The local PIAA officials are in the midst of a recruiting blitz for a variety of high school sports.
The Mercer County basketball and football officials groups have taken the lead on organizing a series of workshops on Sunday afternoons in Sharpsville to help train new referees for counties throughout the region.
"As you know, there is a great need for officials in all sports. As a 25-year basketball official and a five-year football official, recruitment of new referees is important to me," said Leah Ann Williams, who is helping organize and publsize the recruitment initiative. "I'm a 60 year old retired teacher, former coach and college athlete. My mantra: 'If I can do it, you can too'."
The informational clinics will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 24 and April 7, 14 and 21 at the Sharpsville High School. Williams and her fellow referees will cover a variety of information, including how to become a PIAA officials and the Junior Officials program for high school students at least 16 years old. Officials representing basketball, football, soccer, wrestling, volleyball, lacrosse, softball, baseball, and track & field will be on hand.
Attendees will get to hear information about the following topics:
Tim LaVan of Oil City is on hand to talk with high school students about Junior Officials program in all sports. "This is a great way to get young people into officiating," Williams said. "He and his wife Lisa have been huge proponents of this program, including registration, assigning and mentoring these young officials."
Those interested in becoming a PIAA Official or Junior Official can take the PIAA test on April 21 at the school or schedule it on their own for a later day.
The group kicked off the effort earlier this month and was encouraged by the turnout. "We had 10 new officials in six different sports signed up at the first session on March 10. This includes five new Junior Officials," Williams said.
There is no preregistation requirements, but those with questions can reach out to Williams at [email protected].
The Mercer County basketball and football officials groups have taken the lead on organizing a series of workshops on Sunday afternoons in Sharpsville to help train new referees for counties throughout the region.
"As you know, there is a great need for officials in all sports. As a 25-year basketball official and a five-year football official, recruitment of new referees is important to me," said Leah Ann Williams, who is helping organize and publsize the recruitment initiative. "I'm a 60 year old retired teacher, former coach and college athlete. My mantra: 'If I can do it, you can too'."
The informational clinics will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on March 24 and April 7, 14 and 21 at the Sharpsville High School. Williams and her fellow referees will cover a variety of information, including how to become a PIAA officials and the Junior Officials program for high school students at least 16 years old. Officials representing basketball, football, soccer, wrestling, volleyball, lacrosse, softball, baseball, and track & field will be on hand.
Attendees will get to hear information about the following topics:
- Steps to become a PIAA Official. Testing, equipment, clearances, training, chapter meetings and dues.
- Breakout Q & A sessions on specific sports run by experienced officials.
- National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) rules for each sport.
- On court demonstrations and mentoring by sport officials.
- Take practice tests with experienced officials.
Tim LaVan of Oil City is on hand to talk with high school students about Junior Officials program in all sports. "This is a great way to get young people into officiating," Williams said. "He and his wife Lisa have been huge proponents of this program, including registration, assigning and mentoring these young officials."
Those interested in becoming a PIAA Official or Junior Official can take the PIAA test on April 21 at the school or schedule it on their own for a later day.
The group kicked off the effort earlier this month and was encouraged by the turnout. "We had 10 new officials in six different sports signed up at the first session on March 10. This includes five new Junior Officials," Williams said.
There is no preregistation requirements, but those with questions can reach out to Williams at [email protected].
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