Sports

OSAA announces officials shortage heading into the Fall

The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) and the Oregon Athletic Officials Association (OAOA) have announced the open registration for officials for high school sports in a press release.

The press release specified the  “immediate need for officials in football, volleyball and soccer.”

While registration is open through Sept. 30 to be an official, the seasons for those sports begin at the end of August. 

“Oregon has an urgent need for officials in all sports,” said Jack Folliard, OAOA Executive Director, in the press release.  “Officials provide valuable service to high schools and students, make a positive impact in the community and build relationships.”

The number of officials for high school sports across the country has been on a steady decline over the years. According to Folliard, the officials shortage could lead to games being rescheduled around officials’ availability, and could even mean moving football away from the familiar Friday night lights.