As Vermont’s referees step down, their spots remain largely vacant

South Burlington High School Girls Basketball practice on Nov. 18, 2025. Photo by Annalisa Madonia/CNSBusy Anderson is a reporter with the Community News Service, part of the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.Vermont is in the midst of an alarming referee shortage — a problem unfolding nationwide, but one that has hit hard in a state with a small and aging workforce.Between 2018 and 2023, the National Federation of State High School Association