CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Starting this school year, Flour Bluff ISD is tackling a nationwide sports issue by providing a special class to upper classmen.
The district will introduce their first ever sports officiating class that'll give students an opportunity to get certified. FBISD is the one of just 15 districts across Texas to offer this type of program.
James McMinn has coached girls basketball for more than 30 years and said this new sports officiating course will be game-changing for both the community and students.
At this moment, only juniors and seniors can enroll in the class which will offer training in football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball and soccer.
"It's going to be a combination of module based, lectures from maybe a guest speaker and on the court hands-on training." McMinn said.
Students will also be given the opportunity to become state certified with the Texas Association of Sports Officials. McMinn said it's also a great way for students to make some extra money.
"They can do little dribblers, they can do intramurals, they can do weekend tournaments," he said.
Howard Schauer has officiated games for more than 20 years. He has experienced first hand the shortage but believes FBISD's officiating can help with the issue.
"This will help elevate possibly our shortage of sports officials across the state of Texas," Schauer said.
He hopes students will continue to officiate goes after high school.
"This will give them a good firm foundation moving forward as they get older and get into officiating full-time," Schauer said. "It's a great thing to give back to the community, it's a way to stay healthy, it's camaraderie as well."
McMinns aid they will begin with one class this semester but if more students how interest in this program, FBISD will add more classes in the future.