Women make history officiating high school football game in Los Angeles

Five African-American women referee an L.A. City Section game together Friday night

Kim Bly made history last year, working with four other referees to become the first all-female crew to officiate an Oregon varsity high school football game.

Big News: Another 1st for Me
Last year in Oregon, All Female Crew, This Year in CA, for the 1st Time in HERstory, An All Female Crew. We have earned it, and ask for Support in a Positive light. SPREAD THE NEWS!!
HUMBLED@latsondheimer @Tarek_Fattal @RonMFlores @CIFLACS @NFHS_Org pic.twitter.com/Wazif26wdw

— Kim Bly (@Coachkb22Blu) October 26, 2022

She took it further Friday night, working on a crew of five African-American women who refereed the Maywood at Marquez varsity football game in Los Angeles.

Bly joined LaQuica Hawkins, Crystal Nichols, Zina Jones, Connie Wells to referee the game in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

HISTORY MAKERS....
1st All Female Crew to work a High School Game in Southern CA. We are Professionals, Hard Workers, Qualified and ALL AFRICAN-AMERICANS.

HELP US SHARE OUR STORY. IT HAPPENS TOMORROW 10/28 @730pm @ Marquez HS.@latsondheimer @Tarek_Fattal @RonMFlores @CIFLACS pic.twitter.com/SSaSYcaAiN

— Kim Bly (@Coachkb22Blu) October 28, 2022

"The women I'm going to referee with — I've done football with them, they have a strong background in basketball, and they're professional women," Nichols told CBS Los Angeles' Jim Hill. "We know exactly what we have to do when we go out there, and it's going to be amazing."

Nichols served as head referee Friday night, surrounded by a crew she couldn't be more proud to work alongside.

And for Bly, it was a bit of deja vu all over again after working with Amy Pistone, Jeana Fisher, Cat Conti, Rebecca Brisson and Mary Harvill last year in Oregon.