The MIAA held a celebratory banquet for the 2024-2025 Game Officials of the Year on December 15 in Milford, with three Hampshire County natives being recognized.
Andy Rogers was named the Baseball Official of the Year, while George Shaheen earned the boys lacrosse honors and Jason Dizek was recognized for his work with boys soccer.
Hailing from South Hadley, Rogers also serves as the town’s director of recreation. He has been an official helping keep Western Mass. sports going ever since he was in seventh grade for the same department he now runs.
“I just always wanted to do it for some reason,” Rogers said of being an official. “… It just became a passion of mine that I just have never given up on… And I have always loved it, it’s always been a part of my life, and it’s something that I want to keep doing.”
Despite not making it to the ceremony in Milford due to contracting the flu, Rogers felt great knowing that his work isn’t going unnoticed. He does it for the love of the game, but knowing that his community appreciates the dedication he shows is the cherry on top.
“It’s always just super awesome to have people recognize the hard work, the commitment, the effort that we put into this,” Rogers said.
Balancing refereeing along with a busy life can be a daunting task to some, but Rogers has found he struggles to say no when an opportunity to officiate arises.
Even though there are some horror stories that surround the world of officiating, Rogers has found that the good severely outweighs the bad. He has found a way to alleviate stressful situations before they get out of hand.
“Certainly, there were some games that you left after some coaches or parents screaming at you, but when you learn to take the good with the bad, there’s awesome games, there’s awful games, there’s everything in between,” Rogers said.
Shaheen is currently in his 40th season as an official, taking home the award for boys lacrosse official of the year. As his career comes to a close, the recognition helps to put things into perspective.
“I’m honored, and it coincides with being the age I am, because when I get on the field, I feel like I’m training my replacement,” Shaheen said. “It’s just being present, at the time, and helping out. That’s all you can do. And then do the best job you can, which is what you’re supposed to do.”
The community in Hampshire County has made the 40-year journey worth it for Shaheen, who continues to appreciate the caring people he has the privilege of interacting with on a regular basis.
“I think we have a nice little vibe [in Western Mass.],” Shaheen said. “And I think the vibe is what keeps it going for me. There are some gymnasiums that these people take care of you. They greet you at the door, the site administrators, they make a nice experience for us, so that we’re treated really well.”
Dizek was completely caught off guard by being named the boys soccer official of the year, feeling honored to represent Hampshire County.
“It actually surprised me,” Dizek said. “I had no idea this was even a thing until I got an email that I was nominated. To be honest, I had no idea. It was a little shocking, but it was also a moment of pride for me. I’ve given 17 years to high school soccer, of officiating… It’s a proud moment for me, for sure.”
Thinking back to his playing days, Dizek knows how much good officials did to help the community, hoping to have the same level of impact himself in that role.
“The younger age athletes deserve good officials, Dizek said. “If they’re giving their all, we as officials should give our all for them, not just show up and say, ‘Yeah, I’m here to blow the whistle.’ I want to go out there and make sure the games flow smoothly, that there’s not an issue, that people don’t get hurt.”
All three Western Mass. natives have dedicated countless hours of their free time to officiate high school athletics in the area, and the group hopes the younger generation continues to do the same.
Quality officials have begun to become a scarcity, especially with younger age demographics, and the trio hopes their efforts can help inspire some new officials to try it out.
“I would say, give it a shot,” Rogers said. “It’s certainly harder when you start, but as you progress, it’s really, truly getting something that I love and wish that more people would become involved.”