We have been reading about the officials shortage in this state on Edgy for the last several years. Reading the following articles, the official shortage is not limited to the State of Illinois or football.
"From 2018 to 2021, an estimated 50,000 high school referees — roughly 20 percent — quit, said Dana Pappas, the director of officiating services for the National Federation of State High School Sports."
"The problem is that, as parents spend more time and money on children’s sports, families are “coming to these sporting events with professional-level expectations,” said Jerry Reynolds, a professor of social work at Ball State University who studies the dynamics of youth sports and parent behavior."
"From 2018 to 2021, an estimated 50,000 high school referees — roughly 20 percent — quit, said Dana Pappas, the director of officiating services for the National Federation of State High School Sports."
- "60% of officials surveyed in 2020 said their top reason for quitting would be verbal abuse from parents and fans.
- Sadly, verbal abuse isn't even the worst of it: Last year, a high school football player tackled a ref; three weeks ago, kids and parents attacked a basketball ref. The list goes on.
"The problem is that, as parents spend more time and money on children’s sports, families are “coming to these sporting events with professional-level expectations,” said Jerry Reynolds, a professor of social work at Ball State University who studies the dynamics of youth sports and parent behavior."
Bad Behavior Drove a Referee Shortage. Covid Made It Worse. (Published 2022)
For years, unruly parents have turned youth sporting events into a toxic environment. The cancellation of games and entire seasons over the last two years hastened an exodus of referees.
www.nytimes.com
Massive referee exodus hits youth sports
It has led to canceled games across the country, threatening youth sports just as they've begun returning to normal.
www.axios.com