IHSA

Belleville East and West players, coaches and parents are hoping the first season catches on in the area and more schools in the Metro East add programs in the next couple of years.

The Illinois High School Association is grappling with a shrinking number of game officials, largely due to the increasingly poor treatment they've endured from fans, athletes and coaches. The IHSA has entered a new partnership aimed at reducing the negative behavior, but skepticism remains about how effective these efforts will be.

Friday night lights may shine on rural Missouri football fields, but the prospect of a fall sports season in the St. Louis metro area is looking…