by Nicole Bradford
Alvin ISD is introducing a course that provides an income-generating skill and high school credit – team sports officiating.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to pick up a skill they can take with them forever,” Alvin ISD Trustee AJ Johnson said. “This can encourage them to get involved in their communities and be compensated for it.”
The school board on Jan. 9 unanimously approved adding the new course.
“Students would become qualified to officiate UIL and other athletic contests, giving them a source of income while addressing the officials shortage and serving their communities,” Superintendent Carol Nelson said.
The course, which will be piloted next year to determine interest, would cover all sports offered in Alvin ISD.
“If you have to call balls and strikes and do it with integrity of the game, it gives you a newfound respect, and that will improve all our athletic experiences here,” Johnson said.
It has not been determined which high schools will pilot the course.
“I applaud Athletics for bringing this to us,” Trustee Cheryl Harris said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for all of our students.”
