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There are times when high school football games and other athletic events have to be moved to Thursday night due to a shortage of officials. Director of Officials for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Lee Sanders said they consistently try to recruit and retain referees.
“Because we see just the lack of trained, qualified officials as being one of the biggest challenges to high school sports regardless of what community in the state we’re speaking of,” said Sanders.
Sanders said officiating allows individuals to stay connected to a sport they love, earn a little money on the side, and stay active.
“It gives people a chance to give back to their community and it affords them the best seat in the house whether it’s a football game or a volleyball match,” said Sanders.
In football alone, Sanders said only 1,000 refs are officiating more than 20,000 players in Louisiana. And of those officials, he said 60% of them are over the age of 50. Sanders said they want to recruit younger officials before the more senior ones hang up their whistles.
“When you say seven out of every 100 officials are under the age of 30, and 25 are over the age of 60, those demographics long term don’t bode well for anybody who loves sports,” said Sanders.
For information on how to become an official visit the Louisiana High School Officials Association visit their website at lhsoa.com.
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