A lack of sports officials for high school games is posing challenges for the Arizona Interscholastic Association. More schools, more athletes, more games but fewer officials — that’s the challenge facing the AIA.
One of the solutions during the football season has been to schedule games on Thursday and Friday night to make sure there are enough officials.
AIA head of officials Brian Gessner attributes the lack of officials to harassment.
“The number one reason people are leaving officiating and the number one reason that people don’t want to go into it is the abuse that they take before the game, during the game, after the game," he said.
He also says poor sportsmanship among athletes, parents and coaches coming from what is seen on television also contributes to difficulties in finding individuals to officiate.
The lack of officials also affects scheduling for other sports throughout the year.
