Editor’s Note: Reprinted with permission from MHS Mustang Messenger.

When the gym is filled with crowds, containing competitors and supporters of rival teams, the most important people aren’t the ones on the court but the ones on the side whose names you don’t know.

And that is how it should be.

“The best referees are the ones you don’t notice at all,” says Mr. (Corey) Davis, a retired volleyball coach still assisting the sport.

In a sport where the calls alter the entire game, the officials aren’t there to be the deciding factor and create a dramatic statement; they are there to stay out of the spotlight while keeping the game safe and fair and making sure players are following the rules.

The Job is Being Neutral.

The most common complaint and belief about refs is that refs are biased and favor one team over the other, especially in scenarios where the home team is losing.

Mr. Davis, when asked if he had ever had a double take on a call simply because the crowd was so adamant or because he was trying to help a team out, responded, “Never. Absolutely not. If a Line Judge saw something that would be different.” Mr. Davis also said that he travels to different schools in order to not have any ties/connections to keep their job neutral and fair.

While supporters and spectators are watching the game, rooting for a team, and cheering for a hit, the officials are focused on the rules and guidelines, watching out for the little details such as backrow attacks, foot placements, and illegal contact. All these actions happen far from where the crowd’s focus is, Mr. Davis added.

The Pressure.

Oftentimes, friends, family, and spectators of the games are focused on the one goal of winning, and they miss the fine print and the guidelines that keep their game fair. This builds up frustration, especially when they don’t understand the reason for a call, blaming the official.

During a sectional final, where the winner would go to state finals and the loser would go home, Mr. Davis and his partner called a penalty for a back row attack which was crucial to the losing team; the coach, even though disappointed, acknowledged the call was correct.

A parent of a player did not. At the end of the game, while Mr. Davis and his partner were leaving, the parent resorted to a harsh outburst directed at him.

Though this was not the first time Mr. Davis had been ridiculed, it was still hard to hear simply because he was doing his job.

This example of frustrated spectators lashing out at the officials is the biggest factor discouraging people from becoming referees.

The Dying Profession.

Despite being criticized, officials aren’t in the business for the money, but for the love they have for the sport and the support they still want to offer not only to their own community but many others. But as the crowds get louder and more vocal with their targeted frustration, fewer people are willing to become officials.

This lack of professionals has created a widespread shortage among high schools; the demographic of officials is aging, with young people resisting stepping in.

“Schools are constantly emailing, trying to find crews. If trends continue, we could see double headers or canceled games simply because there aren’t enough referees to go around.” Mr. Davis said.

What we can do.

With the best referees being the ones that go unnoticed, the best spectators are the ones who let them.

Mr. Davis’s advice for all friends, family, students, and coaches to help keep the games fun and fair:

• Cheer for your team; keep the energy in the crowd positive rather than celebrating the opponent’s loss or building up frustration
• Learn the rules. If you love the sport and the game, keep yourself educated; instead of getting frustrated over a call, try to learn the reason behind it.
• Become one: “If you think you can do better, get certified and join us,” Mr. Davis said. “We need you.

Lucie Arndt is a senior at Menomonie High School and a contributor to Mustang Messenger, the student newspaper. She may be contacted via [email protected]