Beyond the Whistle: Inside the Officiating Crisis Threatening West Virginia High School Basketball

By Andrew M. Pitzer

Shepherdstown, WVa.

Analyst/Commentator

When most fans walk into a high school gym on a winter night in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, their attention is naturally drawn to the players on the court, the coaches on the sidelines, or the scoreboard overhead. What often goes unnoticed is the backbone of every competitive game—the officials. And right now, that backbone is showing signs of strain.

Across the country, the officiating crisis has become one of the most pressing issues in amateur athletics, and the Eastern Panhandle is no exception. With over 20 schools fielding both boys’ and girls’ teams at multiple levels, the WVSSAC official organization is stretched thin. The season runs from December through the end of February, and officials are working nearly every night, juggling full-time jobs and family obligations with the demands of the whistle.

“It’s pretty dire,” said veteran official Jacob Long. “There were nights this past season we had to postpone games because we didn’t have enough officials. Other nights, guys were covering multiple schools in one night. I personally did a middle school game at 4 p.m., then worked a JV/varsity doubleheader at another school immediately after.”

A Balancing Act of Fatigue and Dedication

That kind of workload takes a toll—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

“The fatigue builds up by late January,” Long said. “You’re exhausted, you’re getting home late, and then getting up early for your day job. It’s not sustainable for many.”

Chris Anders echoes that sentiment, noting that while the demand for games is only increasing, the number of officials able—or willing—to meet it is dwindling. Anders, who has been officiating for over two decades, says this past season marked the first time in his career that they didn’t have enough officials to cover all the games on a single night.

“It’s gotten to the point where Saturday games are becoming increasingly difficult to cover,” watkins said. “Some officials are doing college games. Others just aren’t ready yet. And many don’t want to give up weekends. I’m 61 years old, and I’ve seriously thought about stepping away, but I don’t feel like our board is in a strong enough position for me to do that just yet.”

The officiating crew isn’t just battling a numbers problem—they’re fighting a perception one, too.

The Changing Culture: Disrespect and Discipline

Ask any official in the WVSSAC what has changed over the last decade, and one answer rises above the rest: the behavior from fans, players, and even coaches.

“I probably gave out twice as many technicals this season as in any of my previous 21 years,” Watkins shared. “And 8 of my 11 technicals were given to middle school players. That says something. Discipline and structure are failing somewhere—whether it’s at home, on the bench, or in society in general.”

For many young athletes, sports are one of the last remaining places where they learn structure, accountability, and how to respectfully engage with authority. The officiating crew understands this—and they take their role in shaping character seriously.

“I talk to players throughout the game,” Anders said. “I explain what they can and can’t do, how they should carry themselves, and how to communicate with an authority figure without crossing the line. It’s part of our responsibility.”

That sense of mentorship is echoed by Ryan Potts, who sees officiating not only as a way to enforce rules but as a means to give back to a game that shaped him.

“For most of us, it’s about the community,” Potts said. “Someone did it for us, and now we’re trying to give back. But without officials, games don’t happen. It’s that simple.”

The Path to Progress: Quality Rising, but Barriers Remain

While the numbers may be down, the quality of officiating in West Virginia is slowly improving, thanks in part to committed officials like Austin Johnson and Jacob Long, who actively seek opportunities for growth and development.

“Last year, Austin and I went to an officiating camp with some of the biggest names in the state,” Long said. “They were excited to see people from the Eastern Panhandle there. It was encouraging to know that folks in leadership positions want to see everyone in the state succeed.”

Still, breaking into officiating—and sticking with it—is easier said than done.

“There’s this misconception that anyone can pick up a whistle and immediately be good at officiating,” Johnson said. “That’s not true. There’s a rhythm to the game, a feel that only comes from getting reps on the court. But that’s hard to do when you’re facing constant criticism.”

New officials often face a baptism by fire, dealing with irate parents, combative coaches, and rowdy fans before they’ve even developed the confidence to assert control over a game.

“Some of the young officials we’ve seen come in think they’re ready for the big stage on day one,” said Ron Watkins, who has trained many rookie officials over the years. “They’re not. The really good ones are humble, committed, and they study the craft—watching film, learning the rulebook, and seeking feedback.”

Unfortunately, not all of them stick around long enough to get to that level.

The Age Gap and the Clock Ticking

Perhaps the most startling reality facing the officials crisis is the aging demographic. According to Watkins, the average age of officials in the area is 50 to 58 years old. That’s a warning sign in a job that requires both stamina and mobility.

“It takes multiple years or more to truly groom a new official into someone who can handle varsity-level games with confidence,” Watkins said. “And that’s if they stick with it. We’re losing too many in the first year.”

The reasons are multi-faceted: verbal abuse from spectators, unrealistic expectations from assigners or fellow officials, and the time commitment required to truly excel.

“You have to be willing to study rules, watch your own games back, and handle a lot of off-the-court drama,” Watkins said. “The ones who are only in it for a little money and a couple games a week don’t last.”

A Call to Action: Try It Before You Judge It

For every parent or fan who believes they could do a better job, these officials have one consistent message: try it.

“Step on the floor and see what it’s like,” Long said. “See how hard it is to make a bang-bang call in real time. It’s easy to criticize from the stands. But until you’re in the middle of the storm, you don’t understand the pressure.”

The Eastern Panhandle’s crew isn’t looking for sympathy—they’re looking for support. Respect. Understanding. And above all, reinforcements.

“We don’t expect everyone to agree with every call,” Potts said. “But we do expect people to treat officials like human beings. Argue respectfully. Ask questions. But never, under any circumstances, threaten or abuse us.”

Building a Better Future

Despite the challenges, the officials in the WVSSAC remain hopeful. There’s a sense of pride that comes from being entrusted with protecting the integrity of the game. There’s camaraderie built through long road trips, shared frustrations, and the joy of getting a call right in a packed gym.

“I still love it,” Watkins said. “Even after 22 years, I love being part of the game. But the time is getting close for me to step away. We need the next generation to step in—not just to keep games going, but to carry on the legacy.”

For young adults looking for a side hustle, a connection to sports, or a way to serve their community, officiating offers all of that—and more. But it requires patience, thick skin, and above all, commitment.

“The pipeline needs to be rebuilt,” Watkins said. “And it needs to happen now.”

Conclusion: Whistle Worthy

Officiating isn’t glamorous. It’s not always appreciated. But it’s absolutely essential.

As high school basketball in West Virginia continues to grow in passion, talent, and competition, the question remains: who will be there to call the games?

Because without officials, there are no contests. No buzzer-beaters. No rivalries. No moments that live on in high school legend.

So the next time you’re in the stands, before yelling at the person in stripes, remember: behind that whistle is a community of dedicated individuals doing the best they can—with a lot on their shoulders and not nearly enough help.

It’s not too late to change that. But it starts with respect—and maybe even a few more willing to blow the whistle.