From passionate fans in the stands to players’ on-the-field heroics, there’s nothing like the atmosphere of a high school football game. It’s exciting for players, coaches, spectators … and officials.

Just ask Ron DeChellis, physician rep with Aultman Management Services Organization, who is going into his 31st season as a varsity football official. “My dad was an official for 36 seasons, and I started tagging along to games when I was about 10 years old,” Ron said. “I ended up taking the class to become a football official and got licensed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).”

Ron started in youth football and worked his way up to varsity. He’s now the “ref in the white hat” – the head referee. He officiates regular season games for the Federal League, Suburban, Northeastern Buckeye Conference and independent schools like Canton Central Catholic and Massillon – along with state playoff games. “I’ve been all over the state, and Stark County is in the top three of the best places for high school football,” he shared. “People are crazy about football here.”

Being a high school official takes a lot of time and preparation. “We review the rules and watch game film all year long. The OHSAA has a website and workshops for officials where we can talk about what’s happening on the field along with mandatory weekly meetings throughout the season" Ron explained. “We are observed and graded every week – and we meet after each game to review our performance.”

Communication is an ongoing challenge from Ron and his crew, who work together every week during the regular season. “Coaches question many calls," Ron explained. “The head referees have microphones now, so I like that we can explain the foul and the corresponding rule. But it’s a balancing act to tell what happened without disrupting the flow of the game.”

The game has changed over the years, but Ron’s goal remains the same. “Players are bigger, faster and stronger. Although the game is a lot faster and more open than it used to be, we focus on protecting players from head shots and concussions more than ever before,” he said. “My goal every week is to call such a clean game that we can leave the field without people knowing we were there. Obviously that isn't always the case - but it is what we strive for."

In-demand officials like Ron know their game schedules two years in advance. “People ask me what ‘big games’ I have on my schedule each season,” he said. “No matter what stadium we are at, it’s a big game for every young man who plays on Friday night."