The Orange County Football Officials Association (OCFOA) will make history on October 1 when an all‑female officiating crew officiates a CIF‑Southern Section varsity tackle football game.
The game between La Quinta High School and Santiago High School kicks off at 7:00 PM at Garden Grove High School stadium on the campus of Garden Grove High School. (11271 Stanford Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840)
This game marks the first time in Orange County’s history that a varsity contest will be officiated entirely by women.
Officiating Crew
- Referee: Mary Margaret Montgomery
- Umpire: MaryAnn Menlove
- Head Lines: Kristi Wilson
- Line Judge: Nina Berbiglia
- Back Judge: Sarita Stamps
OCFOA has worked tirelessly to expand recruitment, training and mentorship opportunities for women interested in football officiating. All five of these women officials have worked numerous varsity games alongside their male OCFOA colleagues. October 1 marks the first time all five will work together on a varsity game.
“I feel honored to be the crew chief on this first‑ever all‑female OCFOA officiating crew,” Mary Margaret Montgomery said. “These officials have been working hard to improve their skills, and it is thrilling to have OCFOA put us on the field together. We are so excited to work together.”
Historic Milestone
This varsity assignment represents a significant step forward in visibility, representation, and advancement for women officiating within Orange County as well as the entire officiating community.
“I hope schools, fans, and the broader community see what we see; officials who are on that field because they are outstanding at what they do,” Said OCFOA President James Stickney. “Their assignment is not symbolic, it is earned. 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.”
OCFOA celebrates this milestone and remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages officials of all backgrounds to grow, advance, and contribute to the sport of high school football.
Additional quotes from Referee, Mary Margaret Montgomery
“The message I hope this sends to women who may be interested in pursuing officiating is ‘come and join us.’ Don’t let anything stop you and keep pursuing what you love to do.
“What I want for coaches players and the community to know about this milestone in women’s officiating is that women know and love the game of football and can become excellent officials if given the chance and mentorship. We want to be judged and rated on the same standards; mechanics or positioning on the field, application of the rules, and professionalism and humility on and off the field.”
Additional quotes from OCFOA President, James Stickney
“This assignment is a landmark moment for our association. It reflects the growth, professionalism, and inclusivity we strive for as an organization. These officials earned this varsity assignment through their performance, preparation, and commitment to the craft. As a father of three daughters, it’s incredibly meaningful to see women not only represented, but leading on the varsity field.”
“This crew’s assignment reflects exactly where OCFOA is headed. We are building an environment where female officials are supported, mentored, and given real opportunities to advance. Our development pipeline is working, and this milestone shows that women are not just entering officiating, they are thriving and leading at the highest levels.”
About OCFOA
The Orange County Football Officials Association provides certified officials for CIF‑Southern Section high school football games throughout Orange County. OCFOA is dedicated to training, developing, and supporting officials at all levels while promoting integrity, professionalism, and excellence in officiating.
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