We're just a few weeks from kickoff for High School Football, but a contract dispute could cause a "delay of game." 

Section III and the officials that call those games still haven't signed a contract for the upcoming season.

"We just want to make sure that our pay [reflects] the game fees and the mileage," said Nick Lore, a referee of 38 years. 

"When you put mileage into it it inherently creates avenues of bookkeeping issues," said Neil O'Brien, Port Byron Superintendent and lead negotiator for Section III

The biggest sticking point is payment method. The officials want to be paid for miles traveled, saying it's more fair to refs driving long distances.

Section III wants a flat rate, saying it's easier for schools to manage.

Arbitration is expected to give us a final answer later in the next couple of months. Section 3's lead negotiator says whatever comes from that, will be the contract moving forward.

"Using the world of sports, I might not like the call," O'Brien said. "It might not be what I want, but at the day that's what it is."

The two sides came together last year and signed a temporary agreement, and that's still an option on the table for this season. At the end of the day, everyone agrees the students deserve to take the field.

"I have a belief that the officials do love the sport and love the kids and soforth," Obrien Said. "At the end of the day that's who's going to be impacted"

"We want them to play," Lore added. "And we want them to officiate their games." 

Both sides say they havent changed any preseason preparations. They want to be ready for the first games on August 31st regardless of the state of negotiations.