The officiating world is in mourning following the unexpected death of Todd Geerlings, a widely respected figure in Michigan sports and beyond. Known for his calm authority, encyclopedic knowledge of the rules, and profound commitment to mentorship, Geerlings’ sudden passing has sent ripples through the college athletics community, especially among officials and analysts affiliated with the COC—Collegiate Officials Consortium. His legacy, built over decades of officiating and leadership, is being remembered with deep admiration, heartfelt sorrow, and widespread gratitude. The Michigan referee community and the broader world of collegiate sports have lost one of their most trusted leaders.
Todd Geerlings’ journey as a sports official began with a simple yet powerful love for the game. Driven by his appreciation for fair play, integrity, and athletic excellence, he began working games at the local level before ascending through the ranks into the collegiate system. Those who watched him grow as a referee quickly recognized that Todd wasn’t just skilled—he was extraordinary. Coaches, players, and fellow officials consistently praised him for his cool head under pressure, unwavering fairness, and deeply rooted understanding of the game’s spirit. His approach to officiating was not just about enforcing rules, but about protecting the core values of sport: respect, effort, and honesty.
Over time, Todd Geerlings became one of the most trusted referees in Michigan, and eventually one of the most respected names in the national officiating scene. His career highlights include overseeing some of the most competitive and high-stakes games in collegiate athletics. Yet no matter the spotlight, Todd never sought attention. He let his professionalism speak for itself. His ability to read the flow of the game, manage conflict diplomatically, and uphold impartiality made him a role model in the industry.
More than just a referee, Todd became a revered mentor and educator. When he transitioned into a leadership and analytical role at the Collegiate Officials Consortium (COC), he found new ways to elevate officiating standards across conferences. The COC entrusted him with responsibilities that went beyond the field: he helped develop training curriculums, evaluated performance footage, reviewed controversial calls, and introduced a level of rigor and fairness to officiating analysis that has become a national benchmark. His contributions significantly strengthened the officiating ecosystem, making it more accountable, consistent, and transparent.
Under Todd’s influence, the COC launched a number of transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing referee education and development. These included refresher clinics, online certification modules, one-on-one mentoring programs, and real-time performance feedback systems. These tools have not only increased the quality of officiating in college sports, but have empowered hundreds of new and experienced officials to refine their craft and raise their performance bar. Todd’s fingerprints are all over the new generation of sports officiating—and that legacy will endure for years to come.
One of the most cited aspects of Todd’s impact was his role as a mentor. Colleagues from all corners of the officiating landscape recall how Todd could take the most complicated rule interpretation and break it down into something accessible and actionable. He had a rare gift for teaching—not just the letter of the rulebook, but the wisdom and ethics behind every decision. He spoke not with arrogance or superiority, but with encouragement, kindness, and clarity. Young referees often looked up to him as a guiding light; experienced veterans trusted him to keep them sharp and honest. Todd believed that officiating wasn’t about catching mistakes—it was about supporting the game and making sure every athlete got a fair shot to compete.
Those who worked closely with Todd describe him as thoughtful, deliberate, and quietly charismatic. He was never the loudest voice in the room, but he was often the one everyone listened to. His ability to calmly mediate discussions, offer constructive feedback, and remain composed in the most tense of moments made him invaluable during review sessions and post-game evaluations. He frequently reminded others that officiating was less about authority and more about stewardship. He believed in being a servant to the sport—not an enforcer, but a guardian of fairness and clarity. This philosophy earned him the trust of officials, coaches, and athletic directors alike.
Beyond his official duties, Todd Geerlings was a beloved member of the Michigan community and a cherished figure in his personal life. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a loyal friend. Family meant everything to him, and he often spoke with pride about the achievements of his children—on and off the field. Whether attending youth games, coaching from the sidelines, or just being a supportive presence in the stands, Todd’s love for his family was palpable. He was known to enjoy backyard barbecues, impromptu road trips, and heartfelt conversations that lingered long after the sun went down. His gentle presence at home matched the poise he displayed in his professional life.
Todd’s passing has left a profound void—not only for those who knew him personally but for the countless individuals whose careers and confidence he helped shape. Within the officiating ranks, there is a strong sense of collective mourning. His absence is felt in training rooms, conference calls, stadium tunnels, and even the silence that follows a well-called game. The COC, where Todd spent recent years helping redefine excellence, has pledged to continue his work with the same spirit of integrity and vision that he championed.
His colleagues, students, and friends are already sharing tributes and memories that underscore how widely he touched lives. Many recall how Todd would stay late after games just to talk with younger refs, how he would offer feedback without ever making someone feel small, and how he carried himself with humility despite being one of the most respected voices in the industry. Stories of his kindness, fairness, and insight are pouring in—a testament to a life lived in quiet excellence.
Plans are underway for a memorial service in Michigan to celebrate Todd’s life and legacy. The event will offer friends, family, and colleagues the opportunity to honor a man who gave so much of himself to the community and to the game. Organizers promise it will be a celebration of everything Todd stood for: integrity, mentorship, and the joy of honest competition. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to officiating scholarship programs that help develop future referees—something Todd would have deeply supported.
In his lifetime, Todd Geerlings stood at the intersection of passion and principle. He knew that being a great referee wasn’t about attention, applause, or ego—it was about being present, being fair, and doing the right thing even when no one noticed. It’s this quiet strength that defined him and continues to inspire those he mentored. His influence on college officiating in Michigan and nationally is impossible to overstate. And while his physical presence will be missed on the field, in the review room, and in the lives of those he held dear, his spirit will live on in every well-made call, every moment of sportsmanship, and every official who learned from his example.
The world of sports has lost a great official, but it has gained an enduring example of what it means to serve with honor, wisdom, and heart. Todd Geerlings may have blown his final whistle, but his impact will echo far into the future—guiding others with the same grace and integrity that defined his life.
The post Todd Geerlings Referee Obituary: Michigan Mourns the Sudden Loss of a Collegiate Officiating Giant first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
The post Todd Geerlings Referee Obituary: Michigan Mourns the Sudden Loss of a Collegiate Officiating Giant first appeared on Voxtrend News.
