How to become a referee in the US

[Kansas Ref]

1. yes --start @ PIAA: join that group pay yer fees and get games--you can always branch out to other associations later on.

2. yes-- you will ref a combo of sub-varsity and varsity games.

3. advancement in the American state-based system is based on a variety of factors--don't worry about advancing just do a good job with the games you are given to ref.

4. yes--you can ref in the NCAA (likely division 3 for starters) or the NJCAA without going thru a HS/NF reffing tenure because the officiating has become so "standardized" now a days such that each level has their own set of rules, ref associations, and their own set of game assigners.

5. You will likely have games in border states--so get the certification in contiguous states--but just start out in Penn.

6. Refs are paid and taxes are filed per your ssn.

7. Rule sets for interscholastic level follow the NF--though each state may have unique "covenants" (i.e., particular applications/interpretations of a rule) that they expect you to follow.

8. No--you don't need to wear yourself out reffing a million games to advance (see item # 3 above-cited).

Ciao bello!