Kern County Officials Association Seeks New Recruits Amid Pandemic-Related Shortage

As James Taplin, a 35-year veteran football official, enters his 35th year as a director of football officiating with the Kern County Officials Association (KCOA), he and his colleagues are working to attract new recruits to help fill the shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The KCOA has approximately 70 officials for the 2025 season, and they aim to raise the number to at least 100 over the next few seasons.

Key Takeaways:

• The Kern County Officials Association has 70 officials for the 2025 season, down from a higher number in previous years due to the pandemic.
• The organization aims to raise the number of officials to at least 100 over the next few seasons.
• New recruits are being trained through summer officiating classes, which began on July 9 and will continue through late October.
• High school non-varsity games pay $105 and varsity games pay $139 per game, with the potential for higher earnings by working a JV and varsity game on the same day.
• Annual dues for officials with the KCOA are $130, and officials must purchase equipment such as shirts, pants, flags, and whistles, which costs approximately $100.
• KCOA officials receive higher pay than in previous years, with rates increasing post-COVID.
• The organization values transparency and encourages potential recruits to reach out and learn more about the role of football officials.

Statistics:

• 70 officials for the 2025 season, down from a higher number in previous years.
• KCOA aims to recruit at least 100 officials over the next few seasons.
• Summer officiating classes began on July 9 and will continue through late October.
• Annual dues for officials with the KCOA are $130.
• Equipment costs approximately $100.
• High school non-varsity games pay $105, and varsity games pay $139.
• Crews can earn $234 by working a JV and varsity game on the same day.

Sources:

• The Bakersfield Californian (Bakersfield, Calif.) (2025)

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