Todd Geerlings Obituary, Death in Michigan: Esteemed Referee and Collegiate Officials Consortium Analyst Passes Away, Leaving the College Sports Officiating World in Mourning
The collegiate sports community is grappling with the devastating news of the sudden death of Todd Geerlings, a veteran referee and respected analyst at the Collegiate Officials Consortium (COC). A name synonymous with excellence, integrity, and leadership in college officiating circles, Geerlings’ passing in Michigan has left a profound void in a field where impartiality, mentorship, and professional conduct are paramount.
His unexpected death has triggered a wave of grief and heartfelt tributes from colleagues, athletes, coaches, and institutions across the country. As news of his passing spreads, countless members of the college sports ecosystem are reflecting on the immeasurable impact he had on the development of officiating standards and the mentorship of young referees.
Remembering Todd Geerlings: A Life of Precision, Passion, and Purpose in College Sports
Todd Geerlings wasn’t just a referee; he was a guiding light in the world of collegiate athletics officiating. Over the course of his distinguished career, he earned a reputation as a man of principle—dedicated to fairness, technical knowledge, and the betterment of the sport itself. His journey in officiating began humbly, climbing the ranks through high school and small college games before eventually securing a significant role with the Collegiate Officials Consortium, an organization known for maintaining elite standards in basketball and football officiating across top-tier NCAA conferences.
Geerlings brought not only professionalism but also an analytical mind that helped shape modern-day officiating guidelines. His insights were frequently sought during review processes, rules updates, and training programs. As an analyst, he broke down complex game footage to identify patterns and provide valuable feedback to improve performance and accountability among officials.
Those who knew him best say his presence in the locker room and on the sidelines was a blend of calm authority and mentorship. He was someone who never hesitated to lend advice or offer encouragement to up-and-coming referees navigating the intense scrutiny that comes with officiating high-stakes games.
The Collegiate Officials Consortium: A Platform Elevated by His Expertise
The COC (Collegiate Officials Consortium), which supports officiating across the Big Ten, Horizon League, Mid-American Conference, and more, greatly benefited from Todd Geerlings’ involvement. His work not only helped refine how officials were recruited and trained but also directly influenced how game-day performances were evaluated and improved.
Through his analytical contributions, the Consortium saw heightened consistency in calls, fewer officiating controversies, and a better overall perception of fairness in college sports. He believed that officiating was a craft, and he treated it with the kind of respect that inspired others to rise to his level of dedication.
“Officiating is about more than just the rulebook—it’s about reading the game, understanding momentum, and managing pressure,” Geerlings once told a group of officials during a COC seminar. “If we can’t do those things well, we fail the game.”
That mindset helped him earn the admiration of both peers and critics alike. In a world where referees are often subject to intense scrutiny and even vitriol, Geerlings stood as a beacon of professionalism and grace.
An Outpouring of Tributes From the Officiating World
News of Todd Geerlings’ death has spread rapidly throughout the officiating world, sparking a cascade of tributes across social media and official statements from collegiate athletic programs and referee associations.
The COC issued a heartfelt statement, noting: “Todd Geerlings was more than a colleague. He was a mentor, a leader, and an advocate for the integrity of the game. His loss will be felt deeply, not just in our organization but in every arena and field where his influence was known.”
Dozens of referees, both active and retired, have shared memories of Todd’s ability to calm nerves before big games, offer constructive criticism after tough matches, and treat every official with the same respect regardless of their experience level.
“He had a presence that immediately made you feel supported,” said one young referee who had just entered the college officiating ranks. “Todd saw potential in people and helped them grow. That’s rare in this field.”
Former athletes and coaches have also added their voices to the chorus of grief. Many recalled games officiated by Geerlings as benchmarks of fairness and clarity—matches where decisions, even when tough, were always respected because of the trust in his integrity.
Todd Geerlings’ Impact Beyond the Whistle
While most will remember Todd Geerlings for his precise officiating and critical eye, his impact stretched far beyond the court or field. He was known in Michigan’s local communities as an advocate for youth sports, often volunteering time to speak at high schools or provide clinics for aspiring officials.
His love for the game was matched by his belief in building a strong foundation for the future. Many of his proteges have gone on to secure positions in Division I and professional sports officiating, crediting Todd’s mentorship for their career success.
In addition to officiating, Geerlings contributed to sports integrity panels, officiating ethics boards, and participated in rule revision committees, bringing a balanced, practical voice to conversations that shaped how modern college sports are governed.
He was also a fierce proponent of mental health in sports, particularly for officials who often bear immense stress and public pressure. He was instrumental in launching support programs within the COC that provided mental health resources for referees and analysts alike.
Cause of Death and Public Response
At the time of this publication, the official cause of Todd Geerlings’ death has not been publicly disclosed. His passing was described as sudden and unexpected, prompting widespread sorrow among those who interacted with him professionally and personally.
While the specifics remain private, the public mourning has not subsided. Online memorial pages, officiating forums, and NCAA-affiliated organizations have dedicated space to honor his life and contributions.
One referee association based in Michigan has announced plans to name an annual officiating scholarship after him, aimed at developing new officials with the same integrity and professionalism that Todd embodied throughout his life.
Honoring His Legacy: Funeral and Memorial Plans
Todd Geerlings’ family, while requesting privacy during this difficult time, has announced that memorial services will be held in Michigan, with details to be shared through official officiating associations and local media. The service is expected to draw attendees from across the country, including long-time colleagues, fellow referees, and sports professionals from across NCAA conferences.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Todd’s memory to programs supporting:
- Officiating education and development
- Youth sports mentorship
- Mental health resources for sports officials
These causes reflect Geerlings’ lifelong commitment to making sports officiating not only a career, but a calling grounded in humanity and respect.
