SNOHOMISH COUNTY — Parents and officials cheered a resolution passed at the County Council last week that recognizes the need for more youth sports officials and calls on parents and players to behave with respect and sportsmanship.
The deficit of game officials is now interfering with play.
“We’ve had to move games because of shortages,” Snohomish High School athletic director Mark Perry said. “We’ve had to cancel games because of the shortage of officials.”
Today’s volunteer referees and umpires are facing increased hostility that’s making others shy away from signing up as officials.
Statewide, there have been 67 ejections from football games this year so far to Sept. 28, said Rocky Verbeck, Marysville School District’s athletic director. That’s up from 51 last year.
Sports in schools are important for they teach children life lessons, said Monroe’s Jennifer Bumpus.
People say fresh blood is needed, but it’s tough to attract and retain refs. The average age of officials is nearly 55 years old. Turnover is high.
The Washington Officials Association says there’s been a decrease of about 800 youth sports officials since 2018.
The council making a resolution is meaningful because it says it supports volunteer officials, Verbeck said.
A 2017 survey by the National Association of Sports Officials found 4 out of 10 sports officials feel unsafe doing their job. More than 8 out of 10 reported being verbally abused on the job.
County Councilman Sam Low introduced the resolution; it passed unanimously.
Considered officiating? Sign up at wescoathletics.com
