Jared Butson, a 49‑year‑old physical education teacher from St. Charles, Minnesota, has been selected as the 2025‑26 boys basketball Official of the Year by the Minnesota State High School League.
With nearly three decades of officiating experience, he has worked basketball and football games two to three nights each winter, including 18 state tournaments and multiple championship contests.
A career built on service
Butson began his officiating journey at age 19 while studying at St. Cloud State University, a path that has taken him from local high school contests to the biggest stages in Minnesota.
Since 2005 he has served as the Rochester Area Officials Assignor for both boys and girls basketball, and since 2017 for football, coordinating assignments and ensuring a steady pool of qualified referees.
Shaping the next generation
Each summer he runs an officials training camp at Saint Mary’s University, where he shares the nuances of rule interpretation, positioning and game management with aspiring referees.
The camp reflects his belief that mentorship and continuous learning are essential to maintaining officiating standards amid a growing shortage across nearly every sport.
That shortage has begun to affect game scheduling and availability, prompting Butson to urge anyone interested to sign up through the Rochester Area Officials Association website, www.raoamn.org.
A call to action
The Minnesota State High School League, the Rochester Area Officials Association and Saint Mary’s University all play pivotal roles in supporting officials, providing resources and fostering a community that values the integrity of the games.