Vermont is in the midst of an alarming referee shortage — a problem unfolding nationwide, but one that has hit hard in a state with a small and aging workforce.

Between 2018 and 2023, the National Federation of State High School Associations reported a loss of almost 60,000 officials nationwide, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Vermont, officials are spread thin covering games across 23 sports at over 70 high schools in the Vermont Principals’ Association — the state’s governing body for school athletics. Trainees aren’t offsetting the number of retiring veteran officials, and the resulting gap in personnel is forcing games to be postponed or canceled.

“What was just affecting a couple sports out of the wide pool of varsity sports in the state — now it’s virtually every sport,” said Devin Wendel, president of the Vermont State Athletic Directors Association and athletic director at Mount Abraham Union High School.

With a working population that is already strained, the persisting shortage of officials in Vermont carries a serious risk of interrupting high school seasons.

“If we don’t do something, in the next three to five years there won’t be enough of us to cover sporting events in Vermont and that is bad for all involved,” Steve Cicio — president of Vermont’s branch of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials — wrote in a Nov. 13 email. “We are going to struggle this season with what we have for numbers,” he said.

This year alone, the association lost between 10 and 12 varsity officials, and five to six junior varsity officials, according to Cicio.

Many of those retiring have been in the business for numerous decades, with expertise in multiple sports. Their retirements mean fewer mentors for the next generation filling their shoes.

A 2023 survey of the association’s officials found that around half planned to retire by 2028.

“Not only are we losing a large percentage of our board, but out of that 50%, a large percentage of those folks are capable and qualified to work almost any game in the state,” said Trevour Houle, a varsity basketball official of nearly 10 years. “If I were to guess, it’s going to create a snowball effect where we lose a large amount of officials — those who are left are asked to work more nights a week, those officials are probably going to get burnt out or injured, and they’re going to decide next year whether they want to do that all over again or not.”

Dwindling numbers puts a greater burden on those remaining, who are expected to cover more games across further distances than they had previously.

“You’re seeing officials that are getting overworked, trying to hustle over to get from one location to the next,” said Michael Jabour, senior director of activities at South Burlington High School and Middle School.

Varsity teams typically take priority because their regular seasons determine playoffs and championships, unlike junior varsity teams, said Tim Messier, athletic director at Lamoille Union High School. Teams at Lamoille Union lose a couple games each season because officials aren’t available, he said.

Referees are paid $97.50 for varsity and $75 for junior varsity games, plus the cost of mileage. First-time registration to be an official costs $30 and secures certification for one year. Referees can then officiate as many sports they choose to train for.

The VPA’s officials committee increased the pay by 30% two years ago and the earnings are aligned with all other New England states, said Lauren Young, executive director of activities at the VPA.

“You take your $97.50 and it sounds like, ‘Wow, that’s a great fee for a game.’ Well, it was an hour there. You have to get to the game an hour early. The game takes an hour and a half to two hours. You shower, you’re in the locker room for 20 minutes after the game and then you have your hour ride home,” Houle said. “When you start breaking it down to an hourly rate, it’s not that great.”

Vermont’s handful of remaining referees also face continuing harassment, particularly from spectators, said Young. She suspects that poor sportsmanship is partially to blame for disillusionment about joining the force.

Among those who become certified, most new officials resign within their first three years, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

“They can never be right. They’re always to blame,” Jabour said. “It’s hard to be an official because you’re constantly being told how terrible you are.”

As the VPA ramps up their recruitment efforts, Young wants to see a more accurate representation of Vermont’s student body with whistles — particularly through more women and people of color becoming certified to officiate.

“We have diverse schools, and I think there’s power in seeing people in a position of authority in the game that are reflective of what they look like to try to dispel some of the older white male dominance over the officiating world,” she said.

Nationally, the shortage could be on the mend. The National Federation of State High School Associations reported an 8% increase in registered officials this year compared to 2018.

But in Vermont, the void left by referees stepping down isn’t being filled. While the VPA is marketing to college students and tapping school administrators to spread the word about the shortage in their communities, Young expects to draw in just two or three newcomers this year.

“Even recruiting 10 officials in the state of Vermont can have a huge impact on a local high school being able to actually keep their schedule intact,” Wendel said.

Busy Anderson is a reporter with the Community News Service, part of the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.