2020 has been a year unlike any other, and like most industries, referees have taken a hit. Even before this year, there was already a national shortage and the Georgia High School Association said they're doing their best to keep their referee talent and bring in new blood.

Rickey Crawford has been a high school basketball referee for more than 30 years and says they have to take the great parts of being an official with the not so great.

"You're gonna get some rowdy fans, but I guess that comes with years, you have to overlook that. I've grown. I really don't pay them any attention really," Crawford said.

It can be a thankless job even without a pandemic raging on and the disease is affecting already dwindling numbers. Ernie Yarbrough, assistant executive director of the GHSA, said there is about a 14-15% decrease in the number of football referees.

"I can speak for our association, we've heard about some of the rest of them. Everybody, we have just about enough to cover now with the pandemic," Crawford said. Subscribe to 13WMAZ for exclusive content: [ Ссылка ]

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