Five female football officials in California will be flexing their muscles in solidarity on Thursday, Oct. 1.
The Orange County Football Officials Association (OCFOA) is set to make history when an all-female officiating crew works a CIF Southern Section varsity football game for the first time in a game featuring La Quinta and Santiago.
The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. PT at Garden Grove High School, will mark the first time an all-female crew has officiated a varsity football game in Orange County.
The five-member crew includes referee Mary Margaret Montgomery, umpire MaryAnn Menlove, head lines official Kristi Wilson, line judge Nina Berbiglia and back judge Sarita Stamps.
“I feel honored to be the crew chief on this first-ever all-female OCFOA
officiating crew,” Montgomery said in an OCFOA release. “These officials have been working hard to improve their skills, and it is thrilling to have OCFOA put us on the field together.”
OCFOA President James Stickney said the assignment was earned through the officials' performance and preparation.
“Their assignment is not symbolic, it is earned,” Stickney said. “I also hope this inspires young women watching from the stands or considering officiating for the first time. Representation matters, and this crew sends a powerful message that they belong here.”
Montgomery hopes the milestone encourages more women to pursue officiating.
“The message I hope this sends to women who may be interested in pursuing officiating is ‘come and join us,’” she said. “Don't let anything stop you and keep pursuing what you love to do.”
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: All-female officiating crew set to headline California high school football game
