[pavbref]

In Pennsylvania, we allow students to line judge, but some leagues prohibit it. The philosophy behind the bans is that it puts undue pressure on the student because of calls --i.e. next day in school, getting blamed for team loss. Another is that no other sport uses students as part of the officiating team. In one league, students were banned with the line judges being assigned referees if available, else no line judge. The state has ruled that a line judge is mandated.

My chapter is working with schools to try to get adult line judges. We proposed to the schools that they give the line judges a season sports pass as payment to fight the additional cost argument (season pass cost is minimal). Another league has mandated adult line judges.

Another problem we have with student line judges is lack of attention. The coaches view the position as a penalty for violating a team rule or for poor play instead of an important need for good officiating. They don't realize that the point missed because of an inattentive or missing line judge can mean .the difference in winning a close match.

I will follow this thread intently, as I feel that the community needs to get a good solution to grow the game