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District proposes January 2026 pilot course to train student sports officials

Casa Grande Union High School District Governing Board ยท November 11, 2025

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Summary

District curriculum staff proposed a pilot "intro to sports officiating" course for January 2026 to address local referee shortages. The pilot would begin with baseball and softball, offer seats at each campus and PACE, and could expand into a CTE/local occupational pathway if successful.

The Casa Grande Union High School District presented a proposal to pilot an "intro to sports officiating" course in January 2026 aimed at addressing a shortage of youth and middle-school sports officials.

Mrs. Clement, the district's director of curriculum and instruction, described the course as an Arizona-approved physical-education "other" course with an Arizona course code. The pilot plan would offer 20 seats at each traditional campus and 15 seats at PACE (the district's choice campus), with students able to take two sports per semester (each treated as a seat/license). The course package includes video modules, live-game practice with officials and coaches, and preparation for the state licensure exam for officials in the sport trained.

Clement said the district would start with baseball and softball as the initial pilot sports because athletic directors and principals recommended those based on the local calendar and need. She explained the vendor is providing reduced pricing for the pilot and that licenses do not expire, so excess seats could be used in future years.

Board members supported the idea and suggested adding soccer and other sports if feasible. One board member said he has seen similar programs in other states succeed by creating pathways from high-school officiating into higher-level officiating and coaching. Staff noted they will review funding options to cover initial pilot costs and will bring back a report on the pilot's results and any recommendation to convert the course to a formal CTE or local occupational program.

The board did not take a formal vote on the pilot in the reported segments; staff requested approval to add the course to the spring schedule/catalog and to pilot January to May 2026 subject to final scheduling and funding arrangements.