Welcome to episode 142 of the Hangin’ with the AD podcast, where we explore the intersection of leadership, athletics, and education through the voices of those making a real difference in the lives of student-athletes.

 Today’s episode brings a fresh perspective to the show—one from the whistle’s point of view.

 We’re joined by Marcus Woods, a highly respected official at both the high school and collegiate levels. Marcus has worked some of the biggest games in the country—including a recent college football national championship—and he’s earned a reputation for professionalism, consistency, and a deep understanding of what makes great officiating.

 In this conversation, we dive into what makes officiating fun, what makes it challenging, and what athletic directors and coaches can do to create a better experience for officials. Marcus also shares what defines a great official, how top officials handle missed calls, and why officiating might be the perfect next step for former athletes, coaches, or anyone looking to stay involved in the game.

 And for our coaches and ADs—Marcus offers powerful insight on what makes a coach great from the official’s perspective, and how leadership shows up on the sidelines.

 Whether you’re looking to better support your officials, recruit new ones, or simply understand the game from a different angle, this episode delivers.

 Here’s our conversation with veteran official Marcus Woods.