AURORA – The Colorado High School Activities Association has designated the week of April 14-20 as Spring Officials Appreciation Week.
During the week-long campaign, CHSAA will feature some of its spring officials on social media and CHSAANow.com, while member schools are encouraged to celebrate their officials, as well. This can be achieved in several ways, both big and small. Some ways schools are encouraged to honor their officials include:
- Making banners or signage for Officials Appreciation Week,
- Having the home and visiting team present items such as baked goods or gift cards to the officiating crew,
- Thank you cards and messages,
- Having a PSA thanking the crew before the game, and much more!
“We’re always so grateful to the people who give their time to serve these often thankless, but critical, roles,” said CHSAA Assistant Commissioner Mike Book, who oversees officials. “A lot of officials officiate on the side or simply because of their love of the game. Without them, student-athletes and schools wouldn’t be able to compete the way they do.”
Through CHSAA’s ‘You Look Good in Stripes Campaign,’ which was aimed at helping with the shortage of officials the nation is facing, the association has been able to increase its number of officials this year. The state is still facing a shortage, though. If you’re interested in becoming an official, fill out this form or learn more about officiating in Colorado on the Officials website.
For schools that are able to celebrate the week and push it out on social media, please tag @CHSAA on Facebook, Twitter, Threads or Instagram so CHSAA can share your posts.