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Sports
November 16, 2023
Nationwide School Sports Referee Shortage
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR

School sports associations throughout the country are losing thousands of referees, no matter the level or sport. In a February 2022 report, the National Federation of State High School Associations found that more than 50,000 sports officials had left the profession since the 2018-19 season.

“We have seen a steady decline in the number of sports officials over the past 15 years, but Covid really accelerated that decline,” said Bobby Kelley, President of the Oklahoma Association of Sports Officials (OASO) for the past eight years.

The problem is so bad it could soon limit junior high and junior varsity games. Oklahoma’s governing body for high school sports, the OSSAA, is also concerned at the lack of interest in officiating. “For what they are paid, a lot of them just don’t feel like it’s worth it,” according to OSSAA director David Jackson.

The pay is a problem. Referees make modest money, especially for sub-varsity and junior high games. It varies depending on the sport, from about $50 to $100 a game.

But, much of the blame also rests on the fans and an unsportsmanlike attitude that filters down to the players.

The Tulsa Metro Umpires Association has lost over 25 percent of their members since last year. The OSSAA and Oklahoma school districts are working with their administrators and coaches to talk to fans and players about sportsmanship.

In Illinois, the Illinois High School Association lost more than 2,700 officials between 2016 and 2022, according to NPR Illinois.

A large number of Officials for youth sports are being driven out of the job by belligerent fans, parents and some coaches.

A survey conducted by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) found that behavioral issues with participants and fans were the biggest challenge to referees “by an overwhelming margin,” Gibson said. IHSA believes this is the primary reason why people are steering clear of officiating, he said, though he was not sure specifically why fans seem to be more upset.

Most studies show that the decline began nearly ten years ago. With nationwide incidents like the shooting at a Texas football game where a coach was shot because the parents thought his son wasn’t getting enough playing time, officials are stepping back from the job all together.

Residents who are interested in becoming a high school sports official must register with the OSSAA through their website. The process usually requires an annual meeting and a rules test before you can start.

Treasurer honored at retirement party
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Treasurer honored at retirement party
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
Retiring McIntosh County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt received high praise from the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd at Whisenhunt’s retirement party Friday. “She could give courses acros...
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Council approves water rate increase for city and rural users
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 3, 2025
A newly adopted ordinance, passed June 9 by the City Council, increases rates for all users, including those living outside city limits. This new ordinance officially raises monthly water rates for re...
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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
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Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
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Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
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Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 3, 2025
Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
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Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 3, 2025
Class of 1975 honor Jim Caro as 'Significant Alumni' Classmates from all over the U.S. reunited after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend. The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion by hon...
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Killing them with kindness
commentary
Killing them with kindness
July 3, 2025
What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
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For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
commentary
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
By JOE DORMAN, OICA CEO 
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
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Another busy week in the district
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Another busy week in the district
By REP. TIM TURNER 
July 3, 2025
I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
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Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
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Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
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News
Woman captured following foot chase
July 3, 2025
A 39-year-old Eufaula woman who had an outstanding warrant on an arson charge was arrested Wednesday, June 25, following a foot chase in a wooded area around south 7th Street in Eufaula. Tamara Dean K...
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
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Katy Depot Meet and Greet
July 3, 2025
Mike Key talked to his Class of 1975 and other alumni about their Significant Alumni Jim Caro at the Katy Depot Meet & Greet on Saturday.
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