LANSING - Every one knows high school players and coaches all over the state are gearing up for the 2014-2015 seasons, but most people forget about one of the most important aspects of high school sports, referees.

The MHSAA and other local associations work hard to make sure that their referees are well trained every year.

After referees go through the registration process they receive books and manuals, are required to watch many online training videos, and also attend weekly meetings and training sessions throughout high school seasons.

"Some of them are just classroom where we'll look at video, we'll look at different rules, we'll take a rules test things like that," said MHSAA Assistant Director Mark Uyl. "Then other of the training clinics are actually out there on the field, on the court, on the wrestling mat whatever the case may be."

Referee training sessions and meetings will begin within the next few weeks in preparation for fall sports.