (from Toledo) has dedicated 30 years to officiating high school football. He has served as a playoff official for 25 years, and has been a leader in his local association for six years. He also founded a local group called “Stripes” to encourage more diverse individuals to become officials.

William “Jake” Smith, a high school football official from Centerburg, has been in the field for 15 years. He has officiated in 13 playoff games and has been named a State Final Official Local Association leader three times. Nate Filkins, from New Albany, has been a head linesman for 21 years and has officiated in 18 tournaments. He has also been chosen as a State Final Official Local Association leader three times. John Clay, from Gahanna, has been officiating high school football for 34 years. He has been a playoff official for 30 years and has officiated in six state final games. He is also a State Final Official Local Association leader. Trevor Lotz, from Columbus, completed his sixth season as an official and received the Outstanding New Official Award. Kurt Schooley, from Hilliard, has been an official for 16 years, a playoff official for 14 years, and has officiated in four state final games. He is also the Local Association President.

To further boost involvement and acknowledgement of high school football referees, the Browns have introduced the “Officials Pathway Program.” This initiative aims to support, honor, and elevate officials at every level of the sport. As part of this program, every referee was acknowledged and gifted with branded merchandise through the Browns High School Game of the Week (HSGOTW) program.

The Browns recognize the significance of acknowledging and backing officials at every level of the sport. The Officials Pathway Program is just one of their efforts to accomplish this objective and promote greater participation in youth and high school football officiating.

Source: highschoolot.com