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22 It’s not just the players who are rewarded with an invitation to the big game. In the case of Stouffville's Don Carmichael, his work as an on- field official during the 2014 Cana- dian Football League regular seaâ€" son and playoffs also earned him a citation. One that enabled him to serve on the officiating crew for the 102nd Grey Cup game that was won by the Calgary Stampeders over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 20-16 at BC. Place inVancouver. Sunday. For Carmichael. who is the head of physical education at Unionville High School, the honour bestowed upon him wasn" new. _ Having Just completed his 20th season as a CFL official. Carmi- Grey Cup official spared wrath of Ticat fans BY MICHAEL HAYAKAWA mhayakawa®yrmgxom chael's appearance in Sunday's championship tilt where he worked as a side judge was his sixth. He received news of his Grey Cup appointment following the Eastern Conference final. played one week earlier. Carmichael felt all along his selection to the offici- ating crew. which was comprised of an all-star cast of the best at their positions, was well warranted based on how he performed this past season. “It's a combination of things â€" a validation of a good season. you’re officiating performance, a sound performance throughout the year that was based on merit." he said. "I felt I had a good season." In comparing his his latest Grey Cup appearance to his five previ- ous appearances, Carmichael said each one is special in their own SPORTS way. There's not one that stands out above the rest. “They're all great experiences," he was quick to point out. “lust like the players, it's hard for officials not to be excited and not to be nervous. But once the game starts. you just try to relax and do what Stouffville Sun-Tribune Having just completed his 20th season as a CFL official, Carmichael ’s appearance in Sunday’s championship tilt where he worked as a side judge was his sixth. you have to do." This year's assignment was made a little more enjoyable for Carmichael without having to worry about the elements â€"â€" a far cry from last year's game. staged in frigid Regina. “Working indoors at this time of year was just a bonus." he said. Citing his primary responsibil- ity as a side judge is to keep a close watch the interactions between the wide receivers and defensive back; and verify if a pass is complete or incomplete or if offensive or defensive pass interference takes place. Carmichael also keeps a close watch for illegal blocking on special teams' play. During Sunday's finale, one such incident occuned. During the waning moments of the game, in which the final outcome was still in METROLAND PHOTO/SABRINA BYRNES Stouffvilie Spirit netmindcr Aaron Taylor spray.» his face with water prior to the start of their Ontario Junior Hockey League game against the Whitby Fury Tuesday night in Whitby. The Spirit lost 23-]. They host the Lindsay Muskies Satv urday night. For more, see the Jr. A Notebook on page 27. doubt. ’l‘iger-(Iats' Taylor Reed was flagged for blocking from behind during Brandon Banks' electrifying 90-yard punt return for a touch down that was nullified. Fortunately for Carmichael. he did not have to endure the wrath of the 'I‘iger-Cats' faithful as the play in question transpired on the opposite side of the field from where he was stationed and the flag was thrown by a fellow crew member. With another (2H. campaign now history. Carmichael said he intends to don the officials gear when the ball kicks off to start the 2015 campaign. "I get a thrill out of doing it." he said. "From there, we will see how it goes. When the time is right (to leave the game) I'm wise enough to know that. SPLISH, SPLASH