There is a shortage of referees throughout America. The shortage is so great that it is endangering the continuation of high school sports as we know them. There are many reasons for the shortage of officials, ranging from fans’ abuse to long hours to easier ways to make extra money.
GHS grad, Todd Olinger has served as a sports official for 35 years, doing a variety of sports. This past March, Todd was rewarded for his service and ability by being assigned by the IHSA to work on of the State Championship games. This assignment is the top honor that a basketball official can receive.
I asked Todd to share his background from GHS to getting into officiating…
Todd as Senior at GHS
GHS Graduation Year
1991
Sports/Activities
Wrestling
Favorite Teachers/Classes
PE w/ Fisher and English w/ Aten...Psychology with Massey, lol.
How Did You Get Started Officiating?
1991 GHS graduate Bob Bainter got me into officiating. I initially umpired little league baseball, youth soccer, and wrestling until I tried my hand at basketball. I fell in love with it and stayed with it for the past 35 years.
Bob and I ended up going to umpire school together and eventually umpiring in the minor leagues together. In the off season, we officiated basketball. Both Bob and I eventually retired from professional baseball. I, however, went on to umpire NCAA D-1 baseball for several years before retiring from it in 2018.
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| Bret Bruington with Todd |
Did You Have a Regular Crew?
When I first started officiating basketball, I worked with all kinds of different officials, but as the IHSA transitioned from using 2 officials to 3, I jumped on Joe Thompson and Dave Hancock's crew. I was with them for a couple years before Larry Allen, Bret Bruington, and I formed a crew. We were together for several years until around 2015 when Larry retired from officiating.
I then formed what is now my current crew. My current crew was initially made up of me, Richard Koster from Lewistown and Tony Shinal from Peoria until Richard's retirement 3 years ago. Now, Tony and I work with Ryan Craig from Galva.
Officiating Isn’t Easy, How Often Have You Thought About Quitting?
The thought of hanging up my whistle has never really crossed my mind, until recently. Heck, I'd probably still be on the baseball field if it wasn't for too many concussions.
When it comes to basketball, my main objective has always been to work 3 boys' basketball state finals and I don't think I would've been completely satisfied had I not done it. So, yeah I've never thought of stopping. But, now that I've worked the maximum number of state finals the IHSA allows, I don't know what I'll do. I know for sure I'm officiating again next year. After that, I'll have to reevaluate.
When Did You First Work State Basketball Tourney?
My first boys' state tournament assignment was in 2020, but the tournament was cancelled the night before it started due to the COVID pandemic so to answer your questions, the first state tourney I actually worked was 2023. I worked there again in 2024 and again this past weekend.
Why Does the IHSA Limit Officials to Three Times At State?
The IHSA limits the amount of times a basketball official can officiate at state to 3. My guess is they cap it to give others an opportunity to work it. As much as I'd like a 4th opportunity, I think it's a fair system and others should be given a shot.
What is Weekend at the State Tourney Like?
How do I describe the weekend? Pressure...mentally tough...challenging...exciting...awesome! Loved it. Of my 3 trips, this was my favorite. The basketball was phenomenal.
I arrived in Champaign on Thursday morning before the tournament started. Because I wasn't on any of the first session games I didn't have to be there until Thursday afternoon. However, a couple of my friends were slated for the early games so I got there early to watch and support them.
Besides, they were both on their first trips there and I could only imagine how nervous they were. I wanted to make sure I was there before their games to help them get comfortable with the Champaign experience.
When They Meet with Officials Before the Tourney, Are There Any Do’s or Don’ts?
As far as what to do and not to do? That's easy...Don't screw up. Before my first game in the 2023 tournament, I remember one of the officials coordinators telling me, "just do what got you here. Do what you've always done and treat it like any other game and you'll be fine. It's that same game just on a bigger stage." It turned out to be great advice.
A huge thanks to Todd for service and commitment to high school sports. We wish more young people would be willing to go into officiating!!
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