Campus recreation professionals and high school sports leaders are invited to “Game Changers: How Campus Recreation Can Power the Future of Officiating,” happening at 1:00pm Eastern, 10:00am Pacific on Thursday, January 29. This unique collaborative event will feature a free webinar presented by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation. This online session will bring together experts from both collegiate recreation programs and state high school associations to explore how strategic partnerships can build strong, sustainable pipelines for officials. These pipelines are essential for meeting nationwide shortages of sports officials, supporting student leadership development, enhancing campus recreation programming, and ensuring continued quality officiating across high school sports. “As campuses and high school associations work together closely, we’re seeing new opportunities to strengthen the officiating community from the ground up,” says Erik Jaeke, Director of Member Engagement at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “This webinar will highlight proven, replicable approaches that benefit students, intramural and club sports programs, and interscholastic athletics alike,” adds Erik.
National panel of leaders in officiating
Professionals from six states will share creative strategies, success stories, and actionable steps for elevating officiating development.
National Federation of State High School Association panelists
- Jason Nickleby, Assistant Director at the Minnesota State High School League
- Scott Goodheart, Director of Officials at the Kansas State High School Activities Association
- Chad Schultz, Assistant Director at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association
NIRSA Panelists
- Emilee Howard, Coordinator of Intramural Sports & RWC Park, University of Central Florida
- Britton Lyon, Assistant Director of Sport Programs at Georgia Southern University
- Mitchell Plumer, Assistant Director of Student Involvement; Recreation at Presbyterian College
Moderators
- Erik Jaeke, Director of Member Engagement at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Dana Pappas, Director of Officiating Services, NFHS
This cross-functional group will offer valuable perspectives for both campus recreation professionals looking to connect with high school sports associations and high school sports leaders seeking new ways to engage and develop future officials.
Free registration
Registration is free, and participants from both communities are encouraged to submit questions in advance to help shape the discussion. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your officiating workforce, create new pathways for student officials, or build collaborative programs between campuses and high school associations, this webinar will provide practical tools and innovative ideas. Don’t miss this chance to connect with sports officials from across various levels of sport, learn from national experts, and help shape the future of sports officials’ development. We look forward to seeing you online in January! Register today
