Pop Warner Little Scholars, the nation’s leading youth football and cheer organization, today announced the launch of Respect the Refs, a multi-channel initiative to celebrate, defend and recruit the officials who make youth sports possible. The campaign debuts with a public service announcement, a season-long social media series, and coordinated recruitment efforts with state associations and officiating organizations.
Across the country, referee shortages are forcing schedule changes and thinning crews just as participation in youth and high-school sports surges to all-time highs.
In the 2023 National Officiating Survey, 68% of officials said sportsmanship is getting worse; 59% believe most new officials quit within three years, and 13% report being physically assaulted. Roughly half say they’ve felt unsafe at games, and two-thirds have ejected a spectator for behavior.
“Respect the Refs is our commitment to help rebuild the officiating pipeline by changing sideline behavior, telling better stories about the role, and inviting more teens and adults to give officiating a try,” said Steve Strawbridge, President & CEO of Pop Warner Little Scholars. “No one likes it when a call goes the other way but that’s the nature of sports. Unfortunately, too many people have turned their disappointment in an official’s yellow flag to another level and it has turned mean, threatening and even violent. We’re not going to tolerate it, and if it doesn’t improve we’re not going to have enough officials to have sports for our young people.”
Beyond curbing bad behavior, the “Respect the Refs” campaign is about inspiring the next wave of officials. Officiating builds leadership, confidence and community.
Campaign components include:
- PSA: “Respect the Refs.” A :60 spot that highlights the importance of respecting the men and women who keep the game safe and fair.
- Social series. Short videos showcasing real Pop Warner officials to help humanize the people wearing the stripes and throwing flags.
- Recruiting hub & partnerships. Pop Warner will direct interested people to local certification pathways and national resources, including NFHS #BecomeAnOfficial and NASO’s Say Yes to Officiating tools, to make getting started simple.
To become a Pop Warner referee, contact your local Pop Warner association to inquire.