August 15, 2019 at 05:02AM
FORT MYERS
All Lee County home high school football scrimmages are canceled this week after a dispute over referee pay continues.
The School District of Lee County tweeted Wednesday afternoon:
It is with great disappointment that we are writing this to inform you that all home high school football scrimmages will not be played this week due to breach of contract by the South Gulf Football Officials Association (SGFOA).
In May of 2019, our high schools signed contracts with the SFGOA that defined compensation. Ten days ago, the SGFOA notified us that they would not honor that contract and wanted more compensation.
It is important to note that The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) sets the maximum amount that the referees can be paid. Our District pays that maximum amount.
Based on the SGFOA's actions, the FHSAA revoked the Association's sanction, meaning they are no longer allowed to referee games. The FHSAA worked diligently to secure officials for this weekend's games, but were unable to do so.
We want to make it clear that we absolutely agree officials should be compensated at a higher rate, and have promised to lead that charge when their contract comes up for renewal with the FHSAA.
We will continue to work on a resolution to this matter so our athletes can play, our coaches can coach, our bands can play, our cheerleaders can cheer, and our families and communities can support their teams.
FORT MYERS
All Lee County home high school football scrimmages are canceled this week after a dispute over referee pay continues.
The School District of Lee County tweeted Wednesday afternoon:
It is with great disappointment that we are writing this to inform you that all home high school football scrimmages will not be played this week due to breach of contract by the South Gulf Football Officials Association (SGFOA).
In May of 2019, our high schools signed contracts with the SFGOA that defined compensation. Ten days ago, the SGFOA notified us that they would not honor that contract and wanted more compensation.
It is important to note that The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) sets the maximum amount that the referees can be paid. Our District pays that maximum amount.
Based on the SGFOA's actions, the FHSAA revoked the Association's sanction, meaning they are no longer allowed to referee games. The FHSAA worked diligently to secure officials for this weekend's games, but were unable to do so.
We want to make it clear that we absolutely agree officials should be compensated at a higher rate, and have promised to lead that charge when their contract comes up for renewal with the FHSAA.
We will continue to work on a resolution to this matter so our athletes can play, our coaches can coach, our bands can play, our cheerleaders can cheer, and our families and communities can support their teams.