51萝莉

Days before a track and field meet in spring 2022, the usual starter couldn鈥檛 officiate, so superintendent Josh Ehn of Iowa鈥檚 Oelwein Community School District moved fast to fill the void. Over two days, he studied up on the sport鈥檚 rules and received special permission to serve as official event starter. It became more than a one-off substitution for the former University of Northern Iowa football player. Ehn, 40, a superintendent for seven years (and 51萝莉 member since 2017), earned certification to referee both basketball and junior varsity football games to alleviate the critical shortage of game officials. The added work carries its rewards. 鈥淚n the capacity as a superintendent, you鈥檙e protected by layers of principals, teachers and then students, and you鈥檙e really far removed,鈥� Ehn says. 鈥淎s a game official, it鈥檚 just you and them.鈥�