Beau Smith - Ref Junkies Champion

Pictured, Coach Hester is making it clear that we need more officials—and he’s not holding back! And honestly, he’s 100% right. At 50, keeping up with the pace of the game is tough, and with more games, it only gets harder. The reality is that we have more sports officials over the age of 55 than under. To address this, both KHSAA and IHSAA have introduced the Junior Officiating Program, which opens the door for individuals as young as 14 to officiate sanctioned games.

Ref Junkies Academy needs your help to take advantage of this unique opportunity to empower individuals aged 14 and up to pursue a rewarding path in sports officiating, while fostering personal growth, mental and physical well-being, and lifelong skills that translate to everyday life. Through education, mentorship, and opportunity, we aim to lower the average age of sports officials and positively impact the lives of our participants and the communities they serve.

Our vision is to create a vibrant community of confident, skilled sports officials who embody integrity, professionalism, and passion for the game. By equipping individuals with the tools and support they need to succeed, we aspire to revolutionize the landscape of sports officiating, diversify the talent pool, and inspire a new generation of leaders in the world of sports. Together, we envision a future where sports officiating is accessible to all, enriching lives and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.