National shortage of sports officials inspire local tech entrepreneurs to start training program

There is a national shortage of sports officials – the National Federation of State High School Associations reports there are 50,000 fewer officials today than right before the COVID-19 pandemic – which is resulting in schools and leagues canceling games and events.

In 2022, over 500 baseball and softball games were canceled in Indiana High Schools due to a shortage of umpires.

Dr. David Allen Pierce started a company with local sports tech entrepreneurs Kyle Armstrong and Mark Baltz to create sports officiating training that is now used in over 26 states with 5,000 students enrolled or having completed certification and training in 14 different sports.

Visit Refreps.com to learn more information, and watch the full interview above to learn more about how he got started.

This content is made possible by the Indiana Economic Development Center.