COLMAN, S.D. (KELO.com) — A shortage of officials has some South Dakota high school football games being scheduled so refs can work two games in one day.
Colman-Egan will be playing their second 3:00 game Friday. Head coach Chad Williamson doesn’t feel it impacts his players saying coaches need to do a good job of preparing them for the time change. When asked about reports that people don’t want to referee because of how they are treated by fans, Williamson said he does believe that is one reason for the shortage. He said “I personally hear many things said to officials that I think are completely inappropriate.”
The South Dakota High School Activities Association says while they don’t have a smaller number of officials for football games this year, they are short on crews. They went from a 4-person to 5-person crew this season which has made it a struggle to find enough crews to make it to the non metropolitan parts of the state.
Randy Soma, with the South Dakota High School Activities Association says they have moved games to early times on Fridays so crews can do two games. They are also scheduling on Thursdays and Saturdays to help alleviate the issue. He adds they continue to look for new officials and are seeking way to improve the experience for them by working with Athletic Directors, the football coaches association, and post secondary schools.
