In her day job, Karla Bigham sets services, develops policy and enacts laws for the people of Washington County. The former state legislator and current Washington County Commissioner has a master’s degree in public policy and a long career in elective politics.
But on cool nights this fall, Bigham is not running over budget numbers. Instead, she’s running up and down a football field in a black-and-white striped shirt, tooting her whistle and working as a high school referee.
“I grew up loving football. Now this is a good way to enjoy the sport and give back to my community,” Bigham told Sheletta Brundidge on the Sheletta Show on WCCO 830.
A persistent shortage of referees and umpires across all parts of the state and all levels of youth sports has created problems for the Minnesota State High School League.
In recent years, Friday night football games have had to become Thursday night games in order to have adequate officiating. During the pandemic, the number of officials declined as veterans retired. The search is on for the next generation of umpires and referees to replace them.
Bigham heard the call and heeded it. She began her sidelines side gig last fall and is now wrapping up her second season as a high school football referee.
“If we have to cut teams, cut seasons because we as adults don’t step up, thats just heartbreaking,” Bigham said. “If these kids don’t have an activity, don’t have a way to express themselves, they are going to find a way and be real creative and sometimes that’s not positive.”
Bigham credits the MSHSL for stringent preparations for new referees. Last year to get certified, she participated in four weeks of onsite training where she studied everything from game rules to ethics to concussion protocols, then passed a mandatory test. She tested again this year and participates in ongoing training throughout the season.
“People do a double look when they see me on the field but women are needed; to have diversity in these ranks is helpful. I think there’s six of us in the Minnesota High School League, ” Bigham said. “With the players, I am legitimately their mothers’ age. I am 44. From them I hear, ma’am, thank you for being here, it’s nothing but respectful.”
Because of her training and renewed emphasis on fitness to run up and down the football field, Bigham said she is in “the best shape of my adult life.” But that is not the only benefit.
“I see the camaraderie the teams have. Even when they lose the game, they still support each other and when they win they celebrate together. Those are the memories they will tell at the 25th high school reunion,” she said. “We want to be sure these kids have the experience.”
Bigham encourages other adults, from college students to retirees, to take training to officiate youth games beyond football—officials are needed for soccer, hockey, gymnastics and many other sports, and to officiate at the freshman, sophomore, JV and B-squad level, for both boys and girls. The positions are not volunteer; officials and referees are paid for their work.
“Come back and participate in a sport you love on a different level and in a different role,” Bigham urged. “Help the next generation develop that pride and teamwork they will use in the future.”
Minnesotans who are interested in becoming an official can find information here.