A shortage of high school football officials in western Kentucky has prompted the Western Kentucky Football Officials Association to schedule a recruitment meeting on June 9 in Caldwell County, inviting anyone interested to learn how they can help keep games on schedule.
Veteran official Jay Davis, who has spent years on the sidelines, will lead the session, emphasizing that the need for referees extends across ten high schools and middle school programs in several counties, and that the association is looking for former players, coaches, and community members to fill the gap.
The Scope of the Shortage
Organizers estimate that a typical early‑season week may require as many as forty, or even forty‑six, officials if schools opt for seven‑man crews, a figure that has become harder to meet as experienced officials retire or scale back their schedules.
Several longtime referees have recently stepped away due to health concerns, leaving a void that younger candidates could help fill, while scheduling conflicts have forced some schools to shift game days in search of available crews.
A Pathway for Former Players
Jay Davis points to a growing culture that encourages graduating seniors to stay connected to the sport by becoming officials, noting that a local high school coach regularly urges his players to consider the role once their athletic careers end.
In a recent example, Davis helped a graduating player secure a spot with an officiating group near Murray State University, illustrating how the association is creating new opportunities for younger officials across Kentucky.
Anyone interested in joining the ranks can attend the June 9 meeting or reach out to Davis directly for details on registration, training, testing requirements, and mentorship programs that support new officials as they begin their careers.