Sam Roberts Became Youngest Nebraska Football Official
The 20-year-old Omaha resident is officiating varsity high school football games this season.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Football
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Omaha resident Sam Roberts made history this fall as the youngest full-time varsity high school football official in Nebraska. Born with a congenitally malformed right arm, Roberts now manages the back judge position during games.
Why it matters
Roberts is driven by his faith and a desire to demonstrate that physical challenges can be overcome through perseverance. His entry into the officiating ranks provides a unique perspective on managing high-stakes high school athletics.
Roberts serves as a back judge, a position typically requiring him to stand 25 yards behind the defensive line. He uses a specialized brace to maintain balance and carries his whistle in his mouth to coordinate movement with his one functional arm.
The players
Sam Roberts
He is a 20-year-old Omaha resident who became the youngest full-time varsity high school football official in Nebraska.
J.D. Koerner
He is the lead official who recruited Roberts to join his five-man officiating crew.
The details
Recruited by J.D. Koerner for a five-man officiating crew, Roberts previously competed in football, golf, and wrestling at Lincoln Northeast. During a recent game in Beemer between Guardian Angels Central Catholic and Wynot, he gained hands-on experience navigating the complexities of varsity play.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: Roberts officiated a game involving Wynot.
October 2026: Roberts continues his first varsity officiating season.
Season Trajectory
Roberts' participation changes the demographic landscape of officiating crews across the state this season. His involvement as a back judge brings a new narrative to the officiating rotation as schools navigate the remaining playoff and regular-season schedule.
Observers should note that Roberts' presence on the field requires high-level coordination, particularly during high-pressure moments like the 30-minute power delay experienced during the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge versus Creighton contest. His ability to maintain game pace with his specific physical accommodations sets a new standard for accessibility in officiating.
The takeaway
Roberts serves as a powerful example of how individuals can overcome congenital physical challenges to reach leadership roles in sports. His success suggests that the path to officiating requires dedication and the ability to adapt to complex game-day environments.
What happens next
Roberts is scheduled to expand his officiating duties later this year by transitioning into high school wrestling, followed by baseball assignments in the spring and summer of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the local sports scene in the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Flatwater Free Press.
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