[Jeremy Hohn]

In TX here, you are supposed to be a TASO (Texas association of sports officials) dues paying member to even call sub-varsity level, but I use guys that aren't TASO members to call ball if they have no aspirations to referee varsity, and I make the AD sign a waiver stating that he knows they aren't TASO members calling the games. That covers me if their is any problems with it. Also the AD is happy that he has referees rather than his coaches having to cover the games. Everyone wins. However, generally you will call some lower level games, but the number and level of competition directly coincides with your level of officiating. I have used first year guys here in small school varsity games and they have done a great job. It really is up to the assignor/evaluator in your area and what the bylaws in your state are, but we don't have a minimum number of sub-varsity games that you have to call. I think the shortage of officials again contributes to that factor.