This years HS referee count has dropped about 25%. Look for a lot of two man crews even on some varsity matches. I would expect it to be really bad on Thursday nights as both boys and girls seem to schedule on Thursday's. The fact that many of the referees have kids playing takes about a third out of possibly working on any given night.

Sounds like a bad situation getting worse. Maybe it's finally time KHSSA separates the boys and girls soccer, one plays in the fall, the other in the spring like many states do and have done for yrs.

Its not just soccer. Football and wrestling are suffering too.

The problem than becomes many refs do club or baseball. There needs to be an active recruitment of former players after HS. Coaches, players and parents also need to realize with no refs there are no games. Anyone interested in getting your 4 to 5 mile run in while chasing teenagers and making quick decisions all the while getting question on most of your decisions. Please step forward.

Paging @TAC. A little something for you to do your spare time.

Paging @TAC. A little something for you to do your spare time.

I would be all over this if I didn't have to wear those god awful ugly socks.

I would be all over this if I didn't have to wear those god awful ugly socks.

 

I'm sure an exception can be made for you.

Although I play a ref in the stands......no thanks

Look for a lot of two man crews even on some varsity matches.

 

Oh..the ol' give a parent the flag routine? Love it. :meh:

As a baseball umpire let me tell you that there is NEVER a shortage of people making calls.

As a baseball umpire let me tell you that there is NEVER a shortage of people making calls.

 

Let me get this straight...you have reffed hoops (in the winter) and you ump baseball (in the spring)...so...umm....in the fall...

 

See you on the pitch!!! :thumb:

The problem than becomes many refs do club or baseball. There needs to be an active recruitment of former players after HS. Coaches, players and parents also need to realize with no refs there are no games. Anyone interested in getting your 4 to 5 mile run in while chasing teenagers and making quick decisions all the while getting question on most of your decisions. Please step forward.

 

Baseball has the same recruiting issue. It's a couple of things IMO:

 

1. Game times. Hard for people who work traditional hours to make a 5:00 start.

2. Perception that the fans are really awful to deal with. That's a lie. Fans are fine.

 

 

There may be other reasons but 1 and 2 cover 99%.

If you know anybody who calls a great game from the stands, send them here!

 

Officiating Information | Kentucky High School Athletic Association

I would be all over this if I didn't have to wear those god awful ugly socks.

 

.....but you would have a front row seat (so to speak) for all the action. :up:

Baseball has the same recruiting issue. It's a couple of things IMO:

 

1. Game times. Hard for people who work traditional hours to make a 5:00 start.

2. Perception that the fans are really awful to deal with. That's a lie. Fans are fine.

 

 

There may be other reasons but 1 and 2 cover 99%.

 

Game times are tough for sure.

Fans - some venues would be OK. Where there is clear separation from the fans. i.e. a track around the field. But some of those fields have the fans within a few feet of the sideline. No thanks!