Help Out School Athletics

Hi everyone!

I need to make a plea primarily for the people who live in my school district (Hopkins Schools), but as well for the people in Minnesota as a whole.

Many school athletic programs are having a HUGE problem with a shortage of referees.  In this short school year, we've already had multiple games where both my daughter's soccer teams had games without a ref.  Other sports, including football and lacrosse, have had the same problem.

The cause of this shortage is understandable. We currently have very low unemployment rates in Minnesota so there are fewer people to do the work.  The referees which are currently in the system seem to be either gravitating towards exclusive contracts with larger schools, or are more focused on weekend tournaments where they can make a lot of money.  This leaves many schools desperately looking for people willing to referee.

Hopkins School District has got a great deal for anyone who can help.  They currently need people to step up and get trained in as referees for various sports.  The training for varsity games is a little more stringent, but the biggest needs are for JV, 10th and 9th grade teams, as well as the junior high teams.  You get trained and they pay you pretty good too.  This open call is for people 14 or older.  If you're a parent, it's a real easy way to help out, especially if you were going to be at the game already.  It's a great way to make a few bucks, while working only a few hours each week.  And you help out the school too.

We need to prevent situations where teams have to police themselves (rarely works) or one of the coaches tries to be neutral and refs the game (also rarely works without bias).

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP HOPKINS SCHOOLS:  Contact Erin Brown, 952-988-4693, or at erin.brown@hopkinsschools.org

If you are in Minnesota but not in Hopkins, check with your school.  More than likely there is a shortage there too, and you may be able to make some money.  Thanks!