TOWSON, Md. — The Landmark Conference is proud to announce a new partnership with Officially Human, an organization dedicated to restoring respect to game officials and creating a positive environment across all levels of sport.
"We can't deliver the kind of competitive, meaningful experiences our student-athletes deserve without dedicated officials," said Landmark Commissioner Katie Boldvich. "This partnership with Officially Human is an important step in promoting respect, improving game-day environments, and supporting the people who make our seasons possible. I'm proud that the Landmark is joining this effort to help address the officiating crisis and strengthen the future of our sports."
The Landmark joins a growing number of collegiate conferences across the country, partnering with Officially Human to address the officiating crisis through education, awareness, and proactive support. Member institutions will gain access to resources and programming that promote respect for officials, improve recruitment and retention, and enhance the overall game-day experience for everyone involved.
Officially Human was founded by Brenda Hilton, who currently serves as Senior Director of Administration at the collegiate level. Hilton brings over 25 years of experience working across all levels of college athletics, including extensive collaboration with officials and assignors in Division I men's basketball and football. Her passion for the treatment, recruitment, and retention of officials is recognized nationwide and drives the organization's mission.
"Officially Human is proud to welcome The Landmark Conference to our growing portfolio of collegiate conference partners", exclaimed Hilton. "We commend Commissioner Boldvich and the member institutions for taking this meaningful step in prioritizing sportsmanship and elevating the conversation around the treatment and support of sports officials. Together, we're reinforcing the foundation of respect that every game—and every official—deserves."
ABOUT OFFICIALLY HUMAN
Based in Lombard, IL, Officially Human was founded to restore respect to, and positive treatment of, sport officials through increased education and communication to all stakeholders (administrators, coaches, athletes, and fans.) Founded in 2019, Officially Human is the leader in addressing the growing crisis in officiating that touches every sport, official, and level of competition. Officially Human offers tailored solutions to athletic host organizations of all sizes that improve the stakeholder experience at each of their sporting competitions. The comprehensive solutions package includes digital education, awareness building, event host communication strategies, and organizational support in addressing poor fan behavior. To learn more about Officially Human, visit officiallyhuman.org.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
"I look forward to Officially Human partnering with the Landmark Conference to help spread the message that game officials are part of our communities in the other roles they have, such as educators, doctors, nurses, business people, parents, children, siblings. Their job as an official is no less important than the other jobs they have, and they should be seen in a positive light for the sacrifices they make to serve the games they officiate. Without officials, there are no games." -
Jon Levinson, Landmark Women's Basketball Assignor
"The partnership between the Landmark Conference and Officially Human represents an important step toward fostering greater respect and understanding for sports officials. By amplifying the message of sportsmanship and recognizing the vital role officials play, we continue to strengthen the integrity of the game at the Division III level." -
Donnie Eppley, Landmark Men's Basketball Assignor
"Officially Human's partnership with the Landmark Conference will be so crucial to the future of retaining referees in sports. As the assignor for women's lacrosse in the Landmark Conference, I can honestly say that all officials have a passion and love for the game. Officials get nervous, we get psyched up for games, and we mentally prepare just like athletes and coaches do. We work extremely hard as a crew to call the best game possible. We maintain our professionalism at all times, but unfortunately, don't always get the same respect from coaches, players, or fans. Hopefully, this mission will give us the respect we deserve and foster a kinder environment towards officials." -
Julie Waicus, Landmark Women's Lacrosse Assignor
"It is extremely refreshing to learn of the partnership between Officially Human and the Landmark Conference. I greatly applaud Officially Human's support of officials. It is highly accurate to say that sports officials represent the last bastion of integrity in competitive athletics. This partnership confirms the integral role officials play in athletics." -
Jim Corpora, Landmark Football Assignor