With the high school football season just around the corner, an “all call” has gone out for officials for the 2025 season.
Jay Davis, the Assigning Secretary for Region 2 Football Officials, appeared on the Early Bird Show Monday morning and said a meeting is planned on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Caldwell County High School for anyone wanting to officiate football this fall. He said he hopes to attract younger officials to help.
Davis said the shortage of officials is affecting all sports and not just in this area.
Davis said this week’s meeting also will be attended by several high school and middle schools coaches, as well as Kentucky High School Athletic Association Commissioner, Julian Tackett, and some athletic directors.
Davis also said high school students wanting to make extra money and who may want to continue to referee after graduation, can join the high school recruitment program. This program allows high school students to work with more experienced referees at the middle school level.
Davis said he has about 60 officials now, but not all of them can work on Friday nights. He also said some schools want a seven-man crew and some want a five-man crew. In addition, he said he needs officials for the weeknight freshmen and JV games.
New officials will need to register with the KHSAA and pay the $40.50 fee. There also is a $50 assignment fee for new officials and the Region 2 Referee Association also loans new officials $174 to purchase uniforms and then the referees pay the money back throughout the season.
Davis also had a request that parents, players, and coaches show patience with the officials as the new season begins.
Anyone who is interested in officiating football who cannot attend Wednesday night’s meeting, can call Davis at 270-836-0449.