Try on the stripes, you might like them

“Referee: noun. an official who watches a game or match closely to ensure that the rules are adhered to and (in some sports) to arbitrate on matters arising from the play. Synonyms: stripes, zebra, ref ” — Google.com

I got into basketball officiating during the 2009-2010 season while attending Red Deer College. It was a great way to make some extra money and stay a part of a game I love. After missing several seasons due to school, I resumed officiating three years ago with the Medicine Hat Basketball Officials Association, and have enjoyed it ever since.

It may be surprising for some to find out that referees aren’t just handed a striped shirt and a whistle, and told to get on the court. Like the athletes and teams they officiate, referees put in considerable time, effort and thought when preparing for a game or season. Preparation includes meetings, rule review, physical conditioning, game tape review, evaluations, clinics and camps.

People begin refereeing for several reasons. Many see it as an avenue to stay active. Some referee to give back to a sport they love. Others use it as a tool to improve their coaching. Some see it as a way to challenge themselves personally. Because of these reasons and more, officiating can be a very rewarding and enriching endeavour, especially for women.

There are astonishingly few female officials in most sports, both at the amateur levels and especially in professional sports. In the MHBOA, female referees make up four of 30 current members. In the NBA, there have only been three female referees ever. This is a common trend at the professional sports level; a lot of professional sports associations have female referees numbering in the single digits.

Despite shockingly low numbers of female referees in most sports, officiating is an excellent arena for women to get involved with sport, and there are numerous reasons for associations to actively recruit female officials specifically.

Logistically, it makes sense. It expands the referee pool. Many sports are currently experiencing a shortage of officials for games, and by recruiting more women, the number of available referees could potentially double.

Secondly, female referees make for positive role models for both girls and boys. Girls are more likely to remain in sport (and therefore remain physically active) if they see female role models in the sports they play. It is also beneficial for boys to see women in roles of authority, as it can increase their acceptance of women in other non-traditional roles.

Women often have very good communication skills, which is important in working with not only players and coaches, but other officials. Women are also often good team members who strive to work co-operatively, which makes for a smoother running officiating crew.

There are several explanations as to why there are so few female officials in sports. Self doubt may be a factor. Some women feel their knowledge of the game isn’t enough to warrant wearing a whistle. Some may lack confidence in the face of confrontation. Others are fearful of the verbal abuse many referees receive from coaches, players, and fans during games. One way to help overcome these challenges and encourage more female participation in refereeing is to partner new officials with more experienced female officials. Like young female athletes, women are more likely to carry on with an activity if they identify with someone else who is already taking on that role.

So maybe you or someone you know is the next youth football official, peewee hockey referee, bantam slowpitch umpire, high school volleyball ref, or college basketball official. The first step is putting on the stripes.

Katelyn Westerlund is a chiropractor at The Ridge Spine and Sport Centre. Email her with feedback at kwesterlund@ridgespinesport.com or the Females in Action Moving and Empowering committee at famemedicinehat@gmail.com.