LHSAA Announces Partnership with the NBA to Help with Referee Shortage
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association has formed a strategic partnership with the NBA to address the ongoing referee shortage.
To combat the shortage for high school basketball games later this fall, the LHSAA has announced an innovative partnership with the NBA, launching an initiative called Whistle Up Louisiana 2024. This program aims to attract recent high school graduates into officiating by offering hands-on training and support.
“We’re trying to think outside the box and find new ways to attract people,” said LHSAA Assistant Executive Director Lee Sanders. “This partnership with the NBA’s Officiating Operations Office and the Junior NBA is an exciting step in that direction. The New Orleans Pelicans have been great partners in helping us engage young people.”
Whistle Up Louisiana 2024 focuses on youth recruitment to address the critical shortage of referees. By collaborating with the NBA, the LHSAA hopes to reverse these trends and bring in younger recruits.
The initiative offers recent high school graduates access to mentorship programs, officiating clinics, and opportunities to join local officiating associations. The goal is to make officiating more accessible to younger generations, creating a pipeline of fresh talent for Louisiana sports.
“We’re also trying to market to Moms and Dads who may have children who once played high school sports who are no longer playing. That’s one of the fastest growing groups nationally, kind of empty nesters who no longer have children at home,” he said.
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