AHSAA looking for more football officials

By WVUA 23 Sports Reporter Juliet Brown

The Alabama High School Athletic Association is on the hunt for more high school football officials. A statewide shortage of referees started to impact Tuscaloosa high schools the past few seasons. Last season, the Metro Tuscaloosa Football Officials Association successfully recruited a great group of new officials.

MTFOA begins training for new and returning referees next month. This opportunity is perfect for anyone looking for extra income or wants to give back to the community.

“If you still want to give to the game- especially those who are coming out of high school, those that are in college,” veteran official Richard Allen said. “(If) you’re looking for some way to supplement some money, (or) you’re looking to still give back to the game of football, that would be a great way to do it. That’s the whole reason why I did it- because I love the game.”

Last year, the Metro Tuscaloosa Football Officials Association went into the season with 83 officials at the start of the season. The ideal number is in the range of 90 officials.

Allen says he knows of at least two veteran officials that will retire before the 2023 high school football season.

If you or someone you know are interested in becoming an official, reach out to the MTFOA President, Richard Allen, at 205-792-0050 or Fred Cody at 205-799-2983. You can also email ttownrefs@gmail.com.