So. Nevada Faces Referee Shortage For HS Sports

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

With all the challenges faced by high school sports in the past year, a shortage of referees and officials is not one that people think about. But it has become an increasing problem for the coming season.

The Southern Nevada Officials Association (SNOA) has found itself in a predicament this season as the pandemic has caused under-staffing for officials in upcoming sports competitions. This is especially true for High Schools and Middle Schools in Clark County.

SNOA President Vince Krisostik has served in his position for 13 years and has been refereeing games for over 30 years. But he said he has not seen a staffing shortage like this before.

“There is a big drop in the number of officials in each sport from the last time we had a full season in 2019,” said Krisostik. “Each sport is a little different and requires different amounts of officials.”

The problem has reached a point that it could affect high school and middle school sports schedules in southern Nevada, Krisostik said.
“We don’t want cancellations to happen,” declared Vince Krisostik. “But we are very short-staffed on officials for each sport needed.”

The SNOA reports that there were 292 football officials staffing games in 2019. There are only 178 on the rolls currently. In volleyball there are currently 64 officials available, compared to 96 in 2019. Soccer has seen more than a 50% drop in available officials this season with only 48 to staff matches compared to 104 in 2019.

In addition, many of the available officiators are somewhat inexperienced, Krisostik said.
“Of the current officials, a majority of them are new within the last two months and have never officiated in their lives,” said Krisostik.

Despite the shortage, the SNOA is still intent on not having to cancel a single game, Kristostik said. To do that, it may come to lowering the number of officials at each sporting event. For example, Football would have only four officials at each game instead of five. Volleyball would drop to only two officials at a match rather than four. And Soccer would drop to two officials from the customary three.

“We may have to get coaches and assistant coaches to help on being line judges and other positions for the season,” said Vince Krisostik.

The pandemic is the main cause of the shortage. Due to sporting events being cancelled last year, several former officials were forced to find other employment. Some are now working elsewhere, sometimes even working two jobs, and no longer have the time to officiate. Others moved out of the region or state for better living situations. Many, having found other jobs that give them benefits and incentives, are not interested in returning. A few even feel it is not safe yet for them to be officiating given the pandemic.
“You add up all of these reasons and it pretty much becomes the perfect storm,” said Krisostik.

Rural areas have posed the biggest challenging. Outlying schools require longer travel times and are less convenient.

Krisostik emphasized that the officials generally love officiating rural games and matches because they get better treated, fed, and build good relationships with the rural residents. But the availability is still severely limited.

“We really need the parents, fans, coaches, players and everyone to understand the predicament we are in and be willing to assist us and be patient with us,” said Krisostik. “Please have good sportsmanship towards the officials as many are new. We don’t want them chased off and we do want them back after this season.”

The SNOA is currently hiring officials. The pay is determined on the level of the sporting event. For reference, the standard payment for B/JV teams is $51 per game/match or $58-$75 per game/match for Varsity. The required age to officiate is 14 and older. Those who are younger than 18 performs youth-level or more auxiliary duties.

For more information on these opportunities visit www.snoaofficials.com.