Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School Offers Sports Officiating Pilot Program in Partnership with Good Call Officiating Academy

Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School recently began offering a five-week after-school pilot, providing training to students to become basketball referees. From left to right, Larry Dasilva, Southeastern physics teacher and program advisor Tess Arikian-O’Connell, Lentz Polycarpe, and Pa’Reese Rosario. (Photo Courtesy Southeastern Regional School District)

SOUTH EASTON — Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School recently began offering a five-week after-school pilot program to its students aimed at addressing a shortage of officials in youth sports. The program, offered in partnership with Good Call Officiating Academy, provides students with the training needed to become certified basketball referees.

The partnership covers recruiting, instruction, training, credentialing, and employment placement.

Since the pilot program launched in early May, seven Southeastern students have successfully completed the curriculum. Of those, five are now actively officiating basketball games through placements provided by Good Call Officiating Academy, which is operated by retired Taunton Public Schools Athletic Director Mark Ottavianelli and Chris Green.

While putting their skills to use in local youth leagues, the new referees are also working with Good Call Officiating to secure additional assignments in the Metrowest area and with AAU basketball programs.

The pilot program aligns with Southeastern’s emphasis on career readiness and on developing professionalism and soft skills essential for success in the workplace and postsecondary education. Southeastern plans to expand the program in the coming years to include more students and training opportunities for additional sports.

The Good Call Officiating program uses a curriculum called RefReps, which is a national platform that provides quality and accessible training for students. The MIAA recently allowed for provisional certification for officials to work with experienced mentor officials in sub-varsity games once they’ve completed the RefReps curriculum.

Vice Principal of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Catie Tuccinardi is working to integrate the sports officiating program into Southeastern’s course offerings for this new school year, including curriculum modules from RefReps. 

Tuccinardi explained that the partnership with Good Call Officiating Academy stemmed from her own experience seeing the program in action in Taunton, where her son plays basketball.

“I’ve sat through many basketball games in the last few years where Taunton students were receiving hands-on instruction as they learn to officiate during games and thought that this experience would benefit many Southeastern students also,”   Tuccinardi said. “Having our students learn new skills in a sport they love, and earn a credential while building their soft skills, is a wonderful opportunity. Our students are learning about professionalism, patience, confidence, and teamwork.”

In addition to their training with Good Call Officiating, students also heard from guest speaker Richard Pearson, Associate Executive Director of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). Pearson spoke to the students about the officiating crisis, the growing demand for referees, and their critical role in ensuring properly trained officials support youth sports.

Good Call Officiating Co-Founder Chris Green, who has completed most of the hands-on training with the students, commended all the trainees, along with Southeastern physics teacher and program advisor Tess Arikian-O’Connell.

“The student officials have put in a great deal of time and energy in pursuing their goal of becoming certified officials,” Green said. “Tess Arikian-O’Connell has played an important role in providing them with rules, knowledge, and guidance throughout this pilot program. The support from the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School administration has provided opportunities for student officials to continue participating in their sports, enjoy themselves and make some money in the process.”

Superintendent Holly McClanan congratulated Southeastern’s new referees.

“It’s always incredible to see our students pick up new skills and put their training to use, garnering hands-on experience in a much-needed field of employment,” Superintendent McClanan said. “At Southeastern, we strive to offer our students opportunities to learn practical skills that will help them develop a profession, prepare them for college, and give them a chance to grow as individuals as they reach adulthood. Developing a competency in sports officiating is a valuable skill that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.”

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