Nc high school referee pay. NCHSAA Study Reveals Urgent Need for Improved Referee Pay and Sportsmanship in NC High School Sports

How can North Carolina address the shortage of high school sports officials. What recommendations does the NCHSAA study propose to improve the situation. Why are better pay and stricter penalties for poor sportsmanship crucial for retaining and recruiting referees.

The Current State of High School Sports Officiating in North Carolina

North Carolina high school sports are facing a significant challenge: a pronounced shortage of referees and officials across all sports. This decline has been years in the making but was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has taken notice of this concerning trend and initiated a comprehensive study to address the issue.

The NCHSAA board of directors formed an ad hoc subcommittee to investigate “the high school officiating experience in North Carolina.” This 23-member subcommittee conducted a survey between July 25 and August 5, garnering responses from 3,115 officials, representing 42% of the potential 7,400 officials in the state.

Key Findings from the NCHSAA Study

• 55% of current officials are aged 55 and older
• 77% of officials are over age 45
• 53% of current officials have considered leaving high school sports
• Nine sports were represented in the survey, with basketball (1,182 respondents) and football (1,028 respondents) having the highest participation

These statistics paint a concerning picture of an aging officiating workforce, with a significant portion contemplating departure from the field. This situation has led to increased instances of understaffed games, creating tension and frustration among players, coaches, fans, and officials alike.

Recommended Solutions to Address the Officiating Shortage

Based on the survey results, the NCHSAA subcommittee has put forward two primary recommendations to address the officiating shortage:

1. An immediate, across-the-board pay increase with more regular increases
2. Doubling down on penalties for poor sportsmanship from everyone — coaches, players, and especially fans

These recommendations aim to tackle the root causes of the officiating shortage by addressing both financial and environmental factors that impact officials’ experiences.

The Importance of Improved Pay for Officials

Currently, varsity officials and referees in North Carolina earn between $64 (soccer) and $94.50 (football) per game. This range also applies to other sports such as baseball, basketball, lacrosse, softball, and wrestling. However, officials are not compensated for their mileage to and from games, which can significantly impact their overall earnings.

Do higher pay rates correlate with better retention of officials? While not the sole factor, improved compensation can certainly make officiating more attractive and sustainable as a part-time occupation. By implementing regular pay increases, the NCHSAA hopes to retain experienced officials and attract new ones to the field.

Addressing Poor Sportsmanship: A Critical Factor in Official Retention

The second key recommendation focuses on tackling poor sportsmanship, particularly from fans. The subcommittee suggests that schools should be incentivized to control unsportsmanlike behavior before any official needs to intervene.

Why is addressing poor sportsmanship so crucial? Abusive behavior from fans, coaches, and players can create a hostile environment for officials, leading to increased stress and burnout. By implementing stricter penalties and encouraging proactive measures from school administrators, the NCHSAA aims to create a more positive and respectful atmosphere for all participants in high school sports.

Potential Strategies for Improving Sportsmanship

• Implementing a zero-tolerance policy for abusive behavior towards officials
• Providing educational programs for fans, parents, and coaches on appropriate conduct during games
• Encouraging school administrators to take a more active role in managing crowd behavior
• Establishing clear consequences for schools that fail to maintain a respectful environment

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Officiating Shortage

The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in exacerbating the officiating shortage in North Carolina high school sports. Many older referees chose to retire during the pandemic, either due to health concerns or a loss of enthusiasm for officiating.

How did the pandemic specifically affect the officiating landscape? The sudden disruption of regular sports schedules, coupled with health risks associated with close contact during games, led many experienced officials to reconsider their involvement. This rapid departure of veteran officials has left a significant gap in the officiating ranks, making it challenging to staff games adequately.

Long-term Consequences of the Pandemic on Officiating

• Accelerated retirement of older, experienced officials
• Reduced opportunities for training and mentoring new officials
• Increased hesitancy among potential new recruits to enter the field
• Disrupted continuity in officiating crews and assignments

The Role of School Administrators in Addressing the Officiating Crisis

School administrators and athletic directors play a crucial role in addressing the officiating shortage and improving the overall experience for officials. Their involvement is essential in creating a positive environment and implementing the recommendations proposed by the NCHSAA study.

What specific actions can school administrators take to support officials? Here are some key areas where their involvement can make a significant difference:

• Actively managing fan behavior and addressing unsportsmanlike conduct promptly
• Providing secure changing areas and refreshments for officials
• Advocating for fair compensation and regular pay increases for officials
• Facilitating communication between officials, coaches, and players to foster mutual respect
• Supporting recruitment efforts for new officials within their school communities

By taking a proactive approach, school administrators can help create a more welcoming and supportive environment for officials, potentially stemming the tide of departures and attracting new individuals to the profession.

Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Young Officials

With 77% of current officials over the age of 45, there is a pressing need to attract younger individuals to officiating. Developing effective strategies for recruiting and retaining young officials is crucial for the long-term sustainability of high school sports in North Carolina.

How can the NCHSAA and schools encourage younger people to become officials? Consider the following approaches:

• Partnering with high schools and colleges to introduce officiating as a potential career or part-time opportunity
• Offering mentorship programs that pair experienced officials with newcomers
• Providing flexible training schedules and online learning options to accommodate busy lifestyles
• Highlighting the benefits of officiating, such as staying connected to sports, earning extra income, and developing leadership skills
• Creating a clear path for advancement and recognition within the officiating community

By focusing on these strategies, the NCHSAA and schools can work together to build a pipeline of young, enthusiastic officials who can help sustain high school sports for years to come.

The Future of High School Sports Officiating in North Carolina

As the NCHSAA board of directors prepares to address the survey results in their upcoming meetings, the future of high school sports officiating in North Carolina hangs in the balance. The implementation of the subcommittee’s recommendations could have far-reaching effects on the state’s high school sports landscape.

What potential outcomes can we expect if the recommendations are adopted? Here are some possibilities:

• Improved retention rates among current officials
• Increased interest in officiating from younger individuals
• Enhanced quality of officiating due to better training and support
• More positive experiences for players, coaches, and fans due to fully staffed games
• A shift in school and community culture towards greater respect for officials

However, the success of these initiatives will depend on the cooperation of various stakeholders, including the NCHSAA, school administrators, coaches, players, and fans. It will require a concerted effort to address the complex issues surrounding officiating in high school sports.

Potential Challenges in Implementing Changes

While the recommendations from the NCHSAA study offer promising solutions, their implementation may face several challenges:

• Securing funding for pay increases in tight school budgets
• Changing long-standing attitudes and behaviors regarding sportsmanship
• Balancing the need for stricter penalties with maintaining an enjoyable sports experience
• Coordinating efforts across diverse school districts and communities
• Addressing resistance to change from various stakeholders

Overcoming these challenges will require strong leadership, clear communication, and a shared commitment to the long-term health of high school sports in North Carolina.

The Broader Implications for High School Sports

The officiating crisis in North Carolina is not an isolated issue but reflects broader trends affecting high school sports across the United States. The NCHSAA’s efforts to address this problem could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.

How might the outcomes in North Carolina influence high school sports on a national level? Consider these potential ripple effects:

• Inspiring other state athletic associations to conduct similar studies and implement reforms
• Sparking a national conversation about the value and treatment of sports officials
• Encouraging the development of standardized best practices for officiating recruitment and retention
• Promoting a cultural shift towards greater respect and appreciation for officials in all levels of sports
• Influencing policy decisions at the state and national levels regarding high school sports administration

By taking proactive steps to address the officiating shortage, North Carolina has the opportunity to lead by example and contribute to the overall improvement of high school sports across the country.

The Role of Technology in Addressing Officiating Challenges

As the NCHSAA and schools work to implement solutions to the officiating shortage, technology may play an increasingly important role. Innovative approaches leveraging digital tools could help alleviate some of the pressures facing the officiating community.

What technological solutions could potentially support officiating in high school sports? Here are some possibilities:

• Virtual reality training programs to help new officials gain experience in a controlled environment
• Mobile apps for streamlined game assignments, payments, and communication
• Video review systems to support officials’ decisions and provide learning opportunities
• Online platforms for officiating education and certification
• Data analytics tools to track officiating trends and identify areas for improvement

While technology cannot replace the human element of officiating, it can provide valuable support and resources to help address the current challenges facing the profession.

The Importance of Community Support for Officials

Ultimately, the success of efforts to improve the officiating situation in North Carolina high school sports will depend on broad community support. Parents, fans, and local businesses all have a role to play in creating a positive environment for officials and encouraging more individuals to consider officiating as a rewarding pursuit.

How can communities demonstrate their support for officials? Consider these actionable steps:

• Organizing appreciation events to recognize the contributions of local officials
• Encouraging respectful behavior at games through positive messaging and role modeling
• Supporting local officiating clinics and training programs
• Advocating for fair compensation and treatment of officials at school board meetings
• Promoting officiating as a valuable community service and potential career path

By fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for officials, communities can play a crucial role in addressing the officiating shortage and ensuring the continued success of high school sports in North Carolina.

As the NCHSAA moves forward with its plans to address the officiating crisis, the entire North Carolina high school sports community will need to come together to support these efforts. By implementing the recommended changes, focusing on recruitment and retention of officials, and fostering a more positive environment for all participants, North Carolina has the opportunity to set a new standard for high school sports officiating that could benefit student-athletes for generations to come.

NCHSAA study recommends better pay, more penalties for poor sportsmanship.

Richard Craver

North Carolina high school sports are experiencing a pronounced shortage of all referees and officials, a decline years in the making but deepened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can a per-game pay increase, as well as other game-related enhancements such as providing a snack and secured changing areas, stem the tide and even reverse the decrease?

Would it make a difference if school administrators and athletic officials take a more active role in addressing over-the-top and abusive fan/parent behavior, particularly before being asked by officials under duress?

Those are the primary questions that spurred the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s board of directors to form an ad hoc subcommittee “to study the high school officiating experience in North Carolina.”

The 23-member subcommittee organized a survey that was taken between July 25 and Aug. 5. The 3,115 respondents represented 42% of a potential 7,400 officials.

People are also reading…

The top-two recommendations from the subcommittee:

“An immediate, across-the-board (pay) increase with more regular increases.”

“Doubling down on penalties for poor sportsmanship from everyone — coaches, players, but especially fans. Schools should be incentivized to control this before any official needs to ask.”

The survey represents a ripple effect from the 2021 state legislative session in which bills sponsored by three Senate Republicans could have led to the disbanding of the NCHSAA.

After months of mostly behind-the-scenes negotiations, the NCHSAA agreed to a new memorandum of understanding with the State Board of Education that allowed it to retain its oversight, but with significant administrative and policy changes. The memorandum is good for middle and high schools through at least the end of the 2026-27 school year.

Although private, religious and charter athletic departments have their own statewide oversight authorities, they rely heavily on NCHSAA-certified officials and tend to pay the same or modestly higher game fees.

The survey results are expected to be addressed by the board during meetings Wednesday and Thursday. The NCHSAA could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Officials and referees from nine sports participated, led by 1,182 in basketball, followed by 1,028 in football, 702 baseball, 600 volleyball, 595 soccer, 593 softball, 224 lacrosse, 173 wrestling and 167 swimming/diving.

“Our charge over the summer was to explore the challenges of the retention of current officials and recruitment of new officials, and make recommendations on solutions,” the subcommittee said.

“The survey is the heartbeat of our efforts.”

The high level of response, according to the subcommittee, “indicated … that officials have a lot to say and want to be heard.”

Doses of reality

Over the past year, athletic directors have been told increasingly by regional referee supervisors — who are hired by the NCHSAA — that they cannot provide full crews for all games, including varsity.

That’s particularly true for sports where teams play multiple times per week during the regular season.

Those scenarios often create a level of tension and frustration among players, coaches, fans and officials alike, particularly as reduced crews struggle to cover critical, sometimes game-changing, angles of play.

One sobering dose of reality is that 55% of current survey respondents are ages 55 and older, while 77% are over age 45. Many older referees chose to retire during the pandemic, whether for health reasons or having lost their zeal to officiate.

About 53% of current officials have considered leaving high school sports.

“Add in the aging of the officiating base, and that’s a recipe for bigger short-term issues,” according to the report.

John Sullivan, athletic director for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, said Tuesday the system is taking a wait-and-see approach.

“We certainly value and appreciate what our referees mean to high school athletics,” Sullivan said. “Having a trusted, reliable and well-trained pool of referees managed by the NCHSAA is invaluable.

“We will watch as the NCHSAA works through this pay issue with the referees, and will be prepared to follow the state’s guidance moving forward.

“We want nothing but the best environment possible for our student athletes.”

Fee increases

Varsity officials and referees in North Carolina make between $64 (soccer) and $94.50 (football) per game. The range also includes baseball, basketball, lacrosse, softball and wrestling.

However, officials and referees are not compensated for their mileage to and from games, which some neighboring states provide.

That means high gas prices cut into their fees and discourage referees from accepting matches outside their home county.

“What we saw repeatedly in the answers to open-ended questions was that too many officials of all sports are dissatisfied with their pay,” according to the report.

“An increase (in pay) for all officials in all sports would go a long way to tamping down their unhappiness.”

The report included the fees paid in those seven sports by Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.

For example, compared with the $94.50 per game in North Carolina, varsity football officials are paid up to $106 in South Carolina and $115 in Tennessee.

Varsity basketball officials are paid $74.50 per game in North Carolina, $75 in Georgia, $80 in South Carolina and $90 in Tennessee.

In soccer, a varsity official gets $64 per game in North Carolina, $70 in South Carolina, $83 in Georgia and $85 in Tennessee.

Recruitment challenges

Another key issue cited by the subcommittee from the survey is that “lack of pay is a roadblock as a recruitment tool.”

“While tenured officials call (officiate) their sport to stay connected to one another and (to) sports, younger people (that) we need to entice into our program won’t be open to it without meaningful compensation. ”

Another recommendation is that tenured high school officials be given a seasonal or annual registration discount after a certain number of years, as well as providing a discount for officials registered in two or more sports.

The subcommittee recommends enhanced mentorship programs for younger officials, whether directly from the NCHSAA or through regional referee supervisors.

Also recommended is that NCHSAA launch a marketing campaign that promotes the positive aspects of officiating, including public service announcements on sports talk radio, attending job fairs, and reaching out to college intramural programs, high school juniors and seniors.

“On this, we must go big to expose to the next generation of officials the positives of high school sports,” according to the report.

NCHSAA endowment

Officials identified the NCHSAA’s endowment, which has approached $40 million in recent fiscal years, as a potential source to pay for increased game fees.

The endowment has received a significant amount of criticism from some NCHSAA member schools, particularly at the smaller 1-A and 2-A levels where some athletics and administrative officials have questioned why the NCHSAA doesn’t provide additional funds to help pay for uniforms, equipment, field and venue upgrades.

During the 2021 legislative debate, some NCHSAA schools were lukewarm at best about adding to their financial challenges by raising referee fees.

“We acknowledge the financial stress on schools who pay officials, but schools have other avenues to make up this money while officials do not,” according to the report.

“The alternative of no, or a delayed increase, will make this issue more profound.”

Poor sportsmanship

Poor sportsmanship from fans — foremost parents — coaches and players is cited as a key detriment to retention for younger and older officials alike.

According to the survey, 63% of respondents said that poor sportsmanship would be the top factor in exiting high school officiating, while 51% say the top factor would be “the pay is not what it should be. ”

“Young people do not want to officiate because of the abuse,” according to the report.

One potential solution is to ban teams from postseason play if five or more fans are ejected during the regular season.

The subcommittee cited how the Texas Association of Sports Officials “is considering pulling officiating services from schools that cannot control poor sportsmanship.”

“While we understand that school personnel are managing many things during any contest, administrators proactively dealing with any fans who verbally abuse or show extreme behavior toward officials on or off the court/field should be ejected from the venue immediately.”

“This ‘do we have your attention now” move is good.”

In the report’s conclusion, the subcommittee said “we strongly recommend finding these resources to accomplish these items because, regardless of the decision to act on any of these findings, there ultimately will be some kind of cost to the NCHSAA officiating program and its members.

“Either way, there’s a price to pay.”

336-727-7376

@rcraverWSJ

Tags

• Nchsaa
• Law
• Company
• Economics
• Politics
• Infraction
• Athletic Competition
• Association
• Vote
• State Board Of Education
• By-law
• High School
• Sport
• Referee
• Official
• Athletic Association
• Athlete
• Proceeds
• Football
• Sportsmanship
• School
• Coach
• Fan
• Fee
• Swimming
• American Football

Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.

* I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.

Regulations, Fees and Other FAQs

How do I start officiating? 

All officials must register and complete the pre-season requirements for eligibility to work NCHSAA assignments.

Requirements are as follows:

• Complete Registration and Payment
  • Personal Information
  • Background check authorization – Two responses required
  • General Registration – “NO” if wanting to be an eligible NCHSAA official
  • Regional Association
  • Payment
• Requirements for Eligibility Once Registered:
  • Background Check
  • Local Clinics Attendance
  • Local Association Meeting Attendance
  • Scrimmages
  • State Rules Clinic
  • NFHS Concussion Course
  • NFHS Sport Exam
    • 75 + Regular Season Eligible
    • 80 + Post-Season Eligible 

Back to Top

I’m a new official – do I have to pay a late fee?

No. We have eliminated late registration fees for new officials.  Returning officials must pay a $25 late fee if registering past the individual sports deadline.

As part of a recruitment initiative, the NCHSAA will discount the registration fee for a first-time official.   This is ONLY for officials new to officiating with the NCHSAA (not new to a different sport than previously officiated). 

• You must first register before the NCHSAA can go into the system and waive the registration fee.
• When instructed to pay, “do not pay”.  Send an email to [email protected] stating you have completed the registration process up to the payment step.  Our office will update your account to reflect the discounted rate ($31 for insurance and background check).
• If you make a payment before the NCHSAA can waive the fee(s), you will NOT receive the discount nor a refund for the difference.
• Once complete, the NCHSAA will give a response email indicating the fee has been waived.  You will then go in and make payment to complete your registration.

Back to top

I already registered for a sport, but I would like to add a new sport. Do I need to pay the insurance fee again?

No. You only pay the insurance fee one time per year, no matter how many sports you choose to officiate.

Back to top

I have my own insurance, why do I have to pay the $21?

It is mandatory that you pay the insurance, regardless of your coverage. This is not only a $1 million liability coverage plan, but it also covers catastrophic injury up to $1 million. 

Back to top

I missed the deadline – can I still register?

No. Unfortunately, we rarely allow registrations after the deadline. This is to make sure that all officials have books, attend clinics and take exams prior to the start of the season.

Back to top

Can I register with two Regional Supervisors?

No, we only allow officials to use one Regional Supervisor per sport. Officials are independent contractors and may register with the Regional Supervisor/local officials’ association of their choice each year.

Back to top

Do I have to take the exam?

Yes. We require that the exam be taken every year.  You must register for an account at exams. nfhs.org, and take the exam at this site during the open testing window.  You must take the exam, and make 75% or above to continue officiating in our program for the sports season.

Back to top

Rulebooks are available through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) contact at 1-800-776-3462 or order online at nfhs.com

Back to top

Where do I get my uniform?

Uniforms are available through the official NCHSAA vendor geaRef.  

Back to top

Officiating General Information

Am I eligible to work post-season?

Must meet all requirements for eligibility and score 80 + on the NFHS Exam.

Back to top

Appealing Examination Scores

When appealing an examination score you have 5 days from the test end date to appeal. When appealing an examination score you have 5 days from the test end date to appeal. When making an appeal you must list the specific questions with rule references and email the missed question to the Supervisor of Officials, Mark Dreibelbis. The appeal MUST BE IN EMAIL FORM. An appeal WILL NOT be accepted unless there is due cause to issue a grade change.

Back to top

Emergency Examination

There are no emergency examinations.  You must complete your online exam during the testing window provided by the NCHSAA office.  If you do not take the exam, or make less than a 75, you are ineligible to officiate varsity and jv games for the remainder of that sport season.

Back to top

Officiating Game Fees (Updated 1/1/23)

Click to download

Back to top

Mark-Offs

Each Association is responsible for determining the criteria for a mark-off system. A mark-off system is optional NOT mandatory.

Back to top

Physical Examination

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association Board of Directors highly recommends that each official has a physical examination prior to the start of their regular sports season.

Back to top

Providing an escort

Schools must provide the officials with an escort to the dressing room in football, basketball and soccer.