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)