The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) is facing another important challenge as Wisconsin Heights schools look to fill a shortage of volleyball referees ahead of the 2026 season.
Wisconsin Heights, located in Mazomanie, Wisconsin, needs about 20 additional volleyball officials, with most of the openings involving junior varsity and middle school matches. The school district is seeking people who are already certified through the WIAA or are willing to complete the certification process.
Wisconsin Heights Needs 20 Volleyball Referees
The shortage comes at a time when volleyball participation continues to grow, increasing the demand for qualified officials at schools across Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Heights High School head volleyball coach Kate Doescher said officials play a critical role in keeping matches organized and maintaining a positive environment for student-athletes.
Volleyball referees are responsible for making calls, managing the flow of the match and ensuring that timeouts and transitions between sets are handled properly. They also help establish expectations for sportsmanship throughout the contest.
Most Wisconsin Heights volleyball games require only about one to two hours, making officiating a potentially manageable opportunity for people interested in becoming involved with high school athletics.
Why Volleyball Officials Are Important
Without referees, school volleyball teams cannot hold official matches. Officials provide more than just calls during rallies. They help maintain the structure and pace of each contest while ensuring players, coaches and spectators follow the rules.
For Wisconsin Heights, finding enough officials is particularly important as the 2026 volleyball season gets underway.
The district’s need highlights the broader importance of recruiting and retaining sports officials at the high school level. As participation grows, schools need a strong pool of trained referees to keep games running smoothly.
WIAA Certification Is Required
Wisconsin Heights is looking for officials who are certified through the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association or individuals who are willing to become certified.
For prospective referees, the opportunity offers a way to become part of the local high school sports community while supporting student-athletes.
People with volleyball knowledge may find the role especially appealing, but the school is also encouraging those who are interested in learning more about officiating to consider the opportunity.
How to Become a Volleyball Referee at Wisconsin Heights
Anyone interested in becoming a volleyball official for Wisconsin Heights can contact athletic and activities director Jonathon Stokes for additional information.
The school is particularly looking for officials who can help cover junior varsity and middle school matches during the 2026 season.
According to the school, having officials available for games can make a significant difference for athletes because matches cannot take place without qualified referees.
Growing Demand for High School Sports Officials
The Wisconsin Heights situation reflects a continuing challenge for school athletics: finding enough officials to support growing participation.
Officials are an essential part of nearly every high school sport. From volleyball and basketball to football and other competitions, referees and umpires help ensure contests are played according to established rules.
For volleyball specifically, officials have an important responsibility in maintaining the pace of play, making decisions during rallies and helping promote sportsmanship.
With Wisconsin Heights needing approximately 20 more referees, the school is encouraging anyone interested in the role to learn more before the 2026 season progresses.
Contact Information
People interested in officiating volleyball at Wisconsin Heights can contact athletic and activities director Jonathon Stokes at jstokes@wisheights.k12.wi.us.
The opportunity is primarily focused on junior varsity and middle school matches, with games generally lasting between one and two hours.
As Wisconsin high school volleyball continues to attract participants, having enough qualified WIAA officials will remain essential to keeping the season on schedule and giving student-athletes the opportunity to compete.
The Wisconsin Heights referee shortage serves as a reminder that officials are a vital part of school sports. For people with volleyball experience—or those willing to become certified—the 2026 season provides an opportunity to contribute directly to local athletics.
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