Old coaches and game officials

[RichlandsAlum 678]

Part of my enjoyment of the excellent historical information posted elsewhere by Bluefield researcher was seeing the names of several of my dad's old officiating buddies who previously served as head coaches.  I know firsthand that the zebras don't always receive much reverence, but those guys "back in the day" were obviously pretty knowledgeable -- and did a particularly good job of maintaining objectivity.

 

Do the associations still draw from the coaching profession to attract officiating candidates?  Or do the simply scour the traveling carnivals and/or accept volunteers like that Wurst guy from Richlands?

 

Just curious.