5 Refs Still Going Strong in 80s

Five soccer referees in Connecticut are still going strong in their 80s, with one of them, Elmer Deschaine, having accumulated an impressive 169 years of high school officiating experience across three sports. Deschaine, 87, is entering his 51st season as a soccer referee.

Deschaine's experience is not limited to soccer. He refereed basketball for 58 years and worked as a baseball umpire for 61 years. He only retired from baseball umpiring two years ago, after a few long and cold games took a toll on his body.

The Western CT Soccer Officials Association (WCSOA) has a group of soccer officials over the age of 80 years old, including Deschaine, Juan Rumino, 82, Paul Fede, 80, and Alan Schoenbach, 81. All of them are still refereeing games, despite their advanced age.

Deschaine's decision to continue refereeing soccer is driven by his love for the game, the camaraderie, and the sense of fulfillment he gets from serving the high school sports community. He has stopped refereeing basketball, however, due to restrictions during the pandemic, which made him realize that his physical and mental well-being would be better served by spending winters in Florida with his wife.

## Why it matters The story of these five referees is a testament to their dedication, passion, and commitment to the sport. It also highlights the importance of staying active and engaged, regardless of age. As Deschaine and his colleagues continue to officiate games, they serve as an inspiration to others, showing that age is just a number and that it's never too late to pursue one's passion.

The referees' experience and expertise are also a valuable asset to the high school sports community, which relies on officials like them to ensure fair play and safety during games. Their continued involvement in the sport is a win-win for everyone, as it allows them to stay active and engaged, while also contributing to the development of young athletes.