What's happening: NJSIAA Fall Officials Appreciation Week is October 7 - 13.
This annual event recognizes and celebrates the crucial role of sports officials across various athletic competitions.
The week-long observance aims to highlight the dedication, skill, and impartiality of referees, umpires, and other game officials who ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of sports at all levels.
Why it matters: In addition to promoting respect, recognizing game officials helps teach students to respect authority figures, a crucial life skill. In sports, officials represent impartial arbiters who enforce rules and maintain order.
The bottom line: Honoring game officials in educational settings holds significant value beyond the realm of sports.
This practice offers students invaluable lessons in respect, fairness, and conflict resolution that extend into their broader academic and personal development.
The big picture: The Ramsey Board of Education recently adopted a Spectator Code of Conduct policy, which outlines the expectations of spectators at all interscholastic athletic events.