East Rutherford, N.J. — The New York Giants and Ticketmaster are proud to celebrate high school football officials throughout New York State in partnership with the National Football League (NFL), the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and New York State Association of Certified Football Officials (NYSACFO). Each month of the high school football season, the Giants will honor a different officiating crew of the month to highlight their commitment to their communities and their demonstration of honesty and objectivity. Thanks to Ticketmaster, each member of the crew will receive tickets to a Giants home game this season. The following officials were named as part of the Giants 2025 October High School Officiating Crew of the Month.
Idrissa Gandega – Referee: Idrissa Gandega is a New York State dual-certified Health and Physical Education teacher, golf coach, and currently the youngest president of the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) Football Officials Association. He has over a decade of officiating youth, high school, college, semi-pro football, and girls high school flag football. Gandega exemplifies unwavering dedication to youth sports and has spent his life and career empowering young people to lead healthy, and active lives. He has coached a wide range of sports, such as middle school girls flag football, golf, volleyball and basketball and is always emphasizing character development, teamwork, and personal growth. His passion for youth sports reaches far beyond the gridiron, greens, or courts, it goes above and beyond blowing the whistle or throwing flags. He is focused on shaping lives, building character, and fostering community and opportunities through sports.
Robert Cole – Umpire: Pastor Robert Cole has dedicated more than two decades to serving both his community and the youth of New York City. For twenty-three years, he has been a respected member of the Public Schools Athletic League Football Officials Association (PSALFOA), where he is recognized for his fairness, professionalism, and mentorship of young athletes across the city. In addition to his work in athletics, Pastor Cole serves as the Senior Pastor of New Life Church in the Bronx. Under his leadership, the church has become a vital center for community outreach—helping individuals and families access resources to overcome personal, educational, economic, and social challenges. Pastor Cole is also a member of the academic staff at CUNY (City University of New York) Lehman College. In his role as a Social Worker with the Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Opportunity Program, he supports underserved high school graduates in pursuing higher education. The program provides academic, career, and social support to ensure that students achieve their educational goals and are prepared to succeed in their chosen careers.
Amir Benjamin – Head Linesman: Amir Benjamin, has been officiating and assigning youth, high school, and semi-professional football for close to a decade now and is a board member for the American Youth Officials organization which focuses on recruiting, training, growing, and promoting officials to higher levels. Benjamin is also the tech aficionado of the PSAL-FOA helping with everything from setting up zoom meetings, to editing training videos, and beyond. When he's not officiating or promoting or promoting officiating, he works tirelessly for his community as a Job Developer for the Police Athletic League's (PAL) Youth Employment Department. In this role he has been responsible for the creation of internships for hundreds if not thousands of teens and young adults throughout the five boroughs of New York City, primarily under the Summer Youth Employment Program. Benjamin not only believes in instilling the power of hard-work in the youth of today but also believes in creating opportunities and opening doors for kids to pursue their future goals.
Carey Christian – Line Judge: Carey Christian, has over 31 years of officiating experience, and has seen it all — from game-winning plays to three different uniform changes. A past president of the PSAL Football Officials Association and current board member, Carey has spent decades not just calling games but building a stronger, smarter, and more connected officiating community. Over the years, Carey has also brought his expertise to the college level, serving as an umpire for seven seasons and working multiple on-field positions — proving he can handle just about anything the game throws his way. When he's not on the field, Carey is working to bring new faces to the officiating community. As a recruiter, mentor, and longtime mechanics class instructor, he's helped countless officials find their footing and their confidence. He's known for creating eye-catching flyers, leading open forums to connect teams and officials, and going above and beyond to support his peers. Off the field, his leadership continues — from raising money and awareness for men's cancers through the American Cancer Society to mentoring youth with the American Youth Officials Organization to protecting our schools as a school safety agent for the city. Whether he's guiding a new official, protecting our children, or giving back to the community, Carey continues to make a lasting impact wherever the whistle blows. Which is why we believe he is a deserving nominee for this recognition.
Andre Kaalund Jr. – Back Judge: Andre Kaalund Jr. has exemplified excellence, leadership, and dedication to the game of football—both on and off the field. His passion for officiating extends far beyond Friday nights; it is woven into his life's mission of education, mentorship, and community empowerment. Andre is a dedicated high school teacher of Statistics and coaches his school's flag football team. Drawing from nearly two decades of officiating experience, he is pioneering a first-of-its-kind Football Officiating Elective at his school, designed to certify graduating seniors as officials. This groundbreaking initiative will not only strengthen the local officiating pipeline but also provide students with an opportunity to earn income, develop professionalism, and explore a potential lifelong career in sports.
The New York Giants have honored high school football officiating crews of the month for three years, and is and one of nineteen NFL clubs participating in this initiative. Each month of the high school football season, the Giants work with the NYSACFO to identify officials who are deserving of the honor.
"The New York State Association of Certified Football Officials appreciates this NFHS/NFL Crew of the Month program which recognizes the dedication and commitment to high school football our officials demonstrate each week and every season. This recognition program has contributed to our organization's drive for excellence and consistency," said Tim Arden, Executive Director of NYSACFO. "In addition, the Crew of the Month program has served as an objective for our newer officials to achieve and has enhanced our ability to retain and recruit officials. We are grateful for the support from the NFHS, NFL and New York Giants."
