MadCity:
I am sometimes amazed at your postings. This is one of them:
"Which state stuck in the 19th century is that?"
Oregon selects to offer Test 1 as a sample study guide for use by any association as they see fit. In Portland we use the test to help 1st and 2nd year student/umpires to get a basic gist of the rules. Others of us, mostly vets, use the test for adult conversation fodder and humor.
Oregon then moves to Test 2.
The Oregon School Activities Association requires all varsity level umpires to take the test closed book. A score of 75 is necessary to work varsity games during the regular season. A score of 90 is required for any umpire to work
ANY level playoff game.
I am guess that you would consider us 19th Century in your all-encompassing statement. We feel it is a good gauge of basic rules knowledge.
You can also follow this link to the article that was published about recruiting, training and retaining officials:
http://www.nfhs.org/web/2007/10/how_...officials.aspx
This article will help you see how one state (closely affiliated with the NFHS) uses testing to ensure that officials stay current with continuing education.
Regards,
Tim Christensen
Publication Committee Memeber
National Federation of State High Schools
High School Today