HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA), is recruiting more high school students to become referees due to a shortage among the profession.
Students in high school can complete courses within a referee program at their respective schools that will allow them to become referees. Once the courses are completed, students will become certified to hit the field.
A list of certified students will then be sent to the Alabama High School Athletic Association for a selection process.
AHSAA Director of Officials Ken Washington told News 19 that the goal is to get to 10,000 referees as the association works to recruit and retain referees.
According to Washington, new member schools are also joining the AHSAA which requires more referees for sporting events around the area.
Washington added that some current referees are aging and are looking to the youth to make their next steps.
Once high school students become certified, they will be able to referee 7-9th grade sporting events.
To become a referee, Washington says that an individual must:
- Submit to a background check
- Pass pre-registration exam
- Looking for individuals who played the sport
- A love/ passion for the sport
- Be responsible
- Be a quick learner
The pre-registration exam requires a score of 80% or better to officiate high school sports, while a score of 70% is sufficient for officiating at the junior high or middle school levels.
It’s all about trying to teach life lessons through sports. AHSAA referees want to also take care of the spirit of the sport.
Washington said that he wants the contest to be an extension of the classroom. Weather its on the court or the field, AHSAA referees are aiming to teach conflict resolution in a healthy teaching environment.
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