Referee shortage forcing districts to adjust football schedules

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)-- The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) is reporting a statewide crisis due to there not being enough referees in Colorado to cover high school football games this season.

The shortage is forcing districts to shift game days. Instead of Friday Night Lights, some schools will be playing under the lights on Thursdays or hosting a Saturday Matinee.

"Everybody wants to play Friday night lights but it can’t happen right now because of the shortage."

"The state was down about 42 percent of officials with covid," said Jared Felice, the Fountain-Fort Carson athletic director.

COVID isn't the only reason Colorado is seeing a shortage of referees.

"One, we know that in Colorado that we need to do a better job of paying our officials. They’re right now working for pennies," said Chris Noll the District 11 athletic director.

The number one reason for the shortage though is fan behavior.

"It’s a tough job. It's tough to do just the job, if they only had to officiate and worry about the calls on the field that would be hard enough," said Andy Parks the head athletic director for Academy District 20.

Felice says across the league, fans that are asked to leave the game face a one-game suspension. But, at District 11, officials say they're going to enforce stiffer penalties.

"Ultimately, it’s a high school event," said Noll. "It’s supposed to be positive."

A ref shortage along with having to move games doesn't have a positive effect at the gate.

"When you start to look at the way athletic departments are funded and those kinds of things our gates are a big deal, and so any time there's a hit to a gate it’s noticeable," said Noll.

All the athletic directors KRDO spoke with emphasized the important roles refs play in high school athletics.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a referee you can visit the CHSAA website.