Coos News

The countdown is on, fall high school sports in Coos County officially begin Monday, August 18, when football, soccer, cross country, and volleyball teams can hold their first practices. Schedules remain on track despite a recently reported shortage of referees, with local athletic directors working closely with associations to ensure games go forward as planned.

Soccer has been the biggest concern in officiating. John Richer, Commissioner for the Coos/Brookings Soccer Association, has been recruiting and training new referees to provide better coverage this fall than in 2024. Last year, soccer often had to run with two referees, when three is the standard, and sometimes only one. John is optimistic that things are trending in the right direction. This year, there will be more three-person crews utilized, and there should not be any one-person operations. 

While schools may still need to adjust some game days or start times so officials can cover multiple contests, cancellations are not expected. “Even football, which has the most officials, may have to make concessions to day and start times so that officials can double back and do two games in one day,” said Tony Jones, Athletic Director at Coquille High School.

For athletes, preparation goes beyond practice. Sports physicals, proof of insurance, and completed registration forms must be on file before stepping onto the field or court. Some schools also require participation fees, while others, like Coquille, do not. Some districts, including Coquille, have moved registration online to make the process easier for families.

Because requirements vary, parents and athletes should check with their school’s athletic office for specific deadlines and forms. Those registering for football should remember the Oregon School Activities Association’s “10 days of practice” rule, which means delayed paperwork or physicals could cause a player to miss the first game.

To help families get ready, several clinics are offering sports physicals. Bay Clinic in Coos Bay has walk-in times on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $35 cash during August.

The fall sports season will open with practices on August 18, followed by the first competitions: soccer, volleyball, and cross country on August 28, and football on August 29.