Shortage of Sports Officials: Crisis mode

By
David Keech
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The shortage of officials continues to grow, and with the high school sports season resuming, every state is finding officials are becoming scarce.
In an article by John Keilman of the Chicago Tribune, reasons for the shortage are explained, and the common points are what we see in Wisconsin:
  • average age of officials continues to rise
  • shortage of officials is causing schools to move football games to Thursday nights and Saturdays
  • increased workload for existing officials
  • COVID-19 caused many officials to sit out, not returning to their sport
  • abuse from fans and coaches
  • pay not increasing to align with demand
  • schools asking for officials to work multiple games in a night, discounting their pay
  • fees for licensing and uniforms
  • reluctance of companies to allow officials to leave work early
  • shortage of officials causing less experienced officiating crews to work varsity games
Read the complete article HERE

2021 Fall Sports Season Schedules

 Solutions

Most agree the officiating shortage can start to be addressed with one simple solution.

Increase the pay. Seriously.

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David Keech
Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]

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