JOHNSON CITY, NY (WBNG) — Section IV of Athletics held its first-ever officials recruitment event at Dick’s House of Sport in Johnson City.

The aim of the event was to generate interest through interactive demonstrations and to gain first-hand insight into the referees’ skills and techniques.

Section IV Assistant Executive Director Jeff Ferrara says a shortage of referees is forcing many youth sporting events in Section IV and throughout the Southern Tier to be canceled or postponed.

“Sometimes we have to cancel games and reschedule them,” Ferrara says. “We try to plan ahead and stick to a schedule, but these days our schedules are changed more and more often because there are people who have time and can organize it.”

He adds that they don’t just need referees for a specific sport.

“I would tell you that there are certain sports that need it more than others,” Ferrara says. “But in general, we could use referees in the winter, spring and fall and in all of the sports we offer.”

Isabella, who both play flag football, say how inconvenient it is that their games are being postponed.

“We spend a long time watching film to prepare for the games. Then when the games are postponed, it almost feels like a waste because we’ve done all the work and then we don’t get around to watching it for a long time,” Isabella says. “So we have to do all the work again to be prepared.”

Jeff Ferrara shares why supporting youth sports is so important to him and hopes others will join him.

“I grew up in Section Four, in Sidney, New York,” Ferrara says. “Sports was one of the best parts of high school, right? And we struggle to offer everything we want to offer because of the shortage of referees. It’s a great opportunity to come out and give back to the youth. Give them a chance. If you used to be an athlete in high school and you enjoyed it, get involved again. Become a referee, it’s a rewarding job.”

If you are interested in becoming an official, you can visit the Section IV Athletics website for more details on your opportunities to participate.

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