Mid-Kentucky Official Association Is Looking For A Few Good Men

[Coldstream]

I thought I would post this in this forum as this seems to be the most appropriate place for it.

Shortage of football officials exists

Saturday, April 1, 2006 12:48 PM EST JASON NELSON SPORTS EDITOR

Being an official is a thank-less job, yet they are as important to the game as the teams participating.

The Mid-Kentucky Official Association is facing a shortage of football officials.

Currently, the MKOA has about 53 licensed officials on 10 crews responsible for covering most of central Kentucky.

“It’s a pretty big area,” Bardstown native and football official Chad Laswell said. The crews must call eight to 11 games each week in an area that stretches west to Breckinridge County, east to Washington County and south to Green County.

http://kystandard.com/articles/2006/04/03/sports/local_sports/sports01.txt

Contact information should you be interested is located at the end of the article linked.

[lighthouse]

This is the case in most sports all over the state. It may be a thank-less job from the outside looking in, but most officials will tell you the benefits, satisfactionand comraderie are second to none. If you've ever thought about getting involved, please consider this request, you will never regret it.

[hoosierhateruklover]

I am interested in officiating games around the Commonwealth. Is there any kind of age limit for this?

[lighthouse]

hoosierhateruklover wrote: I am interested in officiating games around the Commonwealth. Is there any kind of age limit for this?
You are old enough for any sport. Good Luck!

[EricBigNally]

That is something to ponder. However, I have a brother that plays in the region/district so I dont think that would pan out too well I don't think. Maybe in a few years I could give it a shot after he has graduated...

[Coldstream]

EricBigNally wrote: That is something to ponder. However, I have a brother that plays in the region/district so I dont think that would pan out too well I don't think. Maybe in a few years I could give it a shot after he has graduated...

I think you would be fine, as long as you don't referee any of his games unless you are worried about time conflicts referee'ing a game instead of watching him.

[lighthouse]

Another thing to consider. What level does he play. If he's playing varsity, you probably won't have a conflict, because by the time you progress to that level, he will have graduated. On the other hand, if you grade out really high, you could be at the varsity level quick. In either case, there are enough other schools for you to work.

[EricBigNally]

lighthouse wrote: Another thing to consider. What level does he play. If he's playing varsity, you probably won't have a conflict, because by the time you progress to that level, he will have graduated. On the other hand, if you grade out really high, you could be at the varsity level quick. In either case, there are enough other schools for you to work.



This past year he saw very limited varsity action and was primarily on JV but I don't know what is going to happen this year because his position (wr) had a lot of seniors so he may get bumped up to only varsity...

[lighthouse]

EricBigNally wrote: lighthouse wrote: Another thing to consider. What level does he play. If he's playing varsity, you probably won't have a conflict, because by the time you progress to that level, he will have graduated. On the other hand, if you grade out really high, you could be at the varsity level quick. In either case, there are enough other schools for you to work.



This past year he saw very limited varsity action and was primarily on JV but I don't know what is going to happen this year because his position (wr) had a lot of seniors so he may get bumped up to only varsity...

Still shouldn't be a problem. My nephew played at PRP for 4 years, and my HS schedule was full. I scratched them and there were plenty of other games. Go for it, you will have a ball.

[GeorgiaBlue]

Without a doubt - this is the most fun a sports fan can have. You get the best seat in the house, can learn more about the game than you know. Don't ever think you will get rich doing it - (officiate wrestling for $$$$, not football). But ALL sports need officials - so if you have a passion - help out - you'll be rewarded in more ways than you can imagine.

[EricBigNally]

I am definately going to look into. I know that the money isn't much but I can always use more money plus I love football.

[Sam K.]

Coldstream, "The crew must call eight to eleven games each week..."

How does someone manage that?

[lighthouse]

Sam K. wrote: Coldstream, "The crew must call eight to eleven games each week..."

How does someone manage that?


I can answer that, if Coldstream's busy. Some of the games are Peewee or youth league games, and they will have 3 or 4 games on a Saturday morning. Also there could be Middle School, High School Freshmen and JV games on the same night. Mix it all in and it makes for a busy week. But a lot of fun.

[hoosierhateruklover]

Well with the help of Lighthouse and John Smoot at Central Kentucky Officials Association, I went to the KHSAA headquarters here last week. When I went there, the lady gave me the forms but told me that I should wait until May 1 so that I don't have to pay the dues twice so that is where I currently am. Also, after I get my license, I will then join CKFOA and their meetings are suppose to start in July or August. Thank You Lighthouse.

[lighthouse]

You're welcome Jordan, and I wish you the very best!!