Referee Shortage Prompts Potential Shift in High School Football Game Schedule in Kern County
High school football games in Kern County are facing a potential shift from Friday nights to Thursdays due to a shortage of referees. The Kern County Officials Association is struggling to find enough officials, impacting various sports throughout the year. This shortage has created challenges for athletic directors and school sites, as moving games to Thursdays can disrupt school nights and lead to late nights for students.
Stan Greene, the Kern High School District athletic director, has observed a significant decrease in the number of available officials over the years. The decline in officials has forced them to cover fewer games on Friday nights compared to previous years. Randy Blay and James Ellis from the Kern County Officials Association highlighted the difficulties faced by current referees and the challenges in recruiting new ones.
Factors contributing to the shortage of officials include extreme weather conditions, an increasing number of schools requiring coverage, and concerns about facing criticism for making bad calls. Despite these obstacles, Blay and Ellis expressed their dedication to the job and their love for officiating games. They emphasized the importance of giving back to the community and supporting student athletes through their work on the field.
The Kern County Officials Association is actively seeking individuals interested in becoming referees, regardless of their experience level. They are encouraging anyone passionate about sports and willing to contribute to the community to join their team. More information about becoming a referee can be found on the association's website at kcoafootball.com.
In conclusion, the shortage of referees in Kern County is prompting potential changes in the scheduling of high school football games. The Kern County Officials Association is working to address this issue by recruiting new officials and encouraging community members to get involved in officiating sports. Despite the challenges faced by current referees, their dedication to the job and commitment to supporting student athletes remain strong.