To all the proud moms and dads of high school athletes in Arizona—this one’s for you.
We get it. You love your kids, you love the game, and you show up to support them with passion and pride. That’s awesome. Cheer loud, celebrate every big play, and soak in the magic of high school sports. But when it comes to shouting at referees or second-guessing coaches from the stands, it’s time to hit the brakes.
Your enthusiasm is appreciated—truly. But your self-control is just as important.
Yelling at officials doesn’t help your kid or the team. In fact, it does the opposite: it embarrasses your child, makes the environment uncomfortable for others, reflects poorly on the school, and—here’s the kicker—it’s driving referees away from the game altogether.
According to the National Association of Sports Officials, over 75% of high school refs say they quit because of adult behavior. And 80% of new, younger officials don’t last more than two years. Why? They’re not paid to be yelled at.
Here’s the reality: The officiating shortage is real and getting worse. In many areas, there are more officials over 60 than under 30. As veterans retire, there aren’t enough new recruits stepping in. That means postponed or canceled games—especially for freshman and JV levels.
And that’s not just a scheduling issue—it’s a community problem. High school sports teach teamwork, discipline, resilience, and pride. Losing those opportunities doesn’t just affect athletes—it affects everyone.
The fix? Be the adult your child looks up to. Be loud with your love, not your criticism. And if you really want to help, consider becoming an official yourself. Arizona needs you.
Want to make a difference? Sign up to become a licensed official [HERE].
Let’s make sure the game goes on—for this generation and the next.
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