No Effect Expected

In recent years, referee shortages have become an increasingly apparent issue. In 2022 those shortages are expected to interfere with games across the state. Several Varsity games scheduled for their typical Friday times will have to be moved to Thursdays or Saturdays. The issue could also cause some games to be officiated by a four-man crew instead of the standard five. The shortage is expected to have an even greater effect on Junior Varsity games across the state, with some schools likely being unable to play a full JV schedule.

Amid these issues being reported, Seminole Head Coach Mike Snyder said, “there has been a trend of the past few years of older officials retiring and not many young officials coming in, Thus the numbers have been on a steady decline for several years.”

When asked why so many are choosing to either not try officiating or exit the profession, Coach Snyder said, “We do have many that try officiating and they do not last long. For many reasons: Fans are getting more vocal than ever before, some officials can not handle criticism, athletes do not show the respect to officials as they should, [and] coaches are more vocal than before. As a coach you have to understand officials make mistakes. They will never cost you the game because at some point in the game you had a chance to make a play and you did not. Coaches have to be able to walk away and it is difficult at times to do that.”

Coach Snyder does not think these shortages will affect the upcoming Seminole varsity season because as Athletic Director, Coach Snyder has contracted officials two years in advance.

He added that, “Officials enjoy coming to Seminole and we pay a little more than most people to attract good crews.” When it comes to Junior Varsity games though, Snyder said they could be affected. He let on, “Your non-varsity games will take a hit on the shortage. It may mean that coaches call a non-varsity game just to allow your kids to play.”

Coach Snyder added that while football is having significant shortages, the Seminole sport taking the biggest blow is baseball. While all sports are being affected, Snyder said, “Many baseball umpires are now doing softball because the games are shorter and they can make more money.”

He closed with a plea to our community and those around the state, saying, “Fans, players and coaches need to understand that mistakes are going to be made. Officials are not prejudiced in their calls but they do make mistakes. There are poor officials out there, but there are so many that work extremely hard to make sure your kids have a good experience.”

With spring practice starting in about a month, and summer team camps around the corner, the 2022 Chieftain football season is fast approaching. Fans can rest assured as Seminole’s Varsity games should all be played at their preplanned date.