BC officiating class lets students train hands-on

Win or lose, there is always one team that seems to get the short end of the stick in the wide world of high school sports - the officiating team.

We're all familiar with the chants: "How much is the other team paying you?" "Get some glasses!" "C'mon blue, open your eyes!"

Perhaps there is one way to avoid it all - perspective.

For the first time in school history, Burlington Central is offering that perspective as it becomes just the third school in the state of Illinois to offer an officiating course.

With its inaugural campaign already underway, class founder Scot Sutherland feels that the course not only offers perspective, but also teaches sportsmanship, understanding and objectivity.

Along the way, high school students might even learn a thing or two about professionalism and personal presentation all while developing a thicker skin.

Most importantly, the officiating course could lead to a lifetime career in sports - and yes, you do receive a school credit for taking the class.

A quick visit to the IHSA Web site will tell you that the Illinois High School Association is looking for men and women who want to return something to their sport, their school, and their community by becoming licensed athletic officials. Candidates must be at least 17 years old, in good physical condition, and able to make decisions on their feet and stick to them.

Currently, the IHSA licenses officials in 13 different sports including baseball, basketball, competitive cheer, football, boys gymnastics, girls gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, track and field, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling.

In its first semester, Burlington Central offered certification for football and volleyball, while the current curriculum is for basketball, baseball and softball.

"We saw that Evanston was offering the program, and thought 'Hey, this gives us something else to offer.' It helps the state out and it helps our students out," said Sutherland.

After taking their decision to the curriculum committee and to the state, Sutherland went to Evanston to observe the class in progress.

"An official herself, Julie Caldwell got the class going at Evanston Township," Sutherland recalled. "She has traveled the country giving speeches at officials' clinics, and she helped us out immeasurably getting things going here at Burlington."

Taylorville High School is the only other school in Illinois that offers the certification course.

The first few weeks of the program take place in a classroom atmosphere.

Participants are each given a rule book and a case book which they are expected to learn, and are later tested for certification.

In addition to classroom work, students then test their skills officiating P.E. events.

"There are growing pains with a new program, but we're getting great feedback," said Sutherland. "I am extremely pleased with the way things are going.

"The kids are having fun with it. Some of them may not realize what they're getting themselves into, but there are also a lot of kids who could go out there and do it right now."

Several students currently enrolled are looking to apply what they've learned in the very near future.

Burlington Central senior athlete Molly Turk feels it is the perfect job for a college student, and she intends to utilize her certification while attending the University of Northern Iowa on a volleyball scholarship.

She points out the fact that not only does this offer an excellent opportunity to students, but especially student-athletes.

"Having this class available is really convenient, and it leads to great opportunities," Turk said. "When you get to college and compete in sports, you don't have a lot of time to work.

"Now, I plan to referee intramurals at the college. My coach (Bobbi Petersen) thought having the class available at school was really great."

Jeff Rau of the Burlington boys basketball team also plans to officiate while attending college.

"I would like to do local baseball and softball games this summer," said Rau. "I also plan to referee in college. It is a great opportunity to make a quick buck, and it is something I can work around my classes."

Another benefit of the course work is making contacts for future employment prospects. While in the classroom, licensed officials will come in and speak to students.

"The interesting thing is that every official brings something different to the classroom," Sutherland said.

Current Burlington Central basketball player Mike Doty's father, Steve, is an IHSA official and has already been out to speak to the class. This semester, students could potentially make quite a few contacts as they will attend a rules meeting and an officials clinic this month as part of the curriculum.

In addition to offering future employment, both the classroom portion and hands-on experience has given students new perspective.

"Sutherland has told us to take notes in our head when we're watching the game," said Rau. "I don't always agree with calls I see, but I think about what calls I would've made.

"It's hard for the officials. It's their court, and they shouldn't be given such a hard time. I didn't think about it like that before the class."

Rau admits that even his peers can get pretty heated when they're out there calling games during gym class.

"One kid got kicked out," Rau said. "They get into it, and we have to take control."

Turk emphatically agrees.

"I give referees a lot more credit now," she said. "Officiating is tough, especially at first. You have to stay focused on making the right calls. It's hard when you know someone like in class, but you tend to forget and realize that it's your job to do. That said, it's definitely changed the way I look at officials.

"I'm more of a visual learner so getting the hands-on experience in class has helped me learn a lot."

Not only are students happy to have the course at Burlington, but they hope to see other schools pick it up in the future.

"If you have a friend that likes sports, I would definitely recommend this class," Turk said. "A friend actually recommended it to me and I love it.

"I hope to see other schools offer it."

Having been a part of the inaugural program, Rau would also like to see it catch on statewide.

"The class is great, and we have a good time with it," said Rau. "It adds variety and gives kids a chance to do something that they might enjoy later in life."