Making the Call: How Madison Teens Are Tackling the Referee Crisis

A new apprenticeship program at Warner Park is turning young sports fans into the officials youth leagues desperately need 

The whistle blows, but increasingly, there's no one there to blow it. Across the country, youth and high school sports are facing a crisis that threatens the very games kids love to play: a critical shortage of referees. In Wisconsin alone, the WIAA reported losing 1,000 referees between August 2022 and August 2023. Nationally, the numbers are even more staggering—approximately 50,000 high school officials walked away from the job between the 2018-19 school year and February 2022, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. But in Madison, one program is fighting back with an innovative solution: turning teenagers into the next generation of officials. 

The Problem: Too Many Games, Too Few Refs 

"When I was coming up, it was hard for me to find 2-4 games on a weekend, on a Saturday, just to ref," says Zach Watson, Warner Park Facility Manager and creator of the Basketball Referee Apprenticeship Program. "I can tell you today, a new official could go every weekend from November through August if they wanted to, working 12-15 games a day. The need is that great." 

Watson points to two main factors driving the shortage: an aging referee population and the complete absence of a formal process to recruit young officials. It's a perfect storm that leaves leagues scrambling to find enough refs to keep games running—and it's getting worse. 

The Solution: Meet Kids Where They Are 

Enter the Basketball Referee Apprenticeship Program, launched through Kids Need Opportunities at Warner (KNOW) at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center. Designed for teens and young adults ages 14-21, the program creates a clear, structured pathway from sports fan to certified official. 

The philosophy is simple but smart: start young officials at the appropriate level and build their skills progressively. "Do we want kids who are new officials refereeing a varsity contest? No," Watson explains. "We want to prepare them to get to that level, and you do that by getting games under your belt, getting that experience." 

How It Works: From Rookie to Ref in Eight Weeks 

The program makes becoming a referee accessible and achievable. Interested teens reach out to Warner Park Community Recreation Center for an introductory interview. From there, participants receive: 

• Reading materials to learn the rules 

• Proper officiating clothing 

• Hands-on experience on the court 

Within eight weeks or less, participants "graduate" to actual game-play officiating, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make the calls. 

More Than Just Referees 

The Basketball Referee Apprenticeship Program is just one piece of KNOW's mission to provide meaningful opportunities for youth engagement. Located on Madison's northeast side, the Warner Park Community Recreation Center hosts everything from Teen Night and Family Fun Night to an Angler program, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Series, and open gym sessions—all designed to keep young people connected to their community. 

By training young referees, K.N.O.W. isn't just filling a staffing gap. They're teaching teens responsibility, decision-making, conflict resolution, and leadership. They're giving young people a chance to earn money while staying involved in the sports they love. And they're ensuring that the next generation of players will have officials on the court when they need them. 

Your Turn to Make the Call 

Every game needs a referee. Every referee needs training. And every training program needs support. 

Programs like the Basketball Referee Apprenticeship Program don't just happen—they require resources, equipment, mentorship, and community backing. When you support initiatives at Warner Park Community Recreation Center, you're not just keeping games running. You're investing in the futures of young people, building stronger communities, and ensuring that youth sports continue to thrive in Madison. 

Ready to get in the game? Whether you want to learn more, get involved, or make a donation that directly impacts programs like this, your support makes all the difference. 

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