Ranks of high school game officials down sharply this winter
Now that schools in the four yellow counties will be allowed to start playing games, it s uncertain whether enough officials will be available.
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All eyes are on the coin as referee Jeff Mertzel, left, flips to determine whether Cony or Mt. Ararat will start the game with possession of the ball for the first game of the winter sports season on Jan. 11 in Augusta. Mertzel said about 40 percent of basketball referees who officiated in central Maine last winter have chosen not to return this year.
Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal