Kentucky
Kentucky sees drastic decline in sports officials
LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — There are thousands fewer sports officials in Kentucky than a few years ago, and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) points to one major issue – spectators.
“I think you’re seeing officials get out of the officiating business is one problem and the other problem is people don’t want to get into it,” said associate commissioner Butch Cope.
Cope said the number of officials dropped from about 9,000 officials in 2018 to 5,700 in 2023. He said it’s because of bad sportsmanship.
“Fans just need to take a breath, and stop and think sometimes, the things they say, the coaches or administrators, would they say that to their spouse? Would they say that to their school principal? Would they say that to their superintendent?” said Cope.
He said if there aren’t enough referees, games will be canceled. Cope said it’s typically freshman and JV games that get the axe—in order for varsity games to still go on.
Soccer and wrestling have the biggest shortages of sports officials, but the KHSAA has devised a creative solution in recent years to combat that. It’s a program that gets 14-17-year-olds officiating for lower-level games with a mentor.
“They’re not perfect, but I don’t think our players or coaches are perfect either so we got to work together to improve the sportsmanship aspect,” said Cope.
If you’re interested in becoming a sports official, click here for more information.
Kentucky
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A wide receiver from Belle Glade, Florida, Gilmore totaled 28 receptions for 313 yards and one touchdown for the Wildcats during the 2025 season. The 6-foot-1 sophomore has had a very interesting offseason as he entered the portal, flipped a commitment, and is now back in Lexington.
After the 2025 season, Gilmore committed to Louisville when he entered the transfer portal, then flipped his commitment to Baylor, and ultimately signed with the Bears. To end Gilmore’s portal saga, he’s now back in a familiar place with the Wildcats.
When the 2026 season begins, Gilmore will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Gilmore had a solid sophomore campaign with the Wildcats, appearing in all 12 games. His best game of the season came in the late-season loss against Vanderbilt. He tallied six catches for 55 yards in the game.
With Kentucky losing most of its wide receiver production from last season, this is a significant pickup, and it won’t be surprising if Gilmore is back in the starting lineup this fall.
As for the Aggies, the only name on the report is Mackenzie Mgbako, a one-time Kentucky target who remains out for the season after undergoing foot surgery. Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMilan said today that Mgbako will return next season, which would be a big boost for the Aggies before the offseason begins.
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