College basketball has a referee problem. It is a multi-layered issue that created a concerning shortage of officials within the sport.
The NCAA is forced to beg for people to take up the profession.
A commercial that aired on the big screen at the Elite Eight on Sunday encouraged fans to become referees. There is a much greater demand for the position than supply— and it does not only apply to basketball, nor only the collegiate level.
This problematic trend presumably stems from a few different factors.
First and foremost, social media has caused real-time criticism to reach outrageous levels. Everything is accessible online and nobody is required to back their opinion with facts. Anyone can say anything about a call to which they disagree, including horrific threats and things of that nature.
And it is a truly thankless job to be a referee.
Rarely do fans praise the officiating. It is all negative.
Why would someone voluntarily subject themselves to such constant hate?
To take things even one step further, video from the broadcasts are blasted online within moments of the on-court happenings. They are calling what they see on the floor, not what the fans see at home. That is a big difference and it creates a dynamic that fails to provide a winnable situation for the officials.
The criticism is not only limited to the internet!
Parents and family in the crowd have become increasingly harsh in their expression of disproval. They are more obnoxious than ever.
Why would someone want to deal with people who lack any grace?
To go even one step further, coaches and players do not hold back in their thoughts. Referees are subject to constant complains from the athletes on the floor (like Caitlin Clark) while coaches continue to share their opinions form the sideline.
All of these factors combined create an high-pressure and stressful environment for officials. It has become a job where the cons often outweigh the pros. There is very little incentive to become a referee.
As a result, less people are signing up for the profession while more officials are retiring. That creates a shortage. The shortage forces referees to work more often, which creates even greater burnout and leads to early retirement.
It is a never-ending cycle and the NCAA is begging for fans to consider a career in officiating!