KIEL, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It’s no secret the WIAA is in need of more officials for middle school and high school sports. Kiel is the latest school district in Wisconsin to help address a statewide referee shortage.
In the gym at Kiel High School, students are on the volleyball court for their physical education class — but this particular class isn’t just learning how to bump, set and spike.
“Whistle, award the point, and what’s next? Four hits,” instructs Steve Walsh.
He’s the activities director for the Kiel Area School District. Walsh is also a WIAA official and the Manitowoc County games coordinator, responsible for scheduling officials for different middle and school events countywide.
“We as officials, we keep joking every year the kids are staying the same age but we’re getting older,” said Walsh.
Walsh, hoping to add to the WIAA officials pool, is following in the footsteps of about 80 other school districts across the state by introducing a Sports Officiating and Coaching class at Kiel High School.
“We’re just trying to recruit a different way and get kids interested because it’s a such a great way to stay involved,” Walsh said.
Through the class, the 17 students enrolled are learning what it takes to be a WIAA official. They’re studying the rule book and getting game-like practice as an official.
Upon completion of the class, they’ll be licensed WIAA officials — available to referee different levels of school sports, including middle school up to the junior varsity level.
“I wanted to learn more about maybe being an official, getting WIAA certified for my sport — which is baseball — because I know that there’s not many officials out there and they need a lot of help with that,” said Aaron Stephany, a Kiel junior.
The WIAA is dealing with an official shortage. Some high school football games are now played on Thursday nights because there just aren’t enough crews to work if all games were played on Fridays.
Introducing high school students to classes like this and getting them trained and certified to officiate games is hopefully going to combat that problem.
“Although it’s not helping right now for varsity games, what will this look like in three to five years? It’s the idea and hope that it will help out with our officials shortages,” added Chad Shultz with the WIAA.
And while it’s a way for students to make some extra money, for those taking the class, it’s about so much more.
Aubrianne Freund, a Kiel junior, added, “I feel like the money is nice, but for me, it’s really just about being around the sport and growing kids and their learning of the game and their love for the game.”
Experiences they can continue to fulfil until the last whistle blows.
In additional to Kiel, there are about a dozen other school districts in our area — including Green Bay, Kewaunee, Gibraltar, Chilton, Bonduel and Oconto — that offer the officiating class and certification program for students.
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