Earlier this year, campus recreation and high school sports professionals tuned in for a panel conversation between NIRSA and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) leaders. Presenters focused on a topic that continues to dominate athletic spaces nationwide: officiating shortages.
It’s about shortage and it’s about systems
It became clear early in the discussion the issue isn’t simply about numbers. As Jason Nickleby, Assistant Director of the Minnesota State High School League explains, interest in officiating often exists. The challenge is whether the pathway forward is clear, accessible, and aligned across systems. Rather than centering the discussion on scarcity, the group examined where breakdowns occur and how better coordination between campus recreation and state associations can play a pivotal role in supporting smoother transitions.
Barriers at the front door
Early entry points matter. Registration processes and initial requirements can unintentionally create friction for new officials. At the campus level, Emilee Howard, Coordinator of Intramural Sports & RWC Park at the University of Central Florida suggests that how we communicate an opportunity is just as critical as the opportunity itself. If students feel supported, guided, and personally invited into the process, they are far more likely to continue officiating. The conversation emphasizes that standards and structure remain essential; however, clarity and approachability play a significant role in whether interest in officiating converts to action.
From competition to shared pipeline
A recurring theme throughout the webinar is the misconception that campus recreation and high school associations are competing for the same officials. Through the lens of campus recreation, Britton Lyon, Assistant Director of Sport Programs at Georgia Southern University emphasizes the cyclical nature of student employment: graduations should be viewed as a handoff, not a loss.
That same perspective aligns with insights from Scott Goodheart, Director of Officials Kansas State High School Activities Association who discusses how stronger collaboration between systems ultimately benefits the broader officiating landscape. When movement between levels is reframed as progression, partnership becomes more natural.
Moderating the bigger picture
Moderated by Erik Jaeke, Director with Recreation & Wellbeing at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and Dana Pappas, Director of Officiating Services for NFHS, the discussion returns at multiple points to shared responsibility. This is not challenge to be solved by a single organization, nor is it a short-term recruitment campaign. It is ongoing systemic work. Alignment in messaging, collaboration in training, and communication between levels are all positioned as practical next steps rather than abstract ideals.
Environment and visible support
Retention surfaces as an equally important piece of conversation. Experiences shared by Chad Schultz, Assistant Director at Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association underscores how sportsmanship and game-day culture directly impact whether officials stay involved. From the campus perspective, Mitchell Plumer, Assistant Director of Student Involvement; Recreation at Presbyterian College expands on the role visible leadership support plays in shaping that game-day culture. Officials notice when administrators are present, when expectations are upheld, and when support is proactive rather than reactive. The environment influences long-term engagement.
Moving from conversation to action
What makes the conversation compelling and gives it lasting insight is that presenters do not offer up a single, silver-bullet solution, but instead a collective willingness to rethink long-standing assumptions.
The leaders involved offer candid reflections on what is working, where gaps remain, and how intentional collaboration can reshape the officiating pathway. For those invested in strengthening recruitment and retention efforts, the full webinar provides deeper context, real examples, and insights that extend well beyond what can be captured in this brief recap. So, check it out today!
- For more information about sponsored webinar opportunities through NIRSA, please contact Meg Castro, NIRSA Campus Activation Coordinator.
