WVSSAC emphasizes need for officials amid statewide shortage

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — You can’t play the games without an official, and the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) is encouraging people to become one amid a statewide shortage.

The WVSSAC says that anyone who is a high school junior or older than 16 can be an official in some capacity. Those in the position get an opportunity to enjoy sports from a different perspective, whether they’ve played the sport in the past or not; it’s also a way to create bonds within the community.

“The officials I’ve worked with, it’s a fraternity, a brotherhood that you can’t replace. They’re some of my best friends, especially the guys that I work with on Friday night. We’ve been together for 10 years, so they’re close friends. And then just the impact that you can have on kids in a positive manner,” Mason-Dixon Football Association Education Coordinator Dan Harbaugh said.

On top of the potential fun and benefit to the kids, Harbaugh said that there’s also financial compensation for officiating a game with rates varying based on the level of competition.

If you’re interested in becoming an official, visit the WVSSAC’s website to learn more and sign up.

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