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Board hears athletics update as coaches warn of referee shortages
Summary
The Union SD 5 board heard an athletics briefing noting increased participation and early-season success, but coaches warned that a regional referee shortage is forcing schedule changes and could push some home games to weekdays.
Athletics director James updated the Union School District 5 board on participation and early-season performance while coaches warned officials shortages are straining schedules.
"Referee shortages, it's a real problem now," said an athletics staff member (S7), describing multiple schools with conflicting home games over a single weekend and referees declining assignments. James (S5) said centralized online registration through Arbiter is improving sign-ups but acknowledged setup work remains. The board discussed ticketing, booster logistics and plans to emphasize positive-spectator behavior led by ASB president Henry Lee.
The athletics staff outlined proposed changes to state classifications that would affect playoff allocations over a new four-year cycle, with district staff saying they will monitor how a five- or six-class system alters competition balance. The board requested the athletics office continue to report scheduling impacts and any contingency plans for homecoming and other events.
