By Amanda Galloway
Special Correspondent

With the fall season of high school sports just around the corner, a growing referee shortage among field hockey and girls’ lacrosse is reaching a level of urgency.

“It has gotten to the point that I’ll have to have people change days of the game because we won’t have enough referees,” Anne Freund, the commissioner for Central Virginia Field Hockey, said.  “Field hockey season is just now starting, and both public and private high schools are in need.  It is a growing problem.” 

Freund, who has been refereeing for over 40 years, said the shortage has been constant over the past few seasons for both field hockey and girls’ lacrosse, and there is no relief in sight.

“It comes down to the fact, at least with lacrosse, that the girl’s game is not like the boy’s game at all,” Freund said.  “People shouldn’t expect the two games to be the same.  Even so, it is not just the high schools that need people.  Middle schools and association leagues are suffering too.”

Freund said that the Virginia High School League, the governing body for field hockey, and U.S. lacrosse, the governing body for girl’s lacrosse, are looking for individuals interested in training to become referees.

“We are always looking for interested women and men.  You do need to be in shape, and be reasonably able to run, but other than that, we can train anybody,” she said.
In the past, Freund and her daughter, who also is a referee, have even taken interested parents to the fields at Collegiate High School for training.

Field hockey season runs from August until November, whereas lacrosse runs from March until May, opening opportunities for referees to officiate both games.

At the local high schools, games are usually on weekdays, starting between 4 and 5 p.m., allowing flexibility with work schedules. 

“I always tell people that are not sure if they want to get involved to come out and watch and see what it is all about.  It might inspire somebody to become a ref,” Freund said.

Freund asks that interested individuals contact her directly by email at freundsinmidlo@aol.com.