KATC.com is reporting that high school football referees in Lafayette, Louisiana have voted to go on strike because of a lack of pay raises.
According to the story, the Lafayette Area Football Officials Association has voted to boycott the first varsity games of this year, and possibly beyond, if referees don’t get a pay increase. The Lafayette chapter’s decision is in line with the Louisiana High School Officials Association that has said a statewide boycott is possible, if no agreement is reached with the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.
Football game officials are looking for a $5 increase per game, according to Daniel Gautreaux of the Louisiana High School Officials Association. That would amount to about $50 per year for an official.
The organization’s website states that officials, in all sports, didn’t receive any raises between 1990 and 2005, and have only received two pay increases since 2007. According to the LHSOA, higher-rated officials in the state make about $85 per game, while the lower-rated officials make about $65 per contest.
The LHSAA has stated it’s willing to look at the issue of a pay increase for the 2016-17 school year. Earlier this year, the Louisiana Principals Association rejected the request for more pay.
