Track Officials Sought to Serve 'The Nicest Kids You Will Ever Meet'

PITTSFIELD, Mass. --Western Massachusetts track and field officials will hold a clinic to train prospective officials on Monday, March 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Pittsfield High School.

 

There is a nationwide shortage of youth and high school officials in all sports, and Berkshire County track and field is far from immune.

 

Pittsfield High coach Joe Albano said he often has to ask parents and other volunteers to measure, time and record results at events.

 

Last year, the New York Times quoted an assignor in eastern Massachusetts who attributed a shortage of officials, in part, to abusive behavior from parents, coaches and players.

 

"It’s driving a lot of people out of the business,” Weymouth's Eugene Binda told the Times in an article on its website. “We are really in a dire, bad, bad situation in terms of retention.”

 

Albano said potential track officials should not fear such behavior.

 

"The track and field athletes in Berkshire County are the nicest kids you will ever meet," he said. "They are polite, courteous, well behaved and very competitive. While competitive, they are great sportsmen and sportswomen. They not only cheer for their teammates, but they also cheer for the athletes on the other teams as well."

 

The cost of the March 6 clinic is $110. Track officials also pay a $110 annual membership fee to the Western Mass Track and Field Officials Association and are required to pass an open book test every four years to maintain their certification.

 

Certified track officials are paid a stipend for officiating high school meets.

 

"If you are a former track athlete, this is a great way to get involved with the sport you enjoyed so much in high school and college," Albano said. "If you are an official of a fall or winter sport, this will allow you the opportunity to continue the excitement of being involved with the great high school athletes of Berkshire County. I can guarantee you that the track and field coaches are the finest coaches you will ever work with. We all know each other, and we all get along very well.

 

"If you have never officiated a sport before, track and field is the greatest way to get started."

 

For more information, contact Albano at jalbano12456@verizon.net.