Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/941664
28 UCW FEBRUARY 14-20, 2018 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS ey don't make the headlines, their names are not in the box scores, and they don't make the all- star teams. But perhaps the most important individ- uals in high school sports are the contest officials. In fact, there would be no organized competitive sports at the high school level without the men and women who officiate these games every day across the country. Subtract the dedicated people who offici- ate high school sports, and competitive sports would no longer be organized; they would be chaotic. In some areas, high school officials are retiring faster than new licenses are being issued. And junior varsity, freshmen and middle school games are being postponed – or even cancelled – because there are not enough men and women to officiate them. Anyone looking for a unique way to contribute to the local community should consider becom- ing a licensed high school official. For individuals who played sports in high school, officiating is a great way to stay close to the sport after their play- ing days have ended. Officiating also helps people stay in shape, expands their social and professional network and offers part-time work that is flexible, yet pays. In fact, officiating is a form of community service but with compensation. Another benefit of officiating is that individuals become role models so that teenagers in the com- munity can learn the life lessons that high school sports teach. Students learn to respect their oppo- nents and the rules of the game and the importance of practicing good sportsmanship thanks, in part, to those men and women who officiate. And the objec- tivity and integrity that high school officials display is an example that every young person needs to observe firsthand. In short, communities around the country are stronger because of the life lessons that high school officials help teach the next generation. We need dedicated men and women to become involved so high school sports can continue to pros- per for years to come. Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a high school official, and those who are ready to begin the application process, can do so at www.HighSchoolOfficials.com. A plea for more high school officials by BOB GARDNER and QUE TUCKER Jack Britt raises money for cancer center by EARL VAUGHAN JR. Jack Britt High School recently presented a check for $1,000 to the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation's Friends of the Cancer Center. Funds were raised through the sale of Pink Out shirts, and all fall sports teams hosted a Pink Out game. Pictured from left to right are Sheila Molina of the school's booster club; Jack Britt athletic director Michael Lindsay; Britt volleyball coach Leigh Ann Weaver; and Sherry Jackson of Friends of the Cancer Center. Bob Gardner, Executive Director, National Federation of State High School Associations Que Tucker, Commissioner, North Carolina High School Athletic Association EARL VAUGHAN JR., Sports Editor. COM- MENTS? EarlUCWS- ports@gmail.com. 910-364-6638. Attention Students: Let Your Voice Be Heard Get published in our award-winning community newspaper Up & Coming Weekly Send in your feature articles, editorials, short stories, movie and music reviews or original poetry and artwork to: highschoolhighlights@upandcomingweekly.com Subject line: High School Highlights Please include your photo and school information.