LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana (KPLC) – High school sports season is upon us, but there is a growing problem: a severe shortage of referees.

Sports directors at all levels have witnessed a steady decline in the number of sports officials over the past 20 years.

“It’s difficult to find officials because nobody wants to do it. You have to want to do it,” Leday said.

And then there is the question of age.

Currently, the majority of referees in our region are over 50 years old.

“Sixty percent of sports officials across the state of Louisiana are over 50 years old, so we have to figure out how to replace these men and women when they retire,” Leday said.

It takes six officials to officiate a high school football game, and with 29 teams playing in our area, we have had to make adjustments and move some of those games to Thursday nights instead.

Third District Athletic Director Nick Leday says they’re coping with the scheduling adjustments… But it doesn’t have to be anytime soon.

“We’re talking about the long-term future. Officer numbers have been evolving and declining for the last 10 to 15 years. If we don’t have the next generation of officers standing by us, you’re definitely going to feel the impact,” Leday said.

Leday says the job is no picnic, as the men and women wearing the jerseys go through a lot on the field.

“It’s easier to form an opinion from the stands than to make those difficult decisions as a referee on the field,” Leday said.

Leday says unless more people decide to wear the stripes, there could be dim lights on Friday night.

For more information on how to become a referee, click HERE.

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