CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) is proud to announce a new partnership with Officially Human (OH), an organization dedicated to restoring respect to game officials and recognizing the vital role they play in athletic competition.
"As a conference built on respect, integrity, and the holistic development of student-athletes, we recognize that officials are essential to the success of every athletic contest," noted Marie Stroman, A-R-C Commissioner. "Partnering with Officially Human allows us to further promote a culture of positive sportsmanship and support the critical role officials play across all sports."
The initiative will focus on encouraging positive behavior among student-athletes, coaches, and fans, while also supporting recruitment and retention efforts for officials across all sports.
“I am thrilled to welcome the American Rivers Conference as a partner," added Brenda Hilton, CEO & Founder of Officially Human. "I commend Commissioner Stroman and her staff for their commitment to sportsmanship and positive treatment of officials. I look forward to seeing how they implement the Officially Human programming this year.”
Videos and other informational items designed to help better educate and inform student-athletes, coaches and fans will be highlighted throughout the league on social media and throughout the academic year.
About Officially Human: Based in Lombard, Illinois, Officially Human was founded to restore respect to, and positive treatment of, sport officials through increased education and communication to all stakeholders (administrators, coaches, athletes, and fans.) Founded in 2019, Officially Human is the leader in addressing the growing crisis in officiating that touches every sport, official, and level of competition. Officially Human offers tailored solutions to athletic host organizations of all sizes that improve the stakeholder experience at each of their sporting competitions. The comprehensive solutions package includes digital education, awareness building, event host communication strategies, and organizational support in addressing poor fan behavior. To learn more about Officially Human, visit officiallyhuman.com.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
