Packers and WIAA Selected September Officials Crew

The Green Bay Packers and the WIAA honored five high school football officials for their work in September.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football

Packers and WIAA Selected September Officials Crew

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The Green Bay Packers and the WIAA named Josh Gould, Shannon Rysewyk, Gerald Lang, Jeason Thomas, and Ben Leibl as the high school football officiating crew of the month for September 2026. This selection was made as part of a joint initiative between the National Federation of State High School Associations and the NFL.

Why it matters

The crew was recognized for their commitment to officiating, their fairness in implementing game rules, and their demonstration of objectivity on the field. This initiative aims to highlight the critical role of officials in maintaining the integrity of high school football games across Wisconsin.

WIAA personnel review five officiating positions each month to determine the monthly honorees. The selection process followed a clinic organized by Josh Gould that included more than 40 officials.

The players

Green Bay Packers

This NFL franchise partners with the WIAA to highlight high school football officials in Wisconsin.

WIAA

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association oversees high school sports and participates in the monthly officiating recognition program.

Josh Gould

He serves as the football chair of the Arrowhead Officials Association and recently organized a football clinic for over 40 officials.

Ben Leibl

He currently serves as the commissioner of the Mississippi Valley Conference in La Crosse.

The details

The honorees are featured on the digital and social media platforms of the Packers, the WIAA, and the NFL Play Football program. The five officials represent various regions of Wisconsin, including residents from Amery, Marinette, Verona, Kaukauna, and La Crosse.

The crew was selected for their performance during September 2026.
Additional crews will be recognized in October 2026 and November 2026.

Season Trajectory

This monthly recognition program highlights the officiating standards that maintain competitive balance across the state. These selections serve as a precursor to the naming of a Wisconsin crew of the year, which will eventually be submitted for national recognition.

The recognition of these officials highlights the ongoing demand for certified personnel at the high school level. These monthly awards are intended to bolster recruitment and retention efforts within the officiating community across the state.

The takeaway

Supporting the development of high school officials is essential for the continued operation of local football programs. Fans and players alike benefit from the fairness and objectivity provided by trained referees throughout the season.

What happens next

The Packers and WIAA are scheduled to announce officiating crews of the month for October and November 2026. Following these selections, five officials will be chosen as the Wisconsin crew of the year at the conclusion of the season.