High Schools Face Shortage Of Football Referees

As high school football season kicks off many districts are dealing with a referee shortage.

Some say it's so bad that some games will have to be moved to different days, or games will be played with fewer officials. Ethan Rolen is president of the Greater Tulsa Officials Association and says being a ref is a lot harder than it looks. Aside from learning the long rulebook and needing to think on the fly, he says you also need skills that can't be measured off a resume.

"To be a good official, you have to love the game, you have to want to be a part of the game, and you have to be committed to the game. And all those things are difficult and then you have to take the abuse that comes with the job," Rolen said. 

But Rolen also says he's committed to making kickoffs happen, even if it means having only three refs in some games. 

"We might have to play on Thursday night; We might have to play on Friday night; You might get four officials instead of five; The games will be played," Rolen said. 

Union Public Schools Athletic Director Emily Barkley says her district is better prepared after last year's challenges and that leaders are open to moving games.

"We've done that traditionally in the past and we'll continue to do that to do our part as well," Barkley said. 

Rolen says more first-year referees are being used in varsity games. He says while that is an issue, the good news is it gives aspiring refs to get the experience right away.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to stay involved," Rolen said. "So, we need you. If you want to be involved, We'll put you to work" 

Rolen says his organization is doing everything it can to make sure the shortage doesn't stop high school teams from taking the field this season.