Officials-Your Community Needs YOU!
Through grant funding from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Atlanta Braves Foundation and National Football League Foundation, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, the Georgia Recreation and Park Association announce the creation of a new online officiating training program for youth sports leagues in Georgia.
Local recreation agencies and sports leagues are in desperate need for youth sports officials. This training program will be tailored to allow local citizens take this training course and officiate local youth sports leagues in their community. The online officiating training program will be available to local community citizens in Georgia beginning in 2026.
Why are youth sports officials needed?
- Ensuring Fair Play- Trained officials maintain the integrity of the game, ensuring rules are followed
- Safety- Officials are crucial in enforcing safety regulations, preventing injuries
- Skill Development- Serving as an official helps youth development leadership, responsibility, and decision-making skills
- Community building- Youth sports officials can inspire peers to participate, fostering a strong community spirit around sports
- Encourage advancement- Gain valuable experience as a youth sports official to encourage officials to join the High School Association
- Enhance local recreation programs- training local community citizens to officiate at the local community level to help serve shortages