SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- As youth sports referees are becoming more and more hard to find, and stories of referee abuse are becoming more common across the country and here in Michiana, the South Bend Community School Corporation is preparing for the third year of its Student Officiating Program.

School officials say the program promotes a love for sports among high school students while ensuring the future of sports officiating in the community.

Licensed Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) official Andy Kern leads the program.

“As current officials age, we must recruit new talent for these essential roles,” Kern said.

The program is open to students in grades 10 through 12 and provides training that "begins with an online course covering the fundamentals of officiating, followed by hands-on experiences," the SBCSC said.

Officials say the program is about more than simply learning the rules of the game, but also how to communicate and deal with emotions that can disrupt logical thought. 

“We began with just a few student officials in our first year, and now we have nearly 20 participants,” Kern said. “It’s important for them to manage interactions with coaches and parents.”

Ahmed Elhag is a senior at John Adams High School who has participated in the program.

“I wanted to learn how to be a referee and earn money while doing it," Elhag said.

The program helps participants earn part-time income, with potential earnings of around $30 an hour at the collegiate level.

IHSAA officials, including referees, are typically paid per game, with pay varying depending on the level of the game and the sport.

“The more you officiate, the easier it becomes,” Kern said.

Another goal of the program is to encourage students to remain involved in sports while gaining experiences that contribute to their personal growth.

"As the SBCSC continues to expand its Student Officiating Program, it is clear this initiative is positively shaping the future of athletics in South Bend," SBCSC officials said. "By addressing the current challenges in sports officiating, students are equipped with essential skills and experiences that benefit both their development and the community."

For more information on the program, reach out to SBCSC at 574-393-6180.