Winter sports improve, but nationwide referee shortage continues

It’s impacting communities across our region: referee shortages. FOX 5 first reported this over the summer and has now confirmed to several organizations that winter sports are on the way Did.

Some organizations say winter sports have not been hit as hard by shortages, as fewer sports are typically played and fewer officers are required.

However, the National Association of Sports Officials believes that while the situation has stabilized for now, it is still in “crisis” mode, estimating that there is a 25% shortage of what is needed nationwide.

The main reason this is happening: Many senior officials haven’t returned since the pandemic began, with NASO’s Barry Mano saying the industry is “graying.” , has not closed the gap at a level sufficient to compensate for retirement.

The last important point is that many accredited organizations say parents make the job harder.

FOX 5 spoke with Jeff Sullivan, head of track and field for Montgomery County Public Schools. He said the current reality is that referee availability is becoming a bigger part of the equation when scheduling matches.

“It’s really pervasive in a lot of our sports right now and it’s certainly something we have to recognize in our schedules. How we schedule games, when we schedule games, We will connect as much as possible to provide reassurance and flexibility to those involved,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan added that encouraging sportsmanship in all inter-school athletics has become a priority.

On Friday, the Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association said the current referee shortage is unsustainable and more needs to be done to encourage sportsmanship and create a better working environment for staff. A report has been published showing that

Sullivan also said that given the current number of referees, games that normally take place after school should be considered to be moved to a later time, or football games should be considered on Thursdays or Saturdays.

“With a myriad of officials, you can schedule them however you like, which is convenient, but it’s one of the things we have to be aware of. We’ve been working with our assignees to see the big picture,” Sullivan said.

A 25% shortfall aligns with Rossie Alston Jr. and the Northern Virginia Football Association.

Alston Jr. told FOX 5 that he currently has about 170 officials and could have 200 working, but he would like to have 230.

“As you can imagine, with our numbers declining, this has been a challenge over the past few years. There are many reasons for that, but we are working on it,” said Alston. Junior.

Alston Jr. said the organization is working with schools that can adequately staff the game, but last year some crews had less staff to make it work. Conversations with schools include non-Friday games. Alston Jr. says some schools are more open to it than others at this point.

“We understand where schools are coming from as far as financial obligations need to be met. But the contract is pretty clear. Visiting schools, so we need to do more to make sure the schools understand that we are trying to fulfill the contract as best we can, but they will work with us to ensure that we meet our goals. We need to reach out and help them reach their goals,” Alston Jr. said.

Alston Jr. said recruitment efforts are underway to attract new staff, especially women and young people.

FOX 5 also checked in with the DC State Athletic Association.

In a statement, spokesperson Josh Barr said, “Nationally there is still a shortage, but our game is covered.