‘Spectator behavior’ blamed for nationwide referee shortage in Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A nationwide referee shortage is impacting sports across Tampa Bay and many sports program leaders told 8 On Your Side they believe the issue is some parents and players.

Berk Gumus loves the sport of soccer, but if he could, he’d give a red card to some of the behavior he sees both on and off the field.

“The main issue is the spectator behavior,” said Berk Gumus, Referee Assigner for the US Soccer Federation. “Basically the youth and the parents can be sometimes obnoxious on the referee’s call and the referee’s decisions.”

Gumus is in charge of assigning soccer referees throughout the state.

He said harassment in the stands has kept some referees off the field, leading to a statewide shortage.

“I remember in 2007 and 2008, we had 9,000 referees in the State of Florida,” said Gumus. “Now we have 4,500, maximum 5,000 referees.”

The Tampa YMCA said they are also having trouble hiring refs because of the harassment issues.

In Pinellas County, at least two high schools were forced to move their games this upcoming weekend due to a lack of referees.

It seems there’s not a whistle loud enough to quiet some crowds and that’s a major problem for those who ref.

“Yes we absolutely accept freedom of speech, but with the new era the last 10 years it’s gotten worse,” said Gumus.

The application process to become a ref at some places also deters people from the job, but some of the people strong enough to do it say it’s so kids can continue playing sports.

If this sounds like a job you would be willing to step up to the plate for, you can find links to several referee applications throughout the area below.

United States Soccer Federation: https://www.flsoccerrefs.org/new-referees/

YMCA: https://secure6.saashr.com/ta/6117701.careers?CareersSearch

Florida High School Athletic Association: https://fhsaa.arbitersports.com/front/103524/Site

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