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Prep Officials Are In High Demand

Tribune photo by JASON BEHNKEN

Across the state, the number of high school officials is steadily declining.

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By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2008

The stock market isn't the only thing dwindling by the second. Across the state, the number of high school officials is steadily declining.

According to a National Association of Sports Officials survey, the majority of registered officials said they did not re-register to officiate because of the poor sportsmanship shown by spectators and athletes. Others cited family, career demands, low pay, local association problems and difficulty in advancement.

The Florida High School Athletic Association reports that "with the growing numbers of high schools and student-athletes in Florida, the number of contest officials has not kept up with the demand for their services." As a result, the FHSAA has created the "Become An Official" campaign to recruit officials. The campaign includes a message from ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale.

"Ultimately, the negative effects of not having enough is the cancellation of interscholastic contests and opportunities for students," FHSAA spokeswoman Cristina Alvarez said. "The next scenario is to consider a situation where the coaches have to take an active role in the officiating or contest management and rules enforcement. Some schools are sometimes asked to change playing dates because there aren't enough officials available."

However, Alvarez said parents, former coaches and the average sports fan may want to officiate simply for extra money.

"With respect to the economy, we have heard that this has actually been used as a reason for officiating," she said. "Some coaches in Alachua County were getting out of coaching and going into officiating. In this county, officiating pays more than coaching."

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 865-4848.

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