Young Referees Step Up to the Plate in High School Hoops

High school sports have been facing a big problem: not enough referees. But two young guys are stepping up to fill the gap. Daniel, 21, and Casey, 18, are in their second year of calling basketball games in the San Fernando Valley. Casey played ball at Monroe High and knew right away he wanted to be a ref. Daniel has been playing basketball for years and wanted to stay close to the game. They recently worked a junior varsity girls' game at Granada Hills. Being a ref isn't easy. Even the experienced ones struggle with coaches, players, and fans. But having young guys like Daniel and Casey stepping in gives hope. Maybe more former players will follow their lead and become officials too. It's not just about filling a need. These young refs bring a fresh perspective to the games. They understand the sport from a player's point of view. This could make the games better for everyone. Plus, it's a cool way to stay involved in the sport. As Casey put it, it's way better than flipping burgers. Who knows? Maybe more young people will see this and think about becoming refs too.