Officials stand at consideration for the nationwide anthem previous to the Kirtland-Perry soccer recreation Oct. 1, 2021. (Paul DiCicco – for The News-Herald)

It isn’t any secret officiating numbers in any respect ranges — together with highschool sports activities — are struggling.

An necessary effort to take steps towards aiding these numbers is approaching on the calendar.

The Cleveland Football Officials Association will host an occasion, dubbed “The Art of Sports Officiating,” on April 20 at Polaris Career Center, positioned at 7285 Old Oak Boulevard in Middleburg Heights.

While the soccer entity is spearheading the occasion, the profession honest will probably be with “multiple” sports activities in thoughts.

“Competitive sporting endeavors in Ohio and across the nation are currently struggling to find and hire trained, qualified game officials in all sports to staff the expanding schedule of contests from the youth level through the collegiate ranks,” CFOA president Rocky Neale mentioned in a ready assertion. “There is a dire need to recruit and train personnel to serve as umpires, judges, on-field and court officials and supporting personnel.”

The April 20 occasion will run from 6 to eight p.m. and can have data on find out how to change into a licensed official in Ohio for “multiple” sports activities.

“It will also include the ability to meet and greet local officials to ask questions about joining our ranks and learn about assigning procedures,” Neale mentioned.

“We are inviting local and regional athletic leaders — coaches, directors, officials association leaders, assignors, and commissioners — to join us to promote the recruitment, training and development of contest officials in all sports currently organized in the Northeast Ohio area. Leaders from the recreational leagues, scholastic sports, collegiate levels and the sports media are requested to join us … to spread the word and share information about the experience of participating in sporting contests.”