Oregon, Illinois Faces Referee Shortage for High School Volleyball

Oregon, Illinois is currently facing a significant challenge with a shortage of referees for high school volleyball. Athletic Directors in the Stateline area are having difficulty finding officials, particularly for volleyball games. Mike Lawton, the Athletic Director at Community Unit School District 220, stated that many referees are stepping away due to harassment from spectators. He shared a recent experience where a scheduled match against North Boone had to be canceled because there simply weren’t enough officials available.

“We were supposed to go to North Boone for three levels of volleyball tonight, Fresh/Soph, JV, and Varsity,” said Lawton. “But we got a call from the A.D. at North Boone informing us that there was a situation with officials.” This cancellation was a disappointment for players and fans alike, as those events are a key part of the school spirit and community involvement.

To tackle this issue, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has introduced incentives to encourage recent graduates and seniors to become involved in officiating. Many believe that former athletes could play a crucial role in this effort. “I think that younger players who have just graduated should look at officiating at the high school level,” commented spectator Mark Tremble. “Starting at the grade school level allows them to work their way up and give back to the sport they love.”

For those interested in becoming referees, umpires, or officials, information can be found on the IHSA’s official website. This is a great opportunity for individuals who want to stay connected to the sport while supporting their local communities.