VHSL Officials
 

Anyone read the information from VHSL about the exam being either open or closed book? This is at the discretion of the associations and is being done on a trial basis. Any other associations doing open book exams?

In Texas, our exam is online and therefore open book.

Darn, that is sweet. I wish we had the same here in VA!

NC - open book, 1st time ever.

Online next year.

In our state we have been taking the Part 1 Exam as an open book test for as long as I have been officiating (11 seasons including this year) and much longer when veterans around here talk about the test. Only the Part 2 Exam is a closed book test and that is only for those going for promotion. After someone has reached the highest level, they do not have to take the Part 2 Exam ever again if they maintain their license.

Peace

In IL, the exam given every year to keep your "license" is open book. If you wish to advance to the next level, the second exam taken at that time is closed book.

Dang you, Jeff! You type quicker than I can with my one finger...

:D

Sorry. :D

Peace

Hmm, when you say promotion, can you clarify or explain that?

IL has three levels: Registered, Recognized, Certified. To go from Registered to Recognized, an official must (among other things) pass the part 2 test, in a proctored setting, open book. To go from Recognized to Certified, and official mst (among other things) pass the Part 2 test, in a proctored setting, closed book.

The different levels are generally only used for playoff assingments -- each level proveds a certain number of "points" toward a "power rating". Other items in the "power rating" include part 1 test score, coaches ratings, etc.

Some assigners will look at the level to make assignments; others don't

Isn't Jeff finished typing yet?

Oh well, I'll try to get it in before he does. In IL, we have 3 levels of officials, Registered, Recognized, and Certified. To be Registered, all you have to do is send in your fee, pass the open book Part 1 test, and go blow your whistle. To get to the next level, you have to be Registered for (and here's where I might get in trouble with the specifics) 3 years, as well as pass a Part 2 closed-book exam, and get 5 passing evaluations from coaches, AD's and other officials. Then, after you have been at the Recognized level for 2 years, you can go through the process again to get to the Certifed level. I believe there are also different "passing" grades between the Recognized and Certified levels. You must also attend a state-certified camp at least every 3 years that goes over rules and mechanics.

Theoretically, only Certified officials can work post-season assignments. I know of several Recognized-level officials that have worked the first round at least, but that's just due to numbers. There are also some holiday tournaments in our area that prefer to only use Certifed-level officials as well.

Dang it Bob! Not you too?!

I'm going to go find an Evelyn Wood Speed Typing course.

I think Bob beat you to the punch this time. :D

Peace

This is how we used to organize things in Louisiana. I believe the levels were Approved, Registered and Certified. (That may not be the case today, it's been over 15 years since I called in Louisiana.)

In Texas, after calling for the past 2 years, I don't see anything similar to the 3-level system. Texas has a points system based on several factors including how many chapter meetings you attend, how many state and regional meetings you attend, how many scrimmages you work, how many camps you attend, and, of course, how many varsity level games you call.

You're more the Mavis Beacon type! :p