PSU,
You are correct, the $$, a consent to a background search, & passing the NFHS test will suffice for registration with MSHSAA (see
www.MSHSAA.org - I believe you can get all but the test done there).
All officials must attend a rules meeting. Also, "new" officials must attend a mechanics meeting (often held in conjunction with the 4-school jamborees one week before the season). I'm not certain if MSHSAA treats immigrants to "new" status, but most officials in our area take advantage of the mechanics meeting/jamboree format as an opportunity to warmup for the season.
You'll probably want to join a local association because (I'm 90% sure this is the case in STL area) the association handles almost all assignments at all levels (Jr. high - Varsity).
The St. Louis Officials Association (
http://www.stlofficials.com/football.html) is likely your local chapter. I believe JimD (I know he's on NFHS board if not here) is a member. They have a dedicated link on their FB officials association page for "becoming a new official".
Timing - MSHSAA's technical requirement is for all officials to register (or re-register) by July 1, but I believe I heard they won't assess late penalties until after July 15th so I'd see what you can do ASAP and give them a call if you're having trouble getting everything done/turned in on time.
How long to work your way up? I don't know. Hopefully you can make personal contact with someone from the local association & find out. Our association (
www.semofoa.org covering area from Jefferson County south to Arkansas & west to Poplar Bluff) is looking for more officials & some varsity experience is probable in the first two years for competent officials, but I'm not sure how the officials to game assignments ratio is in St. Louis.
Also, there is a statewide clinic held in Columbia, MO on Saturday, July 26. The info is available on the SLOA website.
I hope this helps. Feel free to email me at
[email protected] if you have more questions that you think I could help with. Welcome to the Show-Me State! Good luck this fall.
Jon