High school sports have long been a cornerstone of community life, offering student-athletes a chance to learn teamwork, discipline and perseverance while bringing families and neighbors together in the stands. But this season, a quiet crisis threatens the Friday night lights—and even the future of other sports across the region. The North Section California Interscholastic Federation (NSCIF) has warned athletic directors that a critical shortage of officials is making it increasingly difficult to keep games running as planned. Without enough referees, schools may face rescheduled matches, altered start times or cancellations.

Each athletic program is responsible for paying officials assigned to their games, but securing them has become increasingly difficult. Many programs contract with associations from Chico or Reno, whose members must travel significant distances to cover contests. That arrangement is growing harder to sustain. Recently, the CIF streamlined its processes and cut back on travel and mileage stipends for officials. While that may simplify administration, it creates new hurdles for rural schools like those in Plumas County. With fewer financial incentives to travel long distances, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to bring in outside officials. This makes it all the more important to train and recruit local residents to step into officiating roles and ensure that student-athletes don’t lose opportunities to compete.

For Plumas Charter School, which has been steadily rebuilding its athletics program since the Dixie Fire, this challenge adds a new layer of urgency. The Plumas Warriors, based at Indian Valley Academy and located at the former Greenville High School campus, symbolize the resilience and determination of a community that refuses to let adversity define its future. Offering football and volleyball in the fall, and other athletics programs throughout the year has taken an enormous effort from staff, parents and supporters. 

Becoming an official is not only vital—it’s deeply rewarding. Referees ensure games are fair, safe and enjoyable for everyone, but they also play a behind-the-scenes role in keeping the tradition of high school sports alive. And contrary to what some may assume, officiating isn’t just volunteer work. NSCIF officials are paid. The amount depends on the contest; a junior varsity volleyball game, for example, typically earns $75 and eight-man football referees typically earn $130 per game. For those willing to travel, opportunities to officiate can be even more frequent.

Importantly, you don’t need prior officiating experience to get started. Training and mentorship are provided, making this an accessible way for anyone with a love of sports—or simply a desire to support local students—to get involved. To begin, interested individuals should reach out directly to their school’s athletic director, who can help connect them with the proper officials associations and the NSCIF to begin the process. Local Plumas County athletic directors are listed below.

The Feather River Officials Association, which has historically supported schools in our area, has already stepped back from football this season due to low numbers. Unless more people step up soon, there’s a real possibility that winter and spring sports will face the same fate in the near future.

Chester Junior-Senior High is echoing the call. Athletic Director Terry Hernandez has made the school’s plea clear in a recent Plumas Sun article: "Without volunteers we simply cannot sustain these programs," and is calling on referees, umpires and even scorekeepers or chain gang members to help preserve sports for their students. 

High school sports don’t just happen—they depend on people willing to show up for our youth. For the teams across the North Section, officials are every bit as essential as players, coaches and fans. If you or someone you know has ever considered becoming an official, now is the time to act. Our student-athletes—and the future of local high school sports are counting on it.

For anyone interested in learning more about becoming an official or supporting local athletics, the following athletic directors can be contacted directly:
Plumas Charter School: Ryan Schramel - [email protected]
Chester Jr./Sr. High School: Terry Hernandez - [email protected]
Quincy Jr./ Sr. High School: Mike Voth - [email protected]
Portola Jr./Sr. High School: Brian Sheridan - [email protected]

By Rachel Goings, Public Relations Specialist 

[email protected]