LISD launches new Sports Officiating Initiative
If you have been to an LISD athletic event this year, you might have noticed something different on the field or the court. Besides your normal student athletes participating in these events, you will spot Cigarroa High School student Valentin Barrios and other LISD student-officials working the games as referees.
This summer, Laredo ISD’s College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) department rolled out an exciting new initiative aimed at addressing the growing shortage of sports officials in the region. The program saw Barrios and 48 students enroll in the Kinesiology 1308 Sports Officiating college course, which ran for five weeks.
Barrios, who was a member of the Toros football team and is a starting pitcher for the baseball team, wanted to stay involved in football somehow. So, when Barrios found out about the opportunity from his counselor to take classes and become a referee, he made the move from football to being a referee.
“Since I was a little kid, I pretended to be an umpire, acting like I was calling the game,” said Barrios “Taking this class was a dream come true and now I will be officiating football and volleyball games, which I love.”
In partnership with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) and local officiating chapters—including the Rio Grande Football Chapter, Laredo Basketball Officials Chapter, and Laredo Volleyball Chapter—the district has ensured that students receive comprehensive training and preparation. This initiative underscores Laredo ISD's commitment to both sports and education by equipping students with the skills needed to become proficient officials.
“The Sports Officiating class includes rising juniors and seniors in a robust curriculum that certifies our LISD students through the TASO. Our districts’ CTE and Athletics Department have collaborated with Laredo College to provide Kinesiology courses to our students. This opportunity provides dual credit and supports aspiring kinesiology majors,” LISD Athletic Director Luis Escamilla said. “The students spent the summer learning the proper rules on how to officiate football, baseball, softball, and volleyball games and now they are applying the knowledge they learned on to the field and court.”
As part of the program, Laredo ISD covered all expenses for students, including membership fees and uniforms for officiating various sports such as volleyball, football, and basketball. The course included not only classroom lectures but also practical camps where students could gain hands-on experience. Each officiating chapter has been actively involved, meeting with students, assigning middle school games, and providing mentorship.
“I earned college credit for this course, which provided me with the hours I need to complete my associate's degree. I have had a lot of fun and this has been a unique experience for me,” said Barrios. “This is something I want to pursue in the future and hopefully, next year, I can be part of a varsity crew and experience Friday night lights from a different perspective.”
Officiating not only helps Barrios relax but also allows him to understand the game from a different perspective. “I enjoy interacting with the players and communicating with them,” said Barrios. “My coworkers are amazing. They have given me many ways to improve and served as my primary mentors. The best experiences came from working with Jimenez, Leonardo, and De Leon Aldahir, who made me comfortable and always offered valuable advice.”
The chapters have also assigned experienced mentors to each student, offering ongoing support and training to ensure their success. This mentorship is designed to guide students through their initial experiences and help them build confidence in their new roles.
"We are incredibly proud of the students who have embraced this unique opportunity," said Yvonne Degollado, LISD College Career and Military Readiness Coordinator. "This initiative not only helps address the shortage of sports officials but also provides valuable career skills and experience for our students."
As the new officials step into their roles, they will be helping to ensure that local sports events run smoothly while gaining practical experience that could benefit them in future endeavors. The CCMR department’s initiative is a testament to Laredo ISD’s innovative approach to solving community challenges and preparing students for a range of career possibilities.
For more information about the program and how it is making a difference in the community, please contact Laredo ISD's CCMR department at 956-273-1860.
LISD student officials Valentin Barrios, Natalia Sierra and Keyla De Leon were seen working a football game recently at Shirley Field.