By Don Ketchum

“We don’t just sit around.’’

Those are the words of Arizona Interscholastic Association Commissioner of Officials Gary Whelchel in regard to what his legion of officials does during the summer.

Basketball and volleyball officials either have been involved with or will be starting training sessions soon. Football gets going in July and continues in August in preparation for the fast-approaching season.

“It seems like we are doing more and more things all the time,’’ Whelchel said.

Basketball officials had one session at Phoenix Central High, one at Lakeside Blue Ridge and will have another this weekend in Flagstaff. There are between 35-45 participants over the three days, which are led by Whelchel and his staff of some of the top officials in the state.

Volleyball officials are brought up to speed every weekend at Phoenix College, Mesa High and Mesa Skyline High. There will be a session soon for northern Arizona officials at Blue Ridge.

Football is just around the corner, and between 50-60 new officials will participate in introductory sessions in July at Gilbert Christian and Phoenix Greenway.

The football officials’ annual “kickoff meeting’’ with all officials present will be held at Central in August. The season begins in late August.

“We’re looking to get the best officiating that we can,’’ Whelchel said.