General | 1/26/2023 10:24:42 AM
The Empire 8 Conference is celebrating Winter Officials’ Appreciation Week, January 23-29. Through this initiative, NCAA Divisions II and III will come together to recognize and thank our officials for the important role they play in competition across all sports.
The commitment of Empire 8 officials and referees to safe, fair and competitive contests is a critical part of the student-athlete experience.
Officials are the unsung heroes of sports, especially in Division III,” said Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. “Being an official is incredibly difficult and we are fortunate to have a great group of committed, fair, hard-working officials and Supervisors of Officials. In addition to the time spent traveling and working our games, they spend countless hours in the off-season attending camps, clinics, watching film to refine their skills and training to be fit for the season. Thanks for your dedication to our student-athletes and coaches in the vital role you play in Empire 8!”
Officials’ Appreciation Week will be celebrated during the 2022-23 winter and spring sport seasons, as well as during the fall 2023 season. The spring 2023 Officials' Appreciation Week will be celebrated April 3 to April 9. The idea of special weeks is one of numerous initiatives that are being implemented as part of the Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA)
Strategic Plan for Collegiate Officiating that was created as a result of the DIIICA’s
Strategic Analysis of the State of Collegiate Officiating.
Officiating is at a crisis level due to a declining pool affected by the advancing age of current officials and the lack of interest or incentive among younger populations to enter or remain in the field. The time is now to address this disturbing trend and head off a serious threat to college (and high school and youth) sports. NCAA athletics events cannot be conducted without quality officials, and it is unwise to assume that the problem will resolve itself without a collaborative and collective commitment.
The Empire 8 hopes to help in their efforts to combat the current officiating crisis. If you are interested in becoming an official, please click on one of the links below to get started:
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
EMPIRE 8 SOCIAL MEDIA
YouTube –
Facebook –
Twitter –
Instagram