Need for high school officials very high in Idaho, nation

SANDPOINT — The need for high school officials of all sports is higher than ever, and the Idaho High School Activities Association and the National Federation of High Schools are addressing an urgent need in Idaho — specifically, to recruit new high school officials to replace those veteran officials who are retiring.

Idaho has a need — and the need is becoming urgent in some areas — to recruit and train new high school officials. It is not uncommon for middle school and freshman games in some sports to be postponed or even canceled because there is no one available to officiate them.

They don’t make the headlines, their names are not in the box scores and they don’t make the all-star teams, but perhaps the most important individuals in high school sports are the contest officials.

These individuals are so important that, in fact, there would be no organized competitive sports at the high school level without the men and women who officiate these contests every day across the country. In some areas, high school officials are retiring faster than new licenses are being issued. Anyone looking for a unique way to contribute to the local community should consider becoming a licensed high school official.

For individuals who played sports in high school, officiating is a great way to stay close to the sport after their playing days have ended. Officiating helps people stay in shape, expands their social and professional network and offers part-time work that is flexible, yet pays. In fact, officiating is a form of community service, but with compensation.

Another benefit of officiating is that individuals become role models so that teenagers in the community can learn the life lessons that high school sports teach. Students learn to respect their opponents and the rules of the game and the importance of practicing good sportsmanship thanks, in part, to those men and women who officiate.

In short, communities around the country will be stronger because of the life lessons that high school officials help teach the next generation.

Officiating is a great way to stay connected to sports and to give back to the local high school and community. We need dedicated men and women to become involved so that high school sports can continue to prosper for years to come.

Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a high school official, and even begin the application process, can do so at www.HighSchoolOfficials.com.