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Valdez board approves RefPreps referee-certification program for students
Summary
The board approved a pilot RefPreps program that will let students earn referee certifications during team-sports time; curriculum staff estimate costs under $3,000 and the program uses an online instructor portal and game-video simulations.
The Valdez City School District board approved a new RefPreps program to let students earn certification as referees in multiple sports during the school day.
Superintendent Jason Weber and Director of Curriculum John Berkeley described the program as a curricular change that could replace the existing team-sports slot if scheduling permits. Berkeley said the program uses a central online instructor portal, point-of-view game videos for live-call simulations and can certify students in a range of sports. "One of the hardest things to find nowadays is officials... We need to start back filling some of those positions," Berkeley said.
Administration estimated the initial cost at under $3,000, to be paid from curriculum funds. Board members asked whether the program would count as a PE credit or an elective; staff said that determination (including crediting and scheduling) will be worked out with counselors and could qualify as a PE elective.
The board voted to approve the program; administrators said additional operational details will follow, including schedule adjustments if the program replaces team sports.
