The need for officials continues to grow amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the President of the Bloomington-Normal Officials Association, the shortage is growing by the day. Derek Sieg said the demand for officials is high from elementary to high school sports, and the problem is two-fold.

Sieg said the need is so great some umpires have been officiating games with a one-person crew when the minimum is two. Sieg added that the association is working with the Illinois High School Association and has been campaigning statewide to get more officials trained, but the shortage continues.

For those interested in becoming an official, information can be found at IHSA.org.