For this year’s boys and girls basketball tournament, the WIAA went to three-person officiating crews.  Even next year, many conferences around the state will be going to three-person crews.

Some will say there is a shortage of boys and girls basketball officials in the state.  However, I disagree with this.  For many years, I have noticed many people in the stands who think that they’re officials, making calls from the comfort of their seats and arguing with every call an official makes that doesn’t go their team’s way.

If you think it is easy, join them.  All you have to do is go to the WIAA website and at the bottom click “Become an Official.”  Fill out the necessary paperwork, pay your dues, take the test, and next year you can be out there doing some games.

The best part of being a licensed official, when you are actually out there on the court officiating a game, you get paid. So please, those of you who are “bleacher” officials, go to the WIAA website, and follow all the necessary steps to become a licensed official.  I look forward to seeing you on the court next year.

Needham is activities/athletic director of the Wonewoc-Center School District.