IOWA CITY, Iowa (KWWL) - With the start of the Iowa High School football season just two weeks away, teams across the state are already preparing for the fall sports season. But alongside the excitement under the Friday night lights and weekend tournaments, schools are facing a growing challenge: A shortage of sports officials.

The need extends beyond football. Sports like basketball, baseball, and other high school athletics are also struggling to find enough referees and umpires to cover games. The Iowa City Athletic Association says the decline in officials is partly tied to how they are treated during competitions, which is a factor that has driven many to step away from the job.

“Some of it has to do with pay as well,” said Josh Berka, the assistant executive secretary of ICAA. “Tha

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