Looking Ahead: Winter Officials Appreciation Week Next Week
AURORA – What better way to kick off a new year than by showing our officials some love? The Colorado High School Activities Association has designated next week, Jan. 7-13, as Winter Officials Appreciation Week.
During the week-long campaign, CHSAA will feature some of its winter officials on social media and CHSAANow.com, while member schools are encouraged to celebrate their officials, as well. This can be achieved in several ways, both big and small. Some ways schools are encouraged to honor their officials include:
- Making banners or signage for Officials Appreciation Week,
- Having the home and visiting team present items such as baked goods or gift cards to the officiating crew,
- Thank you cards and messages,
- Having a PSA thanking the crew before the game, and much more!
“We’re always so grateful to the people who give their time to serve these often thankless, but critical, roles,” said CHSAA Assistant Commissioner Mike Book, who oversees officials. “A lot of officials officiate on the side or simply because of their love of the game. Without them, student-athletes and schools wouldn’t be able to compete the way they do.”
Through CHSAA’s ‘You Look Good in Stripes Campaign,’ which was aimed at helping with the shortage of officials the nation is facing, the association has been able to increase its number of officials this year. The state is still facing a shortage, though. If you’re interested in becoming an official, fill out this form or learn more about officiating in Colorado on the Officials website.
For schools that are able to celebrate the week and push it out on social media, please tag @CHSAA on Facebook, Twitter, Threads or Instagram. You can also submit photos to CHSAA directly through this form.
