This story has been contributed by Tom Davidson, Head Coach at Ozark High School.

I have had the privilege of coaching our great game at the high school level for 17 wonderful years. In that time I have seen several different changes. One area I have seen very little change is in our current referee pool.

I would like to take time to recognize and appreciate all the dedicated referees who have served me, our sport, and the many players who have benefited from their service. Men like Gary Keisker, Gary Strunk, Dave Massey, Jack Streck, Tim Noonan, and others have been shouldering the load for many a year. Yes Keisker, you and I have had way too many games together, (to date I have coached 740 high school games and I’m sure you have officiated 700 of them).

Joking aside, it is time to call the soccer community to help with this situation. We have had boys’ soccer in the community since 1984. The girls program since 1995. If you count just one school it is roughly 30 athletes per season at 35 seasons or about 950 players from one school who have enjoyed high school soccer. Where are all of you? If we cannot increase our number of referees, our sport will be told what nights to play on or maybe told we can’t play certain games. We need to give something back. We complain about the referees, but we don’t do it ourselves. C’mon soccer moms and dads, former players, college students, and coaches, who don’t coach in both seasons. We are in desperate times with this scenario. Our sport is starting to flourish with more kids playing and schools adding soccer all of the time. Everyone has some spare time at least one day a week for a few hours.

The current referees will tell you that they are not getting rich doing this, but they do get paid. The current rate of pay is $50 for a varsity game and $42.50 for a junior varsity game. This isn’t bad for a few hours of work. I am currently at a school where 11 of our coaches, administrators and teachers do some refereeing. Other sports are not in this pinch. Why is it that so few feel the call to service? Do we not feel like our kids are important enough to help them? I’m searching for answers to our dilemma! Please help!

Our sport needs you. If you believe in this sport and are willing to help, you can contact the Missouri State High School Activities Association at MSHSAA.org. It’s a simple process and easy to become an official. Thanks for your service and see you this spring.

Sincerely, Tom Davidson