BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Do you love shouting out calls at sporting events? Are you vocally inclined when you see a missed call on the field? If so, you can register as an official to assist with the referee shortage affecting schools nationwide.
The number of sports officials across the country has been declining for the past few years. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, 80 percent of high school sports officials quit before their third year.
The scarcity is beginning to affect Kentucky and Martin County in a major way this season.
Games may have to be limited to each school if the situation does not improve.
Local assignor John Horn “has never seen anything like this” in his nine years of assigning officials to games in the county.
The numbers were already decreasing pre-COVID but have sharply declined since 2020.
The majority of officials are veterans above 50 years old. With most aging closer to retirement, there aren’t enough prospects to fill the gap.
When asked about the lack of referees, Horn replied, “We have none.”
Growing incidents between fans, coaches and officials are turning youngsters away from the profession.
A lack of accountability for unruly fans has empowered some.
Many referees have reported that they do not feel safe during and after games.
Floyd County has implemented a policy to gain control over irate sports goers.
They have started issuing out suspensions for fans that have been ejected. A repeat offense calls for a season ban.
School districts have also administered pay raises to attract candidates. Martin County pays some of the highest rates within the surrounding area.
Despite the pay, Horn continues to have trouble finding officials each week.
“We have never had an abundance of people. But the ones that we did have are now helping in other counties. This puts us in a hard spot,” Horn said.
If you think you have what it takes, you can visit khsaa.org to register.
Prospects can fill out an application and pay the licensing fee. Books will be mailed to applicants that can be used for the open-book rules test. After a passing score, contact the local county assignor of your choosing. Martin County assignor John Horn can be contacted at Eden Elementary.
New officials are usually placed at the youth level alongside a veteran official that will provide training.
Anyone with a love for sports can apply.
Stop making the calls from the stands for free when you can put on the stripes and get paid to demonstrate your expertise.