By Ray Hamill — With the number of officials available for local high school football games this fall declining yet again, the head of the Nor-Cal Football Officials Association is hoping to add to his roster before the new season kicks off in three weeks.

Chris Peterson and the association officials held their first weekly meeting of the season this past Wednesday as they continue their preparation for what will be a busy fall.

And heading into the new season, there are 24 officials on the Nor-Cal Football Officials Association roster, which is well down from the pre-pandemic days when 30 was the norm.

“We’re down again this year,” said Peterson, who added “We lost some veterans from last year.”

The retirement of longtime officials Jim Seaman and Monte Henry after last season hasn’t helped matters.

Between them Seaman and Henry had more than 50 years experience calling games.

Peterson, however, is hoping both will help out again this season as needed from time to time.

In the meantime, he’s would like to add a few more officials to his roster and says it’s not too late for anyone interested to join up.

“If we get some people in the next week or two before the season starts we can get them up and running,” he said.

The association will use the upcoming H-DNL football jamboree on Aug. 24 for some on-field training in order to get any new officials up to speed.

“18 years ago I had never stepped on a football field or played and it didn’t take long for me,” said Peterson, who is one of the more experienced and respected officials on the roster.

The H-DNL has been working with the officials in recent years to help ease the shortage.

With five officials needed for every varsity game (four for JVs), the league schedule ensures there are never more than three varsity games played locally on any given night.

And Peterson believes that the environment for officials at games is improving thanks in part to the league and schools’ focus on promoting better sportsmanship.

“I think the league has been working really hard in regard to the sportsmanship (at games),” he said. “And I would argue it’s getting better.

“The No. 1 reason people don’t want to officiate is they don’t want to get shouted at, but it has gotten better. I think we’re on an upswing right now.

“The league has really got our backs in regard to that and I can’t thank them enough for that.

“And the schools have really stepped up as well. The schools have more staff available at games to stop that from bubbling over.”

Anyone interested in joining the Nor-Cal Football Officials Association before the new season should call or email Peterson — (707) 400-8699 or ncfoa.humboldt@gmail.com.