The State of Iowa and the nation as a whole are going through a high school sports official shortage. One of the reasons most often cited for why people do not want to become high school referees, umpires, or linesman is the abuse from fans, coaches, and even players.
Chuck Britton, a veteran high school football and basketball official who also assigns officials to games, talks about that abuse’s role in the shortage.
Britton points out that refereeing is a great way for college students and others to make a little money as well as connections that may lead to jobs.