About Nextgen Refs

Nextgen Refs is a hopefully, soon to be 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by 3 experienced Division 1 college basketball officials, dedicated to addressing the critical shortage of sports officials in New Hampshire.

Mission Statement

To recruit, educate, and support the next generation of sports officials in New Hampshire, ensuring the vitality and integrity of athletic competition at all levels by removing barriers to entry and fostering a passion for officiating.

Vision Statement

To be the leading catalyst in New Hampshire for developing young sports officials, creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified and dedicated individuals who uphold fair play and sportsmanship from youth leagues to higher levels of competition.

Core Values

  • Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct.
  • Development: Committing to the continuous growth and education of young officials.
  • Support: Providing necessary resources (equipment, fees, guidance) without financial hardship.
  • Community: Fostering collaboration among officials, leagues, schools, and the sports community.
  • Opportunity: Creating accessible pathways for young people in sports and leadership.

The Problem: Addressing the Officiating Shortage

New Hampshire faces a significant shortage of qualified sports officials, impacting youth and high school sports. This leads to game cancellations, overburdened officials, and potential compromises in game quality and safety. Factors include an aging official population, recruitment difficulties, and high attrition rates due to abuse, low pay, and lack of support. Nextgen Refs directly addresses this by focusing on attracting and retaining young individuals (ages 14-25) to build a sustainable future for officiating in the state.