Referees and umpires lobby that they too have been hurt by coronavirus shutdown
Within the sports community, one of the affects of the coronavirus outbreak has been the sidelining of nearly all games and competitions across every level of sport.
And while the cancellations and postponements of games, tournaments and seasons has hurt coaches and players, the shutdown has also afflicted another key component of any sporting event — officials, referees and umpires.
In an effort to compensate its workers, the National Association of Sports Officials is looking to join the Coronavirus Stimulus Relief Bill, which Congress continues to debate in Washington, D.C.
“These are unsettled and unsettling times,” NASO President Barry Mano said in a press release. “These cancellations are having and will continue to have a dramatic impact of the men, women and young people who officiate amateur sports.”
One aspect of the near $2 trillion bill is to make sure that self-employed individuals, like many of the officials — ranging from high school, summer or youth leagues— get the assistance that they need.
“NASO is doing all in its power to inform the legislators that sports officials, as independent contractors, must be included in the pending relief bill,” Mano said. “So very often we go unnoticed and NASO wants to make sure we are part of the current stimulus conversation.”
The UIL suspended the boys basketball state tournament on March 12 and then suspended all UIL sanctioned activity until further notice. The earliest games could return is May 4.
With the lack of games, Mano and NASO want to make aware of the situation in the officiating community.
NASO officials are suggesting that those interested help the cause by contacting their United States Senator or Representative.
