Game Officials' Fees Strain Local Budgets

Local sports organizations in Mitchell are grappling with escalating costs for game officials, impacting event budgets significantly. Fees for referees, judges, and umpires have become a major expense, with some tournaments dedicating over 50% of their total budget to officiating. For instance, the upcoming Cornucopia 2026 soccer tournament has allocated $7,500 for referee fees, representing 56.8% of its budget.

The Mitchell Sports and Events Authority (SEA) provides grant funding to alleviate these costs, supported by a $2-per-room, per-night fee from participating Mitchell hotels with 28 or more rooms. Since 2013, the SEA has disbursed $1.1 million in grants.

Numerous sports are affected by this trend. Palace City Baseball Association budgeted $9,600 for umpire wages in 2026, and the Kiwanis Youth Baseball Tournament budgeted $3,000 for umpires, which accounted for 76% of its budget. Dakota Wesleyan University also faces substantial refereeing expenses for its Futsal Classics.

Scott Mullenmeister, president of the Mitchell Soccer Association, highlighted a growing shortage of certified referees, prompting efforts to build an in-town pool of officials. Similarly, for baseball and softball, a scarcity of umpires means organizers often scramble to find certified personnel. Compensation for these officials has increased, with umpires now earning between $100 and $125 for a regular-season game, a significant rise from previous rates.

This situation reflects a broader shift from volunteerism to paid officiating, a trend noted by SEA board member Jim Johnston. He points out that volunteerism has declined, and while officials are earning more appropriate wages, these figures contribute to the overall budget challenges faced by local sports associations. Many factors, including high school practice schedules and a generational change in volunteer expectations, contribute to the difficulty in securing enough officials.