Referee Shortage Still a Growing Problem in High School Sports

The referee shortage has been growing over the last several years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only added to it.

Another brutally tough challenge for longtime prep football referee

In a figurative sense, Jeffers had been struck by lightning three times. Prostate cancer, a quadruple-bypass procedure and a broken neck.

“It’s the worst it’s been:” Referee shortage leading to more Saturday, Thursday high school...

"It is the worst it's been. It was bad before the pandemic but now the pandemic is here too."

NFHS: Poor Sportsmanship, Pandemic Contributing to Shortage of Officials

(9/1) “I think the sportsmanship issue is something that continues to keep individuals from officiating, or we lose them because of poor sportsmanship.”
Softball 2024 – Rules Challenge

Younger referees detail potential solution to WIAA ref shortage

(9/1) The WIAA continues to face referee shortages this fall, even in the bigger sports.

Art McNally named finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022

(8/31) Having contributed more than 50 years on the field and in the league office, Art McNally is considered "The Father of Modern Officiating."

Nick Kyrgios bickers with chair umpire over towel placement in testy first-round loss at...

(8/31) He cursed, he pouted, he feuded with the chair umpire over petty things, he argued with someone in his own box.

To Honor The Legacy: Terry Wakeley

(8/31) Grayling High School offers tribute to Terry Wakeley and his officiating contributions during pre-game ceremony.
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Girls Volleyball: player follows in father’s officiating footsteps

(8/30) “Reffing made me understand that it’s so hard for the refs. Sometimes what they take from the parents and the coaches, it’s not...

Referee shortage a concern

(8/30) A shortage of game officials is beginning to take its toll on high school football throughout Ohio.

Referee shortages switch Friday night lights to Thursdays

(8/29) Mantica said there are several reasons why ranging from rude parents and fans to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taking their shot: NBA referees to be vaccinated this season

(8/28) The NBA announced Saturday that it has struck a deal with the National Basketball Referees Association on the requirement.
Baseball 2024 – S&I

Match abandoned after player attacks referee

A National Conference League rugby match was abandoned on Thursday night after a player attacked the referee.

MLB Umpires Take Time Out To Host Zoom Q & A With Young Patients...

(8/27) UMPS CARE has pivoted to ensure that we continue to deliver smiles to kids who are isolated now more than ever.

Manny Sokol, retired NBA referee, dies at 92

(8/26) NBA Referee Manny Sokol, who was on the court during the 1960s and ’70s, died Aug. 14 from congestive heart failure. He was...

Only vaccinated personnel in locker rooms on NFL game days

(8/26) The NFL has mandated that only fully vaccinated personnel will have access to locker rooms on game days.
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Prep problems: Shortages may disrupt high school sports in Oregon

(8/25) A statewide lack of officials and drivers is causing headaches for administrators.

After cancer battle, woman becomes a top high school basketball ref

(8/25) She tried coaching, but ultimately she wanted to follow in her father's footsteps as a referee.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Caleb Smith gets 10-game ban for foreign substance on glove

(8/25) Smith had his glove confiscated after he came off the field in the 8th inning last Wednesday and was ejected.

College football’s ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 alliance

(8/24) The commissioners of the Big Ten, Pac-12 and ACC made it official Tuesday, announcing an alliance between the three leagues.
Baseball 2024 – S&I

Referee Greg England inducted into Alabama Sports Officials Hall of Fame

(8/24) When Greg England made the move from athlete to official, he didn’t know exactly how far that change would take him.

Lawmakers Call Foul on Referee Abuse

(8/24) At least 20 states have laws providing special criminal penalties for attacks against referees.

David Wyant receives the Art McNally Award for his time as NFL referee

(8/23) For decades when you couldn’t find Wyant behind the register, he was likely on an NFL sideline.

Veteran referee calls time after decorated career

(8/23) Jimmy Oliveira has decided to hang up the whistle after a decorated career that included 455 games.

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