March 30, 2018
The ongoing shortage of referees is significantly affecting children’s access to their favorite sports.
If your children participate in sports, you’ve likely witnessed the unfortunate behavior of some parents who direct their frustrations at referees during games. Often, this outrage stems from a perceived erroneous call or oversight, resulting in parents hurling insults at those officiating the games. Sadly, this trend of abusive behavior is so prevalent that many referees are opting to quit, leading to a troubling shortage that impacts kids’ ability to play.
According to a report from the Washington Post, one of the largest officiating groups in the D.C. area, Mid-Atlantic Officials, is currently facing its most severe shortage of umpires and referees in over twenty-five years. Commissioner Mark Stevens noted that only about half of the umpires who complete a year of service choose to return for a second season. The Football Officials Association is also struggling, with a 40% decline in officials over the last three years. Nationally, a staggering eighty percent of high school officials leave the profession before reaching their third year, as reported by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Referees are increasingly overwhelmed by the verbal abuse that comes not only from parents but also from coaches and even players. There have been alarming incidents where parents have physically confronted referees, with some altercations caught on camera. Many referees enter this field out of passion for the sport, striving to do their jobs while facing constant criticism, often for minimal pay. Reports indicate that referees earn between $12 and $45 per game, depending on the sport and region.
The number of self-proclaimed experts at my children’s events is astonishing; it sometimes feels like every parent thinks they have the experience of a pro athlete. If a parent believes they can officiate games better than the referees, they should consider volunteering instead. Of course, I understand that many parents feel their time is too valuable to dedicate to such a role, but it’s important to remember that referees also balance jobs and responsibilities outside of officiating. They deserve respect and should not be treated poorly.
While it’s true that parents may yell in response to a call that could potentially harm their child, maintaining composure and recognizing that mistakes happen can greatly improve the atmosphere. Everyone makes errors in their profession now and then.
Unfortunately, the result of this abusive behavior is that many youth sports games are being delayed or postponed as organizations struggle to find enough officials. Some games are even proceeding with fewer referees than necessary, which can increase injury risks.
Parents must remember that referees are dedicating their time to help enhance their child’s skills and teach them the intricacies of the game. It’s essential for all of us to embody patience and kindness, particularly in front of our children, who are observing our reactions.
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In summary, the alarming rate at which youth sports referees are quitting due to abusive behavior from parents is concerning. This situation not only jeopardizes the availability of officials but ultimately affects the children who wish to participate in sports. It is crucial for parents to foster a positive environment that encourages respect and understanding for those officiating the games.
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