[Red_Killian]

In Minnesota, it's up to the schools. In my area of the state most of the schools go through 1 or more associations to get their officials but they are not required to, they can contract directly with officials. There is one conference where I get games from a conference assignor, outside of my association. Most associations prefer their officials do not accept games directly from the schools and that you belong to only 1 association. The state recommends officials join an association but at this time it is not required. There a few officials who do not belong to an association and work completely as independents but the number is small. Bottom line....no real consistent practice but games from an association is the majority practice.