Riley sends out call for new referees in face of shortage
SALISBURY, Md. – High School fall sports practices will be up and running in four weeks, and games follow soon after. And those games can’t get played without officials on the field.
Parkside Rams football head coach Brendan Riley posting a PSA to Facebook Wednesday, urging locals to get involved and put on the black and white stripes.
“I just got a message that we’re facing major shortages in referees. If you’re a local guy that’s played sports in any sports, or a girls that’s played sports that’s back in the area and not coaching and have the opportunity to give back to the game that you played, think about it we need help.”
Riley tells WMDT Sports that the message came from an administration official, and that fall sports games are already being rescheduled so officiating crews can cover every contest.
The message was loud and clear.
Other Bayside coaches commenting and sharing. Bennett boys basketball coach Bubby Brown sharing Riley’s post and saying, “we need refs for all sports!”
The same goes for Delaware, as DIAA Executive David Baylor says lack of referees isn’t just a local issue.
“You could hear a number of the states concerned about the number of officials available to officiate games.”
DIAA is looking into outside the box ways to recruit new officials including trying to partner with colleges like Del Tech and Wilmington University to recruit students.
“Anybody in the sports medicine programs, or the sports administration program, those are the type of students you would be looking to recruit.”
Showing the organization has the back of the officials could be one way to bring on more potential officials.
DIAA will be mandating that school administrators or police officers escort officials to the locker rooms or to their vehicles following games, a practice that began late last school year.
Maybe the biggest reason for lack of interest in officiating is the behavior of parents and fans. Baylor says suspensions of players and coaches for poor conduct last year improved relations on the sidelines, and fans could also face discipline.
Everything from suspension from attending future games, to arresting and charging inappropriate behavior are on the table, depending on how severe the behavior becomes.
“We’re going to take a zero tolerance approach to inappropriate conduct when it comes to fan behavior at these sporting events,” Baylor told WMDT Sports.
Baylor adds that the shortage has not reached a critical stage yet, but DIAA is looking to add at least two dozen new officials this year.
There is no better time to sign up than right now, as clinics for officials take place right before each season
If you are interested in becoming a football referee in the Bayside Conference, contact Mike Ross at 443-614-2765, or email Mike27@comcast.net.
If you are in Delware, reach out to the DIAA office through their website or call the office, and they will put you in touch with the appropriate sports organization.
