Nearly every sporting event that takes place in high school sports has officials that regulate the event and help enforce the rules of the game.
In Iowa, officials must be a high school student or older and have a thorough understanding of the sport they wish to officiate and the ability to interpret and apply rules.
In recent years, Iowa has had a shortage of officials which has caused game postponements and cancellations and the shortage has come from a variety of reasons.
Those reasons range from compensation to unruly fans.
Most schools have even began increasing compensation for officials in an attempt to attract more.
Spring is arguably one of the busiest seasons in high school sports.
Clear Lake offers golf, track and field, tennis and soccer for both boys and girls and all need officials, except golf, which runs on an honor system.
“We are in dire need of baseball umpires for sure,” said Lewie Curtis, the Iowa High School Athletic Association Director of Officials. “Soccer is always a struggle, with the increasing number of teams and games being played.”
Being an official is a great way to stay active and be a part of the game, so if you are looking to be more active, and help further high school sports, sign up at iahsaa.org or ighsau.org.
