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By Sonny Jones

The West Bladen varsity and junior varsity boys’ soccer teams didn’t play their scheduled games Wednesday at home against Clinton.

The East Bladen junior varsity boys’ soccer team wasn’t able to take the pitch Wednesday at home against Midway.

Why?

A shortage of certified officials.

It’s not a new problem, it’s not getting better and it doesn’t just impact soccer. It happened at times last spring during baseball and softball seasons. There were times a junior varsity baseball game started with only a home plate umpire. The base umpire would arrive in the second or third inning. Recreation leagues have the same problem.

The East Bladen varsity boys’ soccer team played Wednesday night, beating Midway 3-2, but the head official arrived just a couple minutes prior to kickoff. The two side officials handled the pregame meeting and coin flip.

Why the shortage? Listen to the abuse dished out by coaches, players and fans. Simply put, it’s not worth the money and time. The shortage of officials means those still in it have to call more games. Some call games at different sites on the same day and some call daily.

Are you one of those who constantly complain about calls against “your” team? Are you one of those who beg for every call to be made for “your” team? Do you holler terms at officials that you would never say to anyone at work, in a social setting or in a store?

If so, then you’re the problem. You need to have a talk with yourself.

You may think officials cheat (they don’t), are blind (they’re not) or hate your team (they couldn’t care less which team wins). Officials do miss calls (they’re human), can’t see everything (the action can be fast) and are aware that abuse comes with the job (they develop thick skin).

One thing is for sure. There wouldn’t be games without them. Think about that the next time you want to go on a rant at a game. Soon, you may not have a local high school or recreation game to attend.

THURSDAY’S PICK TO CLICK

Denver’s Russell Wilson will pass for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns against Indianapolis. It’s been a bit of struggle for the former Seattle Seahawks and N.C. State quarterback, but there have been signs that he’s beginning to settle in with his new team.

WEDNESDAY’S PICK: The Cincinnati Reds will beat the Chicago Cubs to avoid a 100-loss season. RESULTS: Apparently, the Reds were not inspired in the season finale. The Cubs won 15-2. Cincinnati finished with 100 losses for the first time since 1982.

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

• 1993 — Michael Jordan announces his retirement after nine seasons in the NBA.

WHAT TO WATCH TODAY

• DP WORLD TOUR: Spanish Open, 8 a.m., GOLF

• PGA: Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, 5 p.m., GOLF

• NBA PRESEASON: Miami at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

• FOOTBALL: Zachary (La.) High at Woodlawn (La.) High, 8 p.m., ESPNU

• NFL: Indianapolis at Denver, 8:15 p.m., PRIMEVIDEO

• NBA PRESEASON: Minnesota vs. LA Lakers, 10 p.m., ESPN

Sonny Jones can be reached at wibbyj@gmail.com and follow on Twitter @FOSonnyJones.