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[Drizzle]

Originally Posted by Splute

I too am new to officiating. Volunteered to ref the Upwards league at our church. As with everything I do; its all or nothing. So after studying the Upwards rules and noticed they use NFHS rules (with some modifications), I bought several of the NFHS books and have begun studying. I am having a blast and would like to get certified. I think I would enjoy youth leagues and maybe, futher in the future some High school games. But what are the steps I need to take just to get certification? I have found my district and sent emails to the secretary, but no response yet. I would like to be able to teach the other volunteers proper mechanics and rules before next season and I believe certification would go along way in getting their participation. I would appreciate any help you can provide for TEXAS and I look forward to interesting rules discussions. I have already learned a lot just reading for the past several days.

In Texas there is not really a certification process - to be a member in good standing with TASO (Texas Association of Sports Officials) you need to pass a rules test at the beginning of the season. Just read all the NFHS rulebooks, learn the mechanics (NFHS Official's Manual & I'd recommend going to a few HS games while you still can and watch the officials), and continue reading this forum, lots of goof stuff here.

www.taso.org has information if you want to contact your local chapter

[Ignats75]

I too am new to officiating. Volunteered to ref the Upwards league at our church. As with everything I do; its all or nothing. So after studying the Upwards rules and noticed they use NFHS rules (with some modifications), I bought several of the NFHS books and have begun studying. I am having a blast and would like to get certified. I think I would enjoy youth leagues and maybe, futher in the future some High school games. But what are the steps I need to take just to get certification? I have found my district and sent emails to the secretary, but no response yet. I would like to be able to teach the other volunteers proper mechanics and rules before next season and I believe certification would go along way in getting their participation. I would appreciate any help you can provide for TEXAS and I look forward to interesting rules discussions. I have already learned a lot just reading for the past several days.

You might start with your state high school association. The OHSAA has a link in their website called "So you want to be an official". In Ohio, you take a written test twice. When you get your Class 2 license (which allows you to work up to and including the JV level and again when you get your Class 1 license which allows you to work Varsity games. You might also consider finding out where the referee schools or classes are. Contact your local referee's association and I'm sure they can direct you t o one. Schools are the best way to go, because they will give you the background and foundation to build your avocation without all the bad habits that come about from refereeing in REC level and Church League type games.