DU QUOIN — Aaron Wright has been an official for 30 years. Wright says when he was younger, like many officials, he wanted as many games as possible. In recent years, officials doing large numbers of games has been out of necessity, due to a shortage of officials.

Studies have shown the number of officials in all sports is down as much as 30 percent in the last 10 years.

“The officials shortage is real,” said IHSA Administrator Sam Knox. “We’re experiencing a significant decrease in officials for a variety of reasons. Without officials, sports can’t happen. Our schools need sports-minded people as officials so our students can continue to enjoy positive experiences in education-based athletics.”

With that in mind, Wright has partnered with the IHSA to try to change the trend, especially in the southern Illinois region, by hosting informational “Officiating 101” clinics. These free clinics will provide attendees information about how to become a licensed official, what all goes into being an official, where to get the proper gear, booking games, and how to partner up with veteran officials to help learn the craft.

“We’re trying to drum up interest,” Wright said. “Even those only remotely interested, I encourage them to come to one of these meetings to get the lowdown on what this is all about.”

There will be three clinics: at Du Quoin High School (Auditorium) Wednesday, April 27 from 7:00-9:00, at Marion High School (Cafeteria) Thursday, April 28 from 7:00-9:00, and Mt. Vernon High School (Lecture Hall on 1st floor of C Hall) Saturday, April 30 from 10:00-noon. No registration is required.

“Officiating is a fantastic way to stay involved in sports and earn extra income,” Knox said. “I encourage those who have ever considered becoming an official to attend an Officiating 101 session to learn how to get started.”

“We’ve gotta get people in,” Wright said. “We have to get them trained right, give them right information, and get them out in the market.”

For more information, you can contact Wright at (618) 318-2506 or email adub1971@gmail.com.