RefReps is an elective officiating class that was recently added to course offerings at FJSHS. PE Teacher Brooks Lance teaches the course. RefReps is an officiating education system that offers online courses and training videos for a variety of sports officials. The program is partnered with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) and is recognized by the Ohio Department of Education. Upon completion of the course modules and passing the officiating exam(s), students can become licensed officials for that particular sport through the OHSAA, while still being in HS.
Mr. Lance previously heard about RefReps through a friend who works at Bellevue High School. Bellevue has been offering the RefReps officiating system for the past few years. However, it wasn't until Mrs. Matz (Curriculum Director) came to him last spring and told him that FCS was contemplating offering the class. The thought from Mr. Lance teaching the class manifested from there. He currently has seven students in the class, of which six have already met the criteria and are licensed as volleyball and football officials.
Upon completing the course, students will receive a class 2 or 3 certification for each sport they’ve completed. For example, students who start with a lower classification will start out officiating junior high contests. Once they receive experience at the junior high level, they can move on to junior varsity and varsity contests. Each sport has its own levels of classification and time frame for advancement.
Once students have completed the RefReps courses and passed the state examination, students will be able to immediately begin officiating at the junior high or youth league level for that particular sport. Students will have the opportunity to start earning an income once they become licensed by the OHSAA.
Mr. Lance has brought in local officials and community members (Mike Lucius and Barb Hipsher) to speak to the students about the volleyball officiating portion. Both Mike and Bark have been highly regarded OHSAA volleyball officials for many years, and they did an excellent job helping prepare our students for their state examination. FCS Director of Operations and OHSAA football official, David Hossler, also spoke to the class about his experiences as an official on the football field. Mr. Lance was fortunate to have those individuals come in and shed some real “in-game experiences” with this students.
Currently, FJSHS offers RefReps officiating classes for volleyball, football, baseball, and softball. In looking to the future of this class, Mr. Lance believes offering basketball, wrestling, and track officiating will not only diversify the program, but also appeal to students who have a passion for those sports. Sports officials are in high demand at the local and state levels. Adding additional sports will not only help increase the class’ enrollment, but also provide career opportunities through officiating.