NEW YORK (Feb. 3, 2024) – On Monday, the BIG EAST Conference announced a new partnership with Officially Human, an organization dedicated to improving the treatment and retention of sports officials at all levels.
"As we navigate the evolving landscape of college sports, it’s crucial to recognize the vital role officials play in ensuring fair and enjoyable competition. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our games, yet we are witnessing a concerning decline in their numbers. It’s imperative that we cultivate a supportive environment—one that celebrates their hard work and commitment,” said BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman. “I urge our players, coaches, administrators, and fans to stand together in fostering respect and positivity towards officials, so we can all contribute to a better sporting experience for everyone involved. We look forward to working with 'Officially Human' to achieve these goals."
Founded in 2019, Officially Human is a grassroots effort aimed at “humanizing” sports officials and addressing the alarming rate at which they leave the profession. A significant percentage of officials quit within their first three years, citing poor treatment from coaches, fans, and administrators as the primary reason for their departure.
“I am thrilled to welcome Commissioner Ackerman and the BIG EAST members to join our current partners placing an emphasis on sportsmanship and positive treatment of officials,” said Brenda Hilton, CEO/Founder of Officially Human. “We are honored to have another premier conference embrace the Officially Human mission to create a healthy and thriving environment for all officials.”
As part of this partnership, the BIG EAST and its member institutions will have access to Officially Human’s comprehensive programming, including:
- Elevate Respect: Initiatives designed to foster a culture of respect and appreciation for officials.
- PA Reads: Announcements and reminders during games to promote sportsmanship.
- Public Service Announcements: Campaigns to educate and inform the community about the importance of treating officials with respect.
Additionally, attendees may notice activations and initiatives promoting this partnership at upcoming BIG EAST Conference Championships, underscoring the importance of this cause.
For more information about Officially Human and their mission, please visit Officially Human’s website.
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ABOUT BIG EAST CONFERENCE
The BIG EAST Conference is an association of 11 nationally prominent colleges and universities that foster healthy athletic competition, community service and the pursuit of excellence in academic environments. The BIG EAST-sponsored athletic programs of our institutions provide national-caliber participation opportunities for more than 3,800 student-athletes on over 200 men’s and women’s teams in 22 sports. Established in 1979 and headquartered in New York City, the BIG EAST’s members are located in eight of the country’s top 36 largest media markets and include Butler University, University of Connecticut, Creighton University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, St. John’s University, Seton Hall University, Villanova University and Xavier University. For more information, visit www.bigeast.com.
ABOUT OFFICIALLY HUMAN
Officially Human was founded in 2019 with the mission to "humanize" sports officials at all levels by promoting respect and proper treatment. Through education and advocacy, Officially Human aims to address the critical shortage of sports officials and ensure a positive experience for all involved in sports.