High school football season is about to begin in Arizona, but some officials who work the games are opting out of working because of COVID-19.
Arizona Interscholastic Association Commissioner of Officials Brian Gessner says while some referees are hesitant they have enough to get started.
“We also have a very lucrative and exciting incentive program to bring in new officials this year," Gessner said. "So we’re kind of offsetting and mitigating, our losses if you will. So we don’t really know where we’re going to be until we start going, but ultimately, guys are waiting to see if we’re going to have games."
But new rules will be put in place. Gessner says officials probably won’t go into the locker rooms before the game or at halftime. Other changes include extended timeouts, fewer players at the coin toss, limited sideline access and mask protocols.
