Football official receives top call

SARASOTA — Bill Siedlecki’s position always remains the same.

It doesn’t matter the name splashed across the front of the team’s jerseys or which coach is standing behind him on the sideline.

When the stadium lights come on and the players take the field, the Sarasota resident is all business.
For nearly three decades, Siedlecki has stood at the sidelines every Friday night making sure every football game from Manatee County to Charlotte County is played by the rules and that athletes display good sportsmanship.

Siedlecki officiated 13 varsity football games, nine junior varsity games and four playoff games last season as a head referee for the Gulf Coast Football Officials Association.

In honor of Siedlecki’s commitment to the community and the game itself, the Florida High School Athletic Association named him football official of the year during the FHSAA Leadership Conference last month, in St. Petersburg.

“It was unreal,” Siedlecki says of being chosen. “It’s cool, but unreal.”

The Gulf Coast Football Officials Association nominated Siedlecki based on his years of experience, the number and variety of games worked and his community involvement, among other criteria.

A former University of Buffalo linebacker, Siedlecki, who earned a degree in education, wanted do something with football once his playing days ended. He went to an officiating meeting and began officiating football shortly thereafter.

That was 26 years ago.

“I enjoy being involved in the game and watching the kids play,” Siedlecki says. “Athletics is so much better now than when I played. It’s just enjoyable being out on the field.”

In addition to football, Siedlecki also officiates basketball. But, he admits, football has always been his favorite sport.

And while there was a time that Siedlecki might have gotten caught up in the comments that often swirl around the sideline regarding a specific call, he recognizes it’s simply part of the game.

“I don’t take it personally anymore,” Siedlecki says with a chuckle.

As the referee, or crew chief, Siedlecki is responsible for making all of the signals and telling the rest the umpires how to enforce the call.

“It’s a tough position,” Siedlecki says. “You better know the rules.”

Siedlecki will begin his 27th season in three weeks with the annual Preseason Kickoff Classics before kicking off the regular season Aug. 29.

“It’s great,” Siedlecki says. “It’s a lot of fun. It’s not a lot of money, but it keeps me in touch with my background in sports. I encourage everyone to go out and officiate and just get involved.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].