Jacob Nelson, a 19-year-old athlete from Chelsea, Michigan, is proving that there's no limit to what Special Olympics athletes can achieve. After years of excelling in sports like bocce and snowshoeing, Jacob has taken on a new role in the sports community—one that allows him to stay close to the action while giving back in a different way: by becoming a referee.
Nelson's journey to refereeing was a natural transition that started several years ago, when he was inspired by his brothers' love for sports—particularly football. “It’s probably been three or four years,” Nelson explains when asked how long he’s been an athlete in Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI). With four older brothers who played football and other sports, Nelson developed a keen interest in sports officiating. “That’s when I got really interested in refereeing, especially for football,” he adds with a smile.
Having grown up in a lively family with four brothers and three sisters, Jacob finds himself in the middle of the sibling lineup, but he’s quickly made a name for himself in the world of sports. It wasn’t long before Nelson’s passion for football and officiating collided. After participating in sports through Special Olympics, Nelson decided to try something new and started refereeing events like softball and football, leveraging his understanding of the game from years of watching his brothers play.
Nelson’s entry into refereeing wasn't just about stepping onto the field; it was a deliberate decision to be part of something bigger. He knew that Special Olympics, like many sports organizations, faced a shortage of officials. With the help of supportive mentors, including his football referee crew, Nelson took the leap.
“I started with UMaze, and then I did Special Olympics,” Nelson recalls. His experiences participating in sports such as bocce and snowshoe led him to look at the game from a new perspective. Observing other referees, he learned the rules and mechanics of officiating by paying close attention to their moves.
“I have a lot of friends who are officials,” Nelson says. “I heard that more were needed, so I decided to get involved.”
At first, Nelson attended football meetings and worked alongside seasoned referees, learning the ropes. His dedication paid off when he was invited to join a referee crew and even earned a spot in the football meetings, gaining insight from experienced officials who treated him like one of their own.
Nelson’s commitment to learning has made him a standout in the world of officiating. Despite his relatively short experience, he already handles the pressure of making tough calls and managing the field with poise.
Being a referee isn’t for the faint of heart, especially in high-energy sports like football. Officials are often faced with critical decisions, and the crowd can sometimes be vocal in their disagreement. Nelson isn’t phased by a challenge. “Sometimes people try to yell at me,” he says. “I just turn around and walk away. They usually stop.”
This calm collected approach is something Nelson developed over time. He’s learned how to focus on the game and ignore any distractions, a skill that has proven invaluable in his new role. But he also acknowledges that being a referee is about more than making calls—it’s about leadership and staying composed under pressure.
What makes refereeing particularly rewarding for Nelson is the sense of camaraderie and mentorship he receives from his colleagues. One of his key mentors, a football referee who has been officiating for 48 years, has become a close friend and guide. Nelson admires this referee's ability to lead a crew and connect with others. “They made him part of their crew,” he shares. “I just try to learn from everyone around me.”
Nelson’s passion for sports and officiating is not only inspiring but a testament to the power of inclusion and leadership. His involvement in Special Olympics shows that athletes can do more than just compete—they can lead, mentor, and shape the future of sports for others.
As for Nelson, the journey is just beginning. Whether it's through continuing to volunteer or taking on more official training, there's no doubt that this young man is ready for whatever the future holds—on or off the field.