ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — For one hour, three officials run up and down a 110-yard lacrosse field. Their pay is 80 bucks, but some local officials with the Allegheny Lacrosse Official say that is not enough.
“Three of us officiating a fast, violent, contact, sometimes collision sport,” said Sean Cannon.
110 yards, three officials, and 60 minutes of nonstop action can be grueling work for officials. So, in January, the Allegheny Lacrosse Official’s Association requested a pay increase from 80 to 90 dollars.
“I believe they could have come to us and said $90 is a little high, but we can split the difference,” said Cannon.
But officials heard nothing until March, just 48 hours before the start of the season. The response they got was one big “no” from local athletic directors.
“We explained first off that our budgets are done the previous spring, and right now we’re finishing our budget for next school year. So to come in January, months we start the season is impossible,” said Ricci Rich, the Athletic Director for Trinity Area School District.
Rich added that it would be unfair to increase this year’s compensation. But said there are plans to increase pay by four dollars next year, and then add two dollars for officials each year after.
“We as independent contractors have the right to make an individual, informed decision about whether or not we will accept the terms, conditions, and fees of the contract they offer per game,” said Cannon.
As result games have been canceled, including this week’s matchup against Trinity and Chartiers Valley High School.
Rich took to Twitter and explained the game was canceled because the officials refused to work at the agreed pay rate.
“I had a lot of phone calls, and a lot of families just trying to understand that and see what we can do,” said Rich.
But officials said with no agreement they have every right to deny or accept a game.
“I would ask the athletic directors where’s the agreement, was there an agreement and did you ever reach out to anyone from our association?” said Cannon.
Cannon said that with an estimated 50 officials covering five counties, the compensation doesn’t match the job requirements or the current economy.
The Trinity Area boy’s lacrosse team has another matchup tomorrow night and confirmed they have two officials scheduled, but still need one more for the game to go on as scheduled.
“We are paying the same as every other school. A school should not be held hostage because somebody wants more money,” said Rich.
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