The CIF Los Angeles City Section and the Los Angeles Football Coaches Unit have opened their arms to welcome United States veterans to officiate games this season. Six veterans will take the gridiron as part of a program called “Battlefield to Ballfield” in which veterans will have the opportunity to learn and officiate City Section games.
Thomas Harris became the first veteran to do so when he officiated the Chatsworth vs. Fairfax JV and varsity games on September 16. It was a homecoming for Harris as he graduated from Chatsworth High School.
“Battlefield to Ballfield” was started by Mike Pereira, NFL rules analyst for Fox Sports. The pilot program began this year in Los Angeles, New York and San Antonio.
“The Los Angeles Football Coaches Unit is a shining example of our care and respect to U.S. veterans,” said Nelson Bae, President of the LAFCU. “We welcome them to our Unit.”
Here is a video with Harris officiating a JV game between Van Nuys and Sylmar on Sept. 30 as well as interviews with Harris and Bae.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blKM5aa6xgo
Additionally, here is a story by Eric Sondheimer of the Los Angeles Times.