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

How can North Carolina address the shortage of high school sports officials. What measures does the NCHSAA recommend to improve the situation. Why are current referees considering leaving high school sports.

The Alarming Shortage of High School Sports Officials in North Carolina

North Carolina’s high school sports are grappling with a significant shortage of referees and officials across all disciplines. This decline, which has been brewing for years, was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has recognized the gravity of the situation and taken steps to address it.

To better understand the root causes and potential solutions, the NCHSAA’s board of directors formed an ad hoc subcommittee tasked with studying the high school officiating experience in North Carolina. The subcommittee conducted a comprehensive survey between July 25 and August 5, garnering responses from 3,115 officials – a impressive 42% of the potential 7,400 officials pool.

Key Findings from the NCHSAA Survey

• 55% of current officials are 55 years or older
• 77% of officials are over 45 years old
• 53% of current officials have considered leaving high school sports

These statistics paint a concerning picture of an aging officiating workforce, with a significant portion contemplating departure from the field. The pandemic has accelerated this trend, with many older referees opting for retirement due to health concerns or a diminished enthusiasm for officiating.

Top Recommendations to Address the Officiating Crisis

Based on the survey results, the subcommittee has put forward two primary recommendations:

1. An immediate, across-the-board pay increase with more regular increases
2. Doubling down on penalties for poor sportsmanship, particularly from fans, with schools incentivized to control behavior proactively

These recommendations aim to tackle the core issues driving the shortage: inadequate compensation and challenging working conditions. But will these measures be enough to stem the tide and potentially reverse the decline in official numbers?

Current Pay Structure for NC High School Sports Officials

Varsity officials and referees in North Carolina currently earn between $64 (for soccer) and $94.50 (for football) per game. This range also applies to other sports such as baseball, basketball, lacrosse, softball, and wrestling. However, it’s crucial to note that officials are not compensated for their travel expenses to and from games, which can significantly impact their net earnings.

The Impact of Poor Sportsmanship on Official Retention

One of the most pressing issues highlighted by the survey is the negative impact of poor sportsmanship, particularly from fans, on officials’ willingness to continue in their roles. The subcommittee’s recommendation to double down on penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior underscores the severity of this problem.

Why is addressing fan behavior so crucial for official retention? Abusive or over-the-top conduct from spectators creates a hostile working environment for officials, leading to stress, burnout, and ultimately, the decision to leave the profession. By incentivizing schools to proactively control fan behavior, the NCHSAA aims to create a more positive and supportive atmosphere for officials.

Strategies for Improving Fan Behavior

• Implementing stricter penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct
• Educating fans about the importance of respectful behavior
• Empowering school administrators to intervene before officials need to address issues
• Creating a code of conduct for spectators at high school sporting events

The Ripple Effect of Legislative Scrutiny on High School Sports

The NCHSAA’s focus on improving officiating conditions is not occurring in a vacuum. It’s partly a response to legislative pressure that emerged during the 2021 state legislative session. Three Senate Republicans sponsored bills that could have led to the disbanding of the NCHSAA, prompting months of negotiations.

The outcome of these negotiations was a new memorandum of understanding between the NCHSAA and the State Board of Education. This agreement allows the NCHSAA to retain its oversight role, but with significant administrative and policy changes. The memorandum is set to remain in effect for middle and high schools through at least the end of the 2026-27 school year.

How does this legislative scrutiny impact the officiating landscape? The increased attention on the NCHSAA’s operations has likely contributed to a greater sense of urgency in addressing the officiating shortage and improving conditions for officials. It also underscores the importance of transparency and responsiveness in the association’s decision-making processes.

The Broader Impact on North Carolina High School Sports

The shortage of officials is having far-reaching consequences on high school sports across North Carolina. Athletic directors are increasingly being informed by regional referee supervisors that they cannot provide full crews for all games, including varsity matches. This shortage is particularly acute in sports where teams play multiple times per week during the regular season.

What are the implications of this shortage for high school athletes and programs? The lack of full officiating crews can lead to:

• Increased risk of missed calls or incorrect decisions
• Heightened tension among players, coaches, and fans
• Potential safety concerns due to inadequate oversight
• Reduced quality of play and competitive integrity

John Sullivan, athletic director for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue: “We certainly value and appreciate what our referees mean to high school athletics. Having a trusted, reliable and well-trained pool of referees managed by the NCHSAA is invaluable.”

Potential Solutions Beyond Pay Increases and Stricter Penalties

While the NCHSAA’s primary recommendations focus on pay increases and stricter penalties for poor sportsmanship, there are other potential solutions that could help address the officiating shortage:

Recruitment and Training Initiatives

Developing targeted recruitment programs to attract younger individuals to officiating could help address the aging workforce issue. This could include:

• Partnerships with high schools and colleges to introduce students to officiating
• Mentorship programs pairing experienced officials with newcomers
• Streamlined training and certification processes

Improved Working Conditions

Beyond pay increases, other enhancements to working conditions could make officiating more attractive:

• Providing secure changing areas for officials
• Offering refreshments or meals during long game days
• Implementing better scheduling systems to reduce travel time and conflicts

Technology Integration

Leveraging technology could help alleviate some of the pressures on officials and improve the overall quality of officiating:

• Video replay systems for critical calls in certain sports
• Digital tools for tracking game statistics and generating reports
• Online platforms for scheduling and communication between officials and schools

The Role of Schools and Communities in Supporting Officials

While the NCHSAA’s recommendations primarily focus on organizational-level changes, schools and local communities also play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment for officials. How can these stakeholders contribute to addressing the officiating shortage?

Promoting Respect and Appreciation

Schools can take proactive steps to foster a culture of respect for officials:

• Implementing “Thank an Official” days or weeks
• Featuring officials in school publications or announcements
• Educating students and parents about the challenges and importance of officiating

Community Engagement

Local communities can also play a part in supporting and attracting officials:

• Organizing community events to recognize and appreciate officials
• Encouraging local businesses to offer discounts or perks to officials
• Creating scholarship programs for students interested in pursuing officiating

Collaboration with Youth Sports Programs

Building connections between high school sports and youth leagues can create a pipeline for future officials:

• Offering officiating clinics for youth coaches and parents
• Creating opportunities for high school athletes to officiate youth games
• Developing a continuum of officiating experiences from youth to high school levels

The Future of High School Sports Officiating in North Carolina

As the NCHSAA board of directors prepares to address the survey results and recommendations, the future of high school sports officiating in North Carolina hangs in the balance. The decisions made in the coming months could have far-reaching implications for the state’s young athletes, schools, and communities.

What might the landscape of high school sports officiating look like in the next five to ten years if these recommendations are implemented? Some potential outcomes include:

• A more diverse and younger pool of officials
• Improved retention rates among current officials
• Enhanced quality of officiating across all sports
• A more positive and respectful atmosphere at high school sporting events
• Increased interest in officiating as a respected and rewarding pursuit

However, achieving these outcomes will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved in high school sports. The NCHSAA’s recommendations provide a starting point, but sustained commitment and collaboration will be necessary to truly transform the officiating landscape in North Carolina.

Monitoring Progress and Adapting Strategies

As the NCHSAA moves forward with implementing its recommendations, it will be crucial to establish mechanisms for monitoring progress and adapting strategies as needed. This could include:

• Regular surveys of officials to track satisfaction and retention rates
• Data collection on officiating shortages and their impact on games
• Feedback loops with schools, athletes, and communities
• Ongoing review and adjustment of pay scales and sportsmanship policies

By maintaining a flexible and responsive approach, the NCHSAA can ensure that its efforts to address the officiating shortage remain effective in the face of evolving challenges and needs.

The Broader Implications for High School Sports in America

While this study focuses on North Carolina, the challenges facing high school sports officiating are not unique to the state. Across the United States, athletic associations and school districts are grappling with similar issues of official shortages, aging workforces, and concerns about sportsmanship and working conditions.

How might the NCHSAA’s approach and recommendations influence other states and regions? The outcomes of North Carolina’s efforts could serve as a valuable case study for other athletic associations looking to address their own officiating challenges. Some potential ripple effects include:

• Increased national attention on the importance of fair compensation for officials
• Renewed focus on sportsmanship and fan behavior across all levels of sports
• Innovation in recruitment and retention strategies for sports officials
• Greater collaboration between state athletic associations to share best practices

As high school sports continue to play a vital role in the educational and social fabric of communities across America, ensuring a robust and sustainable officiating system is crucial. The steps taken by North Carolina could help pave the way for a nationwide recommitment to supporting and valuing the individuals who make fair play possible on fields and courts across the country.

The Role of Technology in Shaping the Future of Officiating

As we look to the future of high school sports officiating, it’s important to consider the potential impact of emerging technologies. How might technological advancements help address some of the challenges facing officials and improve the overall quality of officiating?

• AI-assisted decision making for certain types of calls
• Virtual reality training programs for officials
• Wearable technology to track officials’ movements and positioning
• Advanced communication systems between officials during games

While technology should not replace the human judgment and experience that officials bring to the game, it can serve as a valuable tool to support and enhance their work. As the NCHSAA and other athletic associations continue to address the officiating shortage, exploring innovative technological solutions could be an important part of their strategy.

In conclusion, the NCHSAA’s study and recommendations represent a critical step toward addressing the challenges facing high school sports officiating in North Carolina. By focusing on improved compensation, stricter penalties for poor sportsmanship, and a range of other potential solutions, the association is taking a proactive approach to ensuring the sustainability of high school sports in the state. As these efforts unfold, their impact will likely extend far beyond North Carolina’s borders, potentially influencing the future of high school sports officiating across the nation.

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.

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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.”

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Where do I get my uniform?

Uniforms are available through the official NCHSAA vendor geaRef.  

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Officiating General Information

Am I eligible to work post-season?

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

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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.

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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.

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Officiating Game Fees (Updated 1/1/23)

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Mark-Offs

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

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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.

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Providing an escort

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