Will the referee shortage impact Friday night lights in Alabama?

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Soccer season is lastly upon us. Our crew shall be all throughout central Alabama, capturing each snap and rating for “Sideline” however will sufficient referees be on the sidelines this yr?

The Alabama Excessive College Athletic Affiliation is down 400 officers from the two,036 they registered in 2015.

AHSAA’s Director of Officers Ken Washington stresses the group has sufficient referees for the upcoming season, however they undoubtedly want extra.

He says COVID-19 is the rationale for the newest decline. Again in 2019 there have been 1,790 registered officers. Now there’s only one,636.

Even with the decline, Washington stresses they’ve sufficient for the upcoming season.

“Its not a significant issue proper now, however it’s a downside and we wish to make sure that we reduce it off earlier than it turns into one thing the place now we have to cancel contests or transfer video games, as a result of we’re already doing that in some locations. Shifting them to Thursday and even Saturdays on the weekend,” mentioned Washington.

The AHSAA continues to be encouraging individuals to register. You possibly can earn as much as $110 a recreation, and much more when you must journey. To use or be taught extra, you possibly can click on right here.

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