HS Football Officiating Shortage

FirefightnRick · September 10, 2016

Need to get the word out cause I'm sick of watching two man crews trying to get thru a game.

If there's anyone looking for some extra pay or have an outright interest in being a high school football official you should give the Fort Worth Officiating Association (I believe that is the name)..a call.

They are currently in dire straights numbers wise and are having to ration members for junior high, freshmen and JV games.

I have no idea the requirements or time frame it takes to get started but better late than never.

Rick

Marty · September 10, 2016

It is a problem. There was a 2A game in my area that was moved up to Thursday because there wasn't enough officiating crews available Friday night.

FirefightnRick · September 10, 2016

13 minutes ago, Marty said:

It is a problem. There was a 2A game in my area that was moved up to Thursday because there wasn't enough officiating crews available Friday night.

Yes sir. I heard yesterday they were having to call other associations asking if there was anyone extra to send over for Thursday night. It's rediculous.

Rick

southsideguy · September 10, 2016

i like to to do this but not sure of the process

greenjoe · September 10, 2016

Way way too late for me but does anyone know how much pay for a freshman game ? Or a JV game ?

RealMeanGreenMatt · September 10, 2016

I'm in my first year as a part of the Dallas Football Officials Association. Both chapters need more guys and gals that love the game and would be willing to learn and officiate.

The first step is to go to www.taso.org and click the link at the top right "new applications".

Depending on where you live and/or work you will want to then join the Dallas or Ft Worth officials association.

its never too late! Go for it!

KRAM1 · September 10, 2016

Low pay, low travel reimbursement and disrespectful crowds, coaches and players all add up to officiating shortages in many high school and youth sport programs these days. I know my soccer association was always looking for refs and so was my competitive associations along with the high schools. After I retired, I still got constant calls to please reconsider and come back and ref. It is not for everyone, and lots of folks think it is "someone else's job". So, they don't get involved. It does take time, study, practice and commitment to be even half way decent. But, it is also fun. The enjoyment will far outweigh the crap-ola you have to put up with on a fairly regular basis.

It takes time to train, certify and re-train and certify every year. If you are doing it for the pay, you won't last long. You have to do it because you love youth sports. If parents, players and coaches would show a bit more respect it would help as well. There were teams I refused to ref, unless we were in a really bad situation for refs, because the parents and coaches were simply idiots. Not worth it to me. Plus, being an "older and more experienced" ref had me placed at quite a few "problem" games. That got tiring I can tell you, but better me in the center than some young ref just starting out I guess.

I loved my 30 plus years as a ref and would encourage anyone who has the time and desire to get involved as a ref, an umpire or whatever you wish. Just go into it for the right reasons...and that isn't the pay!

How do you get involved? Call the local high school and ask for the referee, umpire, etc. phone number...call it...they will send you all the info you need. It is a shame these players do not have adequate officiating. If at all interested....you can help. Ladies, you listening? You can be certified as well in any sport. Think about getting involved.

Matt from A700 · September 10, 2016

Do you know if they will need officials for the high school basketball season?

Army of Dad · September 11, 2016

Based off what I saw during the Pilot Point - Aubrey game I have no doubt there must be a shortage of competent officials...

mgfan · September 11, 2016

If you think that is a problem you should see high school soccer.

RushnStudies · September 11, 2016

Wow, I had no idea. Our game last night had a full crew from the Fort Worth association.

Army of Dad · September 11, 2016

4 minutes ago, mgfan said:

If you think that is a problem you should see high school soccer.

^^^^

True story, I've heard (and seen) some horror stories about HS soccer officiating.

(former soccer ref who still refuses to call a HS game)

untbowler · September 11, 2016

6 hours ago, KRAM1 said:

Low pay, low travel reimbursement and disrespectful crowds, coaches and players all add up to officiating shortages in many high school and youth sport programs these days. I know my soccer association was always looking for refs and so was my competitive associations along with the high schools. After I retired, I still got constant calls to please reconsider and come back and ref. It is not for everyone, and lots of folks think it is "someone else's job". So, they don't get involved. It does take time, study, practice and commitment to be even half way decent. But, it is also fun. The enjoyment will far outweigh the crap-ola you have to put up with on a fairly regular basis.

It takes time to train, certify and re-train and certify every year. If you are doing it for the pay, you won't last long. You have to do it because you love youth sports. If parents, players and coaches would show a bit more respect it would help as well. There were teams I refused to ref, unless we were in a really bad situation for refs, because the parents and coaches were simply idiots. Not worth it to me. Plus, being an "older and more experienced" ref had me placed at quite a few "problem" games. That got tiring I can tell you, but better me in the center than some young ref just starting out I guess.

I loved my 30 plus years as a ref and would encourage anyone who has the time and desire to get involved as a ref, an umpire or whatever you wish. Just go into it for the right reasons...and that isn't the pay!

How do you get involved? Call the local high school and ask for the referee, umpire, etc. phone number...call it...they will send you all the info you need. It is a shame these players do not have adequate officiating. If at all interested....you can help. Ladies, you listening? You can be certified as well in any sport. Think about getting involved.

Yes this very true even in the Tennis Officiating world, many officials including myself dislike doing junior tournaments because of the disrespect and out of control parents and players. Would rather do one College match and make more than a 12 hr workday.

mgfan · September 11, 2016

39 minutes ago, Army of Dad said:

^^^^

True story, I've heard (and seen) some horror stories about HS soccer officiating.

(former soccer ref who still refuses to call a HS game)

Many games last couple of seasons I had 1 ref