The Central Oregon Basketball Officials Association (COBOA), which serves 17 high schools and 17 middle schools throughout the area, is looking for new officials for the upcoming season.

The number of high school sports officials has been in a steady decline both nationwide and in Central Oregon, according to a news release from the COBOA. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline was unprecedented.

The number of COBOA officials is significantly fewer than just five years ago, despite more schools being added to Central Oregon during that time span.

The need for more officials is urgent, according to the COBOA. With the addition of enough new officials, Central Oregon will not have to limit high school and middle school contests due to the lack of available officials, thereby enabling participation for all kids who want to play.

COBOA provides training to help its members succeed on the court.

For more information on how to become an official, visit osaa.org/new-officials/index.html.

For more information on the COBOA, contact commissioner Michael Gish at 541-654-2380 or gishfam@hotmail.com, or president Steve Heinze at 541-991-7225 or steveheinze58@gmail.com.