There is a football officials shortage in Hawaii and citizens are coming to the rescue.
According Oahu Football Officials Association recruiting chairman Jim Beavers, recent notices in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser have led to close to 20 new faces signing up.
The officials shortage has had a direct effect on the Oahu Interscholastic Association’s decision to schedule games from Wednesday through Saturday each week this fall instead of the regular Friday and Saturday slate. Some critics say this schedule is far from ideal for student-athletes who are expected to attend school on a weekday, participate in a contact sport at night, get home late, wake up early, attend school the next day and be ready for the demanding scholastic requirements.
The year’s initial meeting of the OFOA is set for June 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Aloha Stadium hospitality room. Anyone interested in signing up to become an official is welcome, Beavers said.
The first meeting will be the start of a series of training sessions to prepare existing officials for the upcoming season as well as introduce new or potentially new officials to what Beavers calls “the really fun task” of on-the-field officiating.
OFOA’s field officials and auxiliary crews are assigned to OIA, Interscholastic League of Honolulu, and Hawaii High School Athletic Association state tournament games.
Dues of $25 per person goes toward administration, including membership in the National Federation of State High School Associations), which also includes medical insurance.
Rule books and related information will be provided, according to Beavers.
For more information, email ofoa.secretary@yahoo.com or call 221-4923.
Good start.
Should have done this 2 years ago.
Think the league(s) should cover the $25 dues for anyone who actually refs a game in the calendar year. Every sport everywhere is going to face an officials shortage if they’re not already.
So you make a terrible Wed-Sat game schedule based on officials shortage, and then you post the hiring notice. Makes sense…
In most cases the new officials will be trained both in class and on the field in JPS games. Comprehensive one-on-one live action training. If you are interested in participating as an on-field football official now is the time to join. You can fill out your information at http://www.RefereeClinic.com/HHSAA and you will be provided all meeting schedules.
Matt Sumstine
NCAA Big-12 & Mountain West Replay
HHSAA Football Officials Coordinator
Jr Prep Sports Officials Training Coordinator
HFOA Aloha Clinic Founder & Director
Cell/Text (808) 927-8665
Yes, agree with above, waive the dues fee upon satisfactory completion of training. Also, increase their compensation. Simple economics of supply & demand; increase the pay and they will come.
Great news on the people who stepped up to help our student athletes! Please treat all officials with respect and appreciation and more will sign up.
I was told that no past experience playing FB was necessary to try out to be a ref. I’m thinking of signing up. Due to childhood asthma I never played HS sports but this would be a good way to give back.
Hey Matt, if you are still checking on this posting, coaching friends have asked what is the compensation for officials per game? I know it depends on whether it’s JPS, Pop Warner, JV, VAR. There may be some interested ex Coaches.
I am interested in joining and referring football in Hawaii. I am officiated football in Guam for the past five years at all levels – varsity, women’s, high school and youth. I have worked the line judge, linesman, back judge and umpire positions. I am in Hawaii, but leaving for Australia tomorrow and will be back in Hawaii on Nov. 12 and will be leaving Hawaii for Guam on Jan. 18, 2019. Please let me know what I need to do to officiate here in Hawaii.