MSHSL Officials Shortage A Continuing Problem For High School And Youth Sports

Photo: Bill Piotrowski

(KDLM) – The lack of officials for Minnesota State High School League sports is not a new problem. It started to arise before COVID-19 and the pandemic heightened it. Officiating crews for high school sports are stretched thin and, in some cases, games are being postponed or canceled because the MSHSL is unable to provide referees for games, meets, and contests.

“The numbers are not good right now,” says MSHSL media specialist John Millea. “There just aren’t enough. Multiple games are being rescheduled. A lot of sub-varsity games are just being called off. They’re just not playing them because we can’t find officials. It’s not just around here…it’s a national issue. ”

According to the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), registration of high school and youth officials across the country was down about 30 percent in 2021.

“There are two important things that we can do to improve these numbers,” says Millea. “Number one, fans have to treat them better. Number two, we have to pay them more. I don’t have the answer to the second issue, but the solution to the first one is easy. Just be nice. Don’t bark at the officials.”

Another issue that could contribute to the shortage for the MSHSL is the lack of younger officials, specifically in the 25-35 age group. Most officials in the state of Minnesota are in their 50s and 60s. And as they gradually hang up their whistles, the official shortage will continue to get worse…unless more younger people sign up.

“We’re making efforts to try and recruit more people to become certified MSHSL officials,” says Millea. “But a lot of places are rolling with the punches. Instead of the two boys teams from School A and B playing at School A and the girls teams playing at School B, they’ll just move both varsity games to the same site and have the officiating crew call both games. And I think we’re gonna see that more and more.”

You don’t need to be in the 25-35 age range to become an official. All you need is a desire to be involved with sports, have a “feel” for the game, and a basic grasp of the rules.

“I made a new years resolution on my Twitter page to become a certified MSHSL official,” says Millea. “For years I have talked the talk. Now it’s time to walk the walk. I’m no spring chicken, but I want to help in any way that I can. And that starts with getting certified.”

For more information on how you can become an MSHSL official, you can visit the MSHSL website.