Since 2018-19, there have been 50,000 individuals that have stopped being an official, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. Photo provided

This story is part of our latest super issue about civic engagement and why it’s important to be part of your community. Click here for our full guide to getting involved.

While civic engagement might sound like a snooze fest to some, there are many ways to become more involved in your community based on your interests. 

Sports can be a great place to start. There are ways to get involved, whether you’re hoping to actually play sports – or coach. 

Coaching youth sports can certainly test one’s patience, but at the end of the day it’s one of the most rewarding things to participate in. I know firsthand because I have a 7-year-old son who I coach in baseball, basketball and football. 

Coaching opportunities come with some requirements. An online application and background check are usually first on the list, followed by online certifications in courses such as recognizing and treating concussions. The whole process shouldn’t take more than a couple hours. 

After that, it’s learning the rules and setting practice agendas and drills. While finding a new way to teach kids each week AND keep things fun can be a challenge, it’s worth it every time you run into a kid in the wild and they call out, “Hi coach!” 

If coaching isn’t your thing, but you still want to be part of the community that comes with being involved in sports, there’s other options like officiating or scorekeeping. 

Those positions are always in need and I tip my cap to anyone who volunteers to officiate in this day and age. Official numbers are declining all over the country, thanks to relentless fans who think their job is to yell at officials. Since 2018-19, there have been 50,000 individuals who have stopped officiating, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Officiating also often comes with a required training period that includes a set of classes or coursework to meet certifications. Pay isn’t anything you can buy a new car with, but it can provide supplemental income. 

If none of these options spark an interest and you still want to be in the game, try adult recreation leagues in whatever sport you fancy. It’s a way to get exercise while hanging with friends. 

As far as adult leagues, it really depends on the time of year and season. Outdoor sports are obviously catered more for warmer weather where indoor leagues can run year round. 

Here are some places you can start:

Where to go in Boone County?

Where to go in Campbell County?

  • The Campbell County Athletic Department offers youth football, cheerleading and cross country in the fall. Basketball and wrestling in the winter. Track, volleyball and tennis in the spring.

Where to go in Kenton County?

  • Kenton County adult recreational softball leagues (Games will be played at Lincoln Ridge, Pioneer, and Middleton-Mills parks)
  • Kenton County Youth Sports
  • Pickleball Northern Kentucky (Five Seasons Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6-9 a.m.; Town and Country Tuesday, Thursday from 9-12 a.m.; Sports OAS and Silverlake, daily)  
  • Website: fiveseasonssportsclub.com 
  • Phone: (859) 393-8358