Guthrie High School tackling nationwide sports official shortage

GUTHRIE, Okla. (KFOR) — Oklahoma is one of many states dealing with a shortage of sports officials.

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) says after the pandemic, there's been a dramatic downturn.

"Our average age of our officials in our sports is 57 years of age and more and more as they step away from the game, we're not seeing that younger generation come in," said Grant Gower, assistant director of OSSAA.

Gower says many also don't want to deal with unruly fans and coaches.

Guthrie High School has a class aimed at tackling this nationwide shortage

"I think it's really important that we get out there and get to as many young people as we can and just see if we can get their interest peeked a little bit because we're in a crisis situation now, and I can see it being even worse five, ten years from now," said Ric Meshew, teacher at Guthrie High School.

The elective teaches students how to be an official.

"We learn how to ref and learn about volleyball and a little bit about basketball and football," said Aspen Mitchell, senior at Guthrie High School.

Meshew says on average 25 percent of his students go on to try officiating at some level.

"It's a good path to get involved in the game when you can't play anymore," said Jacob Owens, senior at Guthrie High School.

Owens has played sports his whole life, but knows he can't play forever. This class has inspired him to stay involved in a new way.

Becoming an official can be rewarding, both emotionally and even financially.

The OSSAA recently increased pay hoping more will become interested in calling games.

"Not that anyone's going to get rich off of it, that's not what it is, but it's also still the opportunity to make some money, still doing something that you really love," said Gower.

In Oklahoma, anyone 16 and older can apply to become an official.

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