Last week I (along with some of his colleagues helping me) gave tribute to Larry Norrell. This is now the second article detailing the near crisis level we are nearing when it comes to officiat ing. We can no longer sit by and expect other sports enthusiasts to do this part for “us.”

I, for one love being around these kids and enjoy the variety of emotions they display. Very rarely do I see any disrespect come from these competitors UNLESS adults display unsports- manlike attitude first. I for one saw this first-hand in 2020-21 as spectators were minimized with Covid protocols limiting attendance. That season I didn’t even come close to issuing a technical.

So, I now challenge you: what is stopping you from being an official? Are you too thinned skin to take a lit- tle ribbing from fans? No ref is perfect AND the lower-level games are more instructional and developmental. There are a lot more lower-level games to ofby ficiate than varsity. Coaches, players and fans do complain but honestly it is still a rewarding hobby to be on the court/field with these young athletes. The pay isn’t great BUT you are giving back in so many other ways. However, you are paid. Are you going to the games anyways? Then those running the clocks, sideline markers, etc have the best seat in the house! By showing a professional approach to competition you are leading by example. We need more of the “golden rule” shown to youth these days from many instead of the few.

As Uncle Sam used to say; I want you. Even if your son or daughter is in the sport; you can help run the score clock or carry the down markers or something. It’s the best seat in the house and you’ve got to be there anyways.

Look, the Larry Norrells of the world won't be able to officiate your grand kids much longer. Who’s gonna replace him and the other 34% of officials that didn't re license the last 2 years? You're not mobile enough to run on the bas-

ketball court? How about umping the bases in baseball/softball. Or running the clock for football, basketball, or wrestling? For me, I like the secondary exercise I get during the basketball season. Once you get good at anticipating the action you can jog up and down the floor in front of the kids.

Folks; this is getting to the point of no return if you do nothing. If you don’t act then you better not complain that your child/grandchild’s game is can- celled because of the lack of officials. We’ve been too reliant on a few to carry this torch. Please reach out to your local athletic director; coach or even us fellow referees/officials. You sim ply apply to the WIAA for licensure; who also provides you insurance. The WIAA sends you the rules books and you take a test online. Other officials in the district have always helped get you started or you can reach out to our current Athletic Director: Nick Mahr [email protected] To continue athletics at a high level we need you! Go Orioles!

Shown left to right are current referees Larry Norrell (52 years service), “Young Pup Plombon (13 years service), Tim Caswell (44 years service) and Jeff Ryba (22 years service). Youth sports is in need of more referees as the current generation ages.

Submitted photo.