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PODCAST · sports

Behind the Whistle

by David Marotta

Each episode of "Behind the Whistle" features in-depth discussions and interviews with officials who share their personal stories, strategies, and insights on what it takes to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and emotional aspects of officiating, as well as the dedication and preparation that goes into being a successful official.Whether you are a sports fan, an aspiring official, or simply curious about the unseen side of sports, "Behind the Whistle" offers a thought-provoking and engaging exploration into the world of officiating. Tune in to gain a new appreciation for the often overlooked role of officials and to discover the complexities of the game from a whole new perspective.

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Episodes

  1. Episode 3 Season 2 "Getting It Right When It Matters"

    Episode 3 focuses on officiating with confidence and getting calls right when they matter most. We talk about being a good partner on the mat, trusting your whistle, and listening when your partner helps you see something you might not be sure about. The episode also breaks down key situations...

  2. Episode 2 Season 2 " Find Success with these 10 Tips"

    Officiating is hard, and nobody is perfect. In this episode, we walk through 10 practical tips to help wrestling officials build confidence, earn respect, and get better every match. We talk about why mastering the rulebook matters, how strong signals and consistent positioning change everything,...

  3. Season 2 "Rule Changes 2025-26 Season"

    Welcome back to Behind the Whistle: Inside the Official’s Mind with Rick Solofsky and Dave Marotta, and this is Season 2, Episode 1. Today, we’re kicking off the new season with a deep dive into the 2025–26 high school wrestling rule changes. These updates come straight from the NFHS, and as...

  4. Episode 38 "2025-2026 Rules Change Updates"

    1. Technical Fall Rule Change Current Rule: A technical fall ends the match when a wrestler gains a 15-point lead. Proposed Change: Discussions may include whether to end the match immediately when the 15-point margin is reached (even during a pinning combination), or allow the pin to be…

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  5. Episode 37 "Read the Room, Earned Equity, Making the tough call"

    “Read The Room” Meaning, if you have two state qualifiers, or even 2 State Place winners, try to stay out of the match as much as possible and let them decide the match … If you have two novice wrestlers, especially in a dual meet, be careful with your early stalling calls “Earned Equity” Be...

  6. Episode E36 " Pburg vs. North Hunterdon - two-man mechanics"

    When working with a referee you're not familiar with, communication and consistency are key—especially when making stalling calls. Here are some tips to ensure smooth teamwork and fair officiating: 1. Pre-Match Discussion Before the match, take a few minutes to align on: Stalling philosophy – How...

  7. Episode 35 "Injury, Misconduct, Unsportsmanlike"

    - Why we have specific times for Injury, Recovery, and Blood. I forgot to add this last week, that the medical personnel at the Federation level does not want the human body to be under stress for more than 8.5 minutes…. Interesting, because we could also have two or three different sets of...

  8. Episode 34 "Continuation of in-season rules"

    Wrestling officials have encountered several key situations early this season that warrant discussion. Important topics include the distinction between blood time and recovery time in unnecessary roughness incidents, careful consideration of unsportsmanlike conduct calls in close matches, and...

  9. Episode 33 "In-season rule discussion"

    Wrestling officials have encountered several key situations early this season that warrant discussion. Important topics include the distinction between blood time and recovery time in unnecessary roughness incidents, careful consideration of unsportsmanlike conduct calls in close matches, and...

  10. Episode 32 " 40 Reasons to love officiating Part 2"

    So, you've decided you want to become a sports official. Rick and I dive into the 40 reasons to love officiating from the book "What to expect in the first 12 month of your officiating". sayyestoofficiating.com 21. Sort out what matters 22. Dedication 23. TeamWork 24. Make a Decision 25. Give…

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  11. Episode 31" 40 Reasons to love officiating Part 1"

    So, you've decided you want to become a sports official. Rick and I dive into the 40 reasons to love officiating from the book "What to expect in the first 12 month of your officiating". sayyestoofficiating.com 1. Camaraderie 2. Boos 3. Reverence for the rules 4. Escape 5. Passion 6. Addiction 7....

  12. Episode 30 "Unsportsmanlike Conduct or Not?"

    Easton, apparently won their dual meet versus Nazereth 27-26 after their 215 pounder won by technical fall, which was the last bout of the dualmeet. Traditionally, Easton and Nazereth are two of the top four teams in the state of Pennsylvania the last 50 years. The Easton 215 pounder mildly, and...

  13. Episode 29" Let the Season Begin"

    -Pre-Season tournament officiating, and two man mechanics -review the shoelace rule and shoe coming off, and when should you allow scoring to continue, and when a Wrestler should not take advantage of the shoe coming off? -Potentially Dangerous versus illegal holds -Cautions, False and when to…

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  14. Episode 28 " Private school vs Public school"

    1-Private school versus public school Good for the sport, or bad for the sport ?

  15. Episode 27 "Recruiting New Officials"

    Recruiting New Officials Working with Younger Officials Invite them to assist Allowing officials to cross overstate lines, to support our lack of numbers, because we all have to have clearances anyway We need more effective open door policy to speak to rules committee, during the year, with...

  16. Episode 26 "Recap of the new rules and OT situations"

    1- Review Rule Changes Take-Down, Near Fall, Ultimate Tie Breaker, Stalemate vs Stalling, Holding Near Fall Points and Coming Out of Criteria, and Holding Near Fall Criteria in a Technical Fall situation 2- Pre-Meet, and New Rules, as well Questioning Judgement vs Judgement situation versus Time…

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  17. Episode 25 "Stalling....Stalling....and more Stalling"

    In high school wrestling, stalling is a penalty violation that occurs when a wrestler intentionally avoids wrestling action or fails to make genuine attempts to score points. This can include backing away without attacking, staying on the edge of the mat to avoid engagement, maintaining locked...

  18. Episode 24 "Best Practices for Wrestling Referees" Rutgers Clinic 2024

    This lecture outlines the key attributes and best practices for wrestling referees, emphasizing the importance of consistency, confidence, rule knowledge, judgment, humility, and fitness. It also covers pre-match preparation, effective communication between officials, and the use of tools like...

  19. Episode 23 "KISS" Keep it Simple Stupid

    KISS “Keep It Simple Stupid” Recruitment and retention is critical to the future of our sport When there is testing needed for an officiating roster, there are common sense ways of expediting the process Test in groups with an open book versus taking a test by yourself in solitary confinement You...

  20. Episode 22 "Ohio In the house with Paul Bessinger "

    Paul’s officiating journey has been both extensive and fulfilling. With 42 years as an OHSAA wrestling official, he has officiated at all levels, from youth leagues to high school competitions. While he no longer officiates at the college level, he has valuable experience from working in NCAA...

  21. Episode 21 "Getting The Juices Flowing Baby!!!"

    Lets talk about “Getting The Juices Flowing Baby!!! Another Season!!! Preparation for New Season, New Rules, Getting In Shape, Pre-Season Tournaments, etc… We should also talk about the NJWOA Pre-Season tournament that Vinny would love…. Also, going to see if we can get Vinny to get on a future...

  22. Episode 20 " W.O.N. with Kim Herandez and Nadine Johnston

    How long has "WOR" been around? We talk about Barb Brummet, and give her a shout out, and share with the listeners the impact and our incredible contribution to our sport and her being the Pioneer of Women & Officiating to our sport, and her commitment, passion, mentoring, etc. How many women are...

  23. Episode 19 " W.O.N Women's Official Network"

    Topic • In its 2nd year • Leaders, Pioneers, and Core People of “WON” • Goals:: -Build the Sport -Support Women Wrestling -Need more officials -Impact on future of sport -Attracting, Mothers and Fans to get involved in our sport -We need more women to officiate men’s tournaments and matches -They...

  24. Episode 18 " Part 2 with Joe Benvenuto " Joe Ben

    Podcast Part II -How has the sport changed over the last 40 years, since you started officiating? -What changes would you like to suggest or would you like to see change wrestling? -Share with us your pre-meet with coaches and teams before a dual meet? -Share with us, your preparation for the...

  25. Episode 17 "Part 1 Three time NJ Official State Finals - Joe Benvenuto" (Joe Ben)

    Podcast Part I -How does the Cadet Program work? -What’s the most important areas of officiating that you can share with young officials that are starting out? -How and where can we get past wrestlers and/or more young officials interested in the sport? -For any parents, coaches, and all the…

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  26. Episode 16 "Olympics or National Titles"

    “Olympics or National Titles” Where is the real priority? Gold Medals vs Red-White-Blue ONLY? Proposed rules changes to make us more competitive as a country on an international basis 1 - When wrestler gets out of the 10 foot circle area, “twice” to avoid contact and are not being aggressive…

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  27. Episode 15 "Staying in shape during the off-season, and being in shape

    -Staying in shape during the off-season, and being in shape during the season •Look the part • Helps with always being in good position (you never want to chase the action) • Diet, Exercise • Stretching before matches

  28. Episode 14 "Tournament Officiating"

    -Tournament Officiating • Preparation • Handling coaches emotions • Being a good partner (position, watch the clock, support your partner with calls, etc)

  29. Episode 13 " Four Decades of Wrestling with Gary Kessel"

    In 40 years of officiating, Gary Kessel has refereed 16 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, including 12 finals, and eight NCAA Division III Championships, including eight finals. He has officiated 21 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association championships and 18 Virginia Duals while…

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  30. Episode 12 " Impact that woman's wrestling is having on our sport"

    • Impact that women’s Wrestling is having on our sport? -Collegiate Opportunity and effect on Title IX -Fan interest and excitement -Women wrestlers become mothers, and will encourage there participation in our sport -More fun and entertaining to officiate girls and women versus boys and men

  31. Episode 11 " Camaraderie with fellow officials"

    • Talk situations out with fellow officials when possible • Get together and discuss rules before taking test • Get together as a group and discuss situations weekly if possible (meet after matches is possible- Good camaraderie)

  32. Episode 10 "Coaches Conduct"

    ~Coaches Conduct • Know the Rules • Judgement vs Fighting for your athletes • Questioning Judgement vs Unsportsmanlike Conduct • Representing your School and Community •Legal Consequences • Holding Grudges with Officials vs Letting it go (Taking calls too personal)

  33. Episode 9 : Parents and Fan Conduct"

    ~Parents and Fans Conduct • Know the Rules • Judgement vs Human Emotion • Black eye to our sport • Legal Consequences

  34. Episode 8 "Common sense Officiating"

    Common sense officiating -Don’t look forTrouble -Tolerate the Tikki Tack call -Don’t look for unnecessary cautions. Stay out of the match. -Don’t get caught up and call unnecessary stalling, when it really isn’t there -learn how to stay out of the match when you have two excellent wrestlers…

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  35. Episode 7 "Sportsmanship and Coaches"

    * Sportsmanship Coaches ~ Maintain Calmness ~ Good Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal) ~ Maintain Order on the mat ~ Ignore Verbal Fan (Don’t have Rabbit Ears) ~ Asses proper Penalties and Hand Signals ~ Know the Rules ~ Enforce Coaches’ Corners and their Boundaries

  36. Episode 6 "Tricks of the trade"

    * Tricks of the Trade ~ Keep your distance (don’t get too close to the wrestlers) Neutral, On the mat, during a fall, etc. ~ Be aware of the time (glance at the clock, peak at the clock, etc.) ~ Be a good partner (verbal and non-verbal communication) ~ During Tournaments (help the table if you…

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  37. Episode 5 "Communication with Coaches"

    This podcast will discuss communication between officials and coaches, and any possible consequences or penalties for "questioning judgement," and or other infractions that occur, and professional courtesy between a coach and an official.

  38. Episode 4 "Pre-meet duties"

    This podcast will discuss pre-meet Duties, officials expectations of the wrestlers and the coaches,and jurisdiction of the officials prior to, and after a duel meet.

  39. Episode 3 "Mechanics and hand signals"

    Each episode of "Behind the Whistle" features in-depth discussions and interviews with officials who share their personal stories, strategies, and insights on what it takes to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and...

  40. Episode 2 "Basic Rules"

    Each episode of "Behind the Whistle" features in-depth discussions and interviews with officials who share their personal stories, strategies, and insights on what it takes to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and...

  41. Episode 1

    "Behind the Whistle: Inside the Mind of an Official" is a compelling and insightful podcast that offers listeners a unique perspective into the world of sports officiating.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Each episode of "Behind the Whistle" features in-depth discussions and interviews with officials who share their personal stories, strategies, and insights on what it takes to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and emotional aspects of officiating, as well as the dedication and preparation that goes into being a successful official.Whether you are a sports fan, an aspiring official, or simply curious about the unseen side of sports, "Behind the Whistle" offers a thought-provoking and engaging exploration into the world of officiating. Tune in to gain a new appreciation for the often overlooked role of officials and to discover the complexities of the game from a whole new perspective.

HOSTED BY

David Marotta

CATEGORIES

sports

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Behind the Whistle have?

Behind the Whistle currently has 41 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Behind the Whistle about?

Each episode of "Behind the Whistle" features in-depth discussions and interviews with officials who share their personal stories, strategies, and insights on what it takes to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the mental and...

How often does Behind the Whistle release new episodes?

Behind the Whistle has 41 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Behind the Whistle?

You can listen to Behind the Whistle on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Behind the Whistle?

Behind the Whistle is created and hosted by David Marotta.
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