The shortage of referees is severely affecting children’s ability to participate in their favorite sports.
If your child is involved in sports, you’ve likely witnessed a scene where an adult loses their cool, berating a referee for what they perceive to be a poor call. These outbursts, often filled with profanity, have become all too common and are driving many referees to quit, leading to a significant shortage in certain regions. This shortage is directly impacting our kids’ opportunities to play.
According to a report from the Washington Post, one of the largest officiating organizations in the D.C. area, Mid-Atlantic Officials, is facing its worst umpire shortage in over 25 years. Commissioner Tom Ellis notes that only about half of the umpires who begin officiating return for a second season. The Football Officials Association reports a staggering 40 percent decline in officials over the past three years. Alarmingly, eighty percent of high school referees quit before completing their third year, as per the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Referees are increasingly frustrated by the verbal abuse they receive from parents, coaches, and even players. There have been documented instances of physical confrontations, with parents seen on video shoving officials. Most referees are passionate about the game and are simply trying to do their jobs while facing relentless criticism. And for their efforts, they earn very little—refs can make anywhere from $12 to $45 per game, depending on the sport and location.
At my children’s games, it seems like every parent believes they could perform the referee’s role better. If they do, I encourage them to step up and volunteer. However, I understand that many parents feel their time is too precious. But let’s not forget that officials have their own jobs and responsibilities outside of these events. They deserve respect, not hostility.
While it’s natural for parents to feel protective when a call might affect their child, it’s crucial to remain calm and remember that officials aren’t intentionally making mistakes. No one is perfect at their job all the time.
Unfortunately, the fallout from this abusive behavior is that youth sports games are being delayed or canceled as organizations scramble to find enough officials, while some games are being played with insufficient staffing, which inherently increases the risk of injury.
Parents must recognize that referees are volunteers dedicating their time to enhance their children’s skills and teach them the game. Practicing patience and kindness is essential; after all, our children are watching how we behave.
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In summary, the growing trend of parents abusing referees is leading to a significant decline in officiating staff, which in turn is affecting children’s sports participation. We must advocate for respect toward those who dedicate their time to our kids’ athletic experiences.
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