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New GBHS class preps refs
RefReps officiating course to be offered this fall
refreps presentation
Braden Schultz, GBHS Teacher and Coach, left, was joined by Matt Westerhaus, Activities Director, to present details of the new introductory sports officiating course that will be offered as a one-semester elective course at GBHS this fall. Schultz will be the instructor for the course. - photo by photo courtesy of Great Bend USD 428

When students enroll for Fall 2026 classes at Great Bend High School, they’ll find a new opportunity for the classroom and the court – an introductory sports officiating course powered by staff experience and RefReps.

RefReps is a comprehensive officiating curriculum designed to train the next generation of sports officials. It will be paired with classroom instruction by GBHS Teacher, coach, and official, Braden Schultz, to help students gain real-world skills while addressing the critical decline in the number of officials across the state and the nation.

The decision to adopt RefReps comes at a vital time. Recent data from the NFHS indicates a 20% decline in high school officials nationwide between 2020 and 2023. Locally, the impact is even more pronounced, with Kansas basketball officials down 30%, volleyball down 16%, and football down 15%.

The RefReps program will be offered as a semester elective, in which students can earn certifications in up to three sports, such as basketball, football, and volleyball in the fall, and basketball, softball and baseball in the spring. The curriculum features:

  • Interactive POV Training Videos: Students learn mechanics and philosophy through immersive digital experiences.
  • NFHS Rules Instruction: Formal training based on recognized national standards.
  • Built-in Assessments: Regular reporting and quizzes ensure students build a solid foundation before taking the field or court.
  • Micro-Internships: Students will be invited to officiate real games to complete their training.

Schultz looks forward to enhancing the RefReps curriculum with hands-on experience, providing the confidence and courage students need to step into a referee position successfully. Beyond meeting the local need for officials, the course will equip students with leadership, communication, and general employable skills. The course also qualifies as a postsecondary asset, meeting new Kansas requirements for the class of 2028 and beyond.

“This program is about more than just sports; it’s about community impact,” said Brock Funke, GBHS principal. “RefReps has been proven successful in other schools, building respect for officials and engaging students as future leaders and coaches.”

For the 2026-2027 school year, 40 students have already expressed interest in the course. GBHS will offer the elective in both the first and second semesters to accommodate student demand.

For more information, contact the Great Bend High School Activities office at 620-793-1560.