Five Rochester-area football officials have earned the Buffalo Bills' October High School Football Officiating Crew of the Month honor.
The Bills announced the recognition of Bob Lockhart, Jim Maxwell, Peter McCabe, Wray Richardson and Ed Wood through a program involving the NFL, the National Federation of State High School Associations and the New York State Association of Certified Football Officials.
The award highlights the officials' work on the field, their training of younger officials and their service in their communities, according to the Bills' announcement.
Crew members lead beyond game day
Lockhart, a Webster resident and the crew's referee, has officiated for 26 years and spent 15 years on his chapter's board. His responsibilities have included membership, recruiting, training, technology and terms as vice president and president.
Away from football, his career included technical training and service work at Heidelberg, Kodak and L3Harris. In retirement, he has volunteered with the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels and the Lions Club and worked as a technical consultant.
Maxwell, the umpire, joined the Rochester chapter in 2010 and is its president. His chapter work has included youth assignments, scholarships, scrimmages and training, along with a term as vice president.
He has officiated Section V postseason games and state regional, semifinal and championship games. His public-service career included 26 years with the Kodak Fire Department, retiring as a battalion chief, and 5 1/2 years with Batavia's fire department, retiring as chief.
He now supervises operations for 17 Greece Central School District facilities.
McCabe, of Lakeville, joined the chapter in 1999 and works as head linesman. He has helped with training and scheduling and served as an assignment coordinator for Section V.
His assignments have included Section V and state postseason games. He also officiates boys lacrosse and girls basketball and serves as president of the Genesee Valley Lacrosse Officials Association.
McCabe was named a Section V lacrosse official of the year and received his football chapter's official of the year honor in 2012.
Recruiting and community service
Richardson, a Hilton resident and line judge, has officiated for 24 years. He has handled membership and recruiting, banquet responsibilities, scholarships and multiple leadership positions, including secretary, vice president and president.
His postseason experience includes Section V and state games. He also has coordinated officials for the Special Olympics fundraiser formerly known as the Snow Bowl and now called the Buffalo Bowl, and has helped with youth training and offseason camps.
Wood joined the chapter in 1989. His committee work has covered training, ratings, hospitality, ethics and scholarships, and he has served as vice president and president.
His assignments include Section V semifinals and championships and state postseason games, including assignments in 2006, 2019 and 2025.
Wood retired after more than 40 years with the Dolomite Group. He also has coached AAU, modified and junior varsity basketball in Pavilion and worked with youth baseball, Little League and a varsity baseball program.
The Bills' monthly recognition is part of an NFL-wide effort to recognize high school officials. New York's statewide association has 19 chapters and about 1,500 members, according to the announcement.
People interested in officiating can find information through the NFL's officiating resources or the state association's registration form.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.