From the Altoona Mirror:

In an effort to combat its problem of a dwindling number of available sports officials, as well as to encourage young people to pursue the profession, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association has begun a Junior Officials Program for individuals ages 16-17.

By passing an online test with a minimum score of 70 percent, the teenagers can be assigned an officiating mentor and become eligible to officiate in all PIAA sports events for athletes in grades 7 through 9.

The program is currently in place, and will open doors and provide opportunities for qualified youngsters who want to get an early start on their officiating careers.

The normal application fee of $40 for prospective officials will be waived for the junior officials, according to Pat Gebhart, PIAA assistant executive director, who is in charge of assigning officials for the inter-district competitions in all PIAA sports across the Commonwealth.

“This program has already taken effect,” Gebhart said. “We launched it (earlier in the month of November) and two dozen 16-17-year-olds have already applied, so we’re doing great.

“We’re between seasons right now, so the majority of these folks won’t hit the courts, the mats or the fields until the winter sports seasons begin in December,” Gebhart added. “I think that some sports are more conducive to the Junior Officials Program than others, but it is available for all the sports that we (the PIAA) sponsor.”

Read more from the Altoona Mirror.