Meeting Speaker for April 30, 2012 - Peter Morelli, NFL Referee

The National Football League (NFL) is the most prestigious sports league in North America.  Each fall millions of Americans gather at tail gate parties, around their big screen TVs and fill their fantasy schedules.  High expectations fill the early fall followed by big plays, disappointments and many exhilarating moments.

Monday’s speaker, Peter Morelli is a head official in the NFL.  Peter returns for another visit to our club for his interesting insight to the game, his story of how a principal at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton can both make a difference on the kids in his school and the game of football in America as just one of 17 head officials, wearing the famous white hat since 2003.

In 1970 Mr. Morelli, joined his father and uncle as officiating high school games. He has worked his way from English and Physical Education (PE), to an official in high school thru junior college, college conference, bowl game and World Football to the top of his profession.  His travels have taken him across America and to Europe, allowed him to work numerous professional divisional, conference, Pro Bowl and Championship games.

Let our speaker share how the NFL found him, the role & authority of the head official, their control of the game, demands, and experiences.  Hear about controversial calls, how the league monitors and reviews games, chooses assignments and where football is headed.  Originally brought to us by our own Ludy Langer (who was always loved and was proud of his own officiating role), this inductee into the Stockton Athletic Hall of Fame is entertaining and informative.  Invite a friend or business associate to enjoy the experience of Rotary and listen to our speaker.

Peter lives with his wife Cindy in Stockton where they have raised 2 boys, Matthew and Daniel, who have started to follow in his footsteps. Since 1989 he has been the principal of St. Mary’s High School.