Football refs back to work
Friday night lights are on after high school football referees agreed Aug. 23 to a new contract.
Delmarva Football Officials Association members who officiate high school football games in Kent and Sussex counties had refused to referee games this season over a disagreement on how much they would be paid.
A contract approved by the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association in August increased payment for varsity games to $84 a game, but the DFOA went on strike because they wanted $100 a game.
Six officials approved by DIAA filled in to cover games held at Dover and Lake Forest during the recent work stoppage, said Alison May, spokeswoman for the Department of Education, speaking on behalf of the DIAA.
Following an Aug. 23 meeting, however, the DFOA voted for the new fee schedule.
“We went in and explained to the group exactly what we thought and what was going on, and through the vote, we are going to be on the field come this Thursday night starting with scrimmages,” said DFOA Treasurer Carl Phelps in a television interview. “Friday night lights is on.”
May said the officials’ rate-increase proposal approved by the DIAA board in March 2022 comprised fee hikes over five years with increases occurring in years one, three and five. The increase for the 2022-23 season goes from $77 to $84 for varsity games. In year three, fees will increase from $84 to $87, then in year five, rise from $87 to $90. “Each year, fee increases will be reexamined to consider any extenuating circumstances or issues for a different fee if needed,” May said.
The DFOA decision to take the new pay rate also came after DIAA Board of Directors Chair Douglas Thompson sent the DFOA a letter letting them know that they were given ample time to provide the DIAA with comments before the board voted on the fee schedule.
“As you know, the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics is vital to the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of student athletes. A work stoppage by DFOA would hinder such an opportunity and would not be in the best interest of Delaware’s student-athletes,” Thompson wrote. “In view of the fact that DFOA may appear before the DIAA board at the September meeting concerning DFOA’s proposal, DIAA hopes that DFOA will continue to provide officiating services without any delay or disruption now that the fall season is underway.”
