The number of umpires, referees, and officials is declining on Long Island and nationwide, a decrease blamed on the onslaught of verbal abuse from parents, spectators, players, and coaches, according to Newsday interviews with more than two dozen sports officials, school administrators, and high school coaches.
Statistics from Nassau and Suffolk counties show a sharp drop in the number of people willing to officiate since 2011-12. According to lists published by each county, Nassau has seen a 25% drop in referees since the 2011-12 school year, while Suffolk has experienced an 18% decline.
The verbal abuse and concerns about safety have made recruiting new referees difficult, and those interviewed said the problem has become worse in recent years thanks, in part, to social media and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs: “Section XI fully supports all our men and women who officiate our athletic competitions. We need to tone back negative behaviors so our student-athletes can have the most rewarding experience participating in interscholastic athletics. Ultimately, it’s all about the student-athletes!”