Amid a shortage of referees in Indiana and nationwide, the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) is proud to showcase its successful Student Officiating Program, now in its third year. This initiative promotes a love for sports among high school students while ensuring the future of sports officiating in the community.
Andy Kern, a licensed official with the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), leads the program, drawing on his experience in various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and softball. “As current officials age, we must recruit new talent for these essential roles,” Kern said, highlighting the need for fresh faces in officiating.
The program is open to students in grades 10 through 12 and provides extensive training that begins with an online course covering the fundamentals of officiating, followed by hands-on experiences. “We began with just a few student officials in our first year, and now we have nearly 20 participants,” Kern noted, reflecting on the program's growth.
Training encompasses not just the rules of the game but also critical interpersonal skills necessary for effective officiating. “It’s important for them to manage interactions with coaches and parents,” Kern explained. This comprehensive approach helps students build confidence and develops crucial life skills such as leadership, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
Ahmed Elhag, a senior at John Adams High School shared his motivation: “I wanted to learn how to be a referee and earn money while doing it.” He noted how the training has deepened his understanding of sports and prepared him for the challenges of officiating.
The Student Officiating Program meets immediate needs in the sports officiating landscape, allowing participants to earn part-time income, with potential earnings of around $30 an hour at the collegiate level. Officiating offers students valuable, rewarding experiences.
Kern emphasized the program's goal of easing the transition from player to official: “The more you officiate, the easier it becomes.” This program encourages students to remain involved in sports while gaining experiences that contribute to their personal growth.
As the SBCSC continues to expand its Student Officiating Program, it is clear this initiative is positively shaping the future of athletics in South Bend. By addressing the current challenges in sports officiating, students are equipped with essential skills and experiences that benefit both their development and the community.