Verbal abuse at games pushes referee group to enact policy

AUSTIN (KXAN) — For years, schools have seen far fewer referees lacing up their cleats to officiate games.The Texas Association of Sports Officials said it has the numbers needed to make it work, although it may take a toll on the remaining referees.“In Austin alone, we've got over 400 members,” TASO District 4 Director Brian Jones said. “Another 100 would really benefit us.”From 2017 to 2021, TASO lost almost 2,000 referees.“We'd like to put seven-man crews o