New too

Splute · #1 (**permalink**) Wed Feb 07, 2007, 05:55pm

Let me try this again....

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.

26 Year Gap · #2 (**permalink**) Wed Feb 07, 2007, 06:35pm

Go to a HS game and see if you can ask one of the officials about who to talk to about classes in the fall.

Splute · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Feb 07, 2007, 06:47pm

Thanks for the response. I will do that.

Texas Aggie · #4 (**permalink**) Wed Feb 07, 2007, 07:14pm

There's no real "certification" process in Texas. You just sign up with a chapter, pay your dues, get assignments, then work your way up. You will have the opportunity to attend camps and get better.

Since you are in Deer Park, go to this site and if you haven't already, sign up: http://www.houstonref.com/houstonref.php. There's a chance they aren't checking this stuff right now since they are busy with end of the season stuff.

If you don't hear anything in a week or so, I'd contact Ben Frank at [email protected] if you haven't already. He's listed as the secretary of the Houston chapter. I'd make the effort to contact him soon as the deadline for paying dues for returning members for next year is soon (usually March 1 or 15). You're not a returning member, but there could be an advantage to signing up anyway.

Otherwise, you can find out when the first meeting is next fall.

Splute · #5 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 08:11am

Thanks for the info. I have emailed Ben Frank, but no response yet. I will check into the site you provided. How bout those Aggies?

TimTaylor · #6 (**permalink**) Wed Feb 07, 2007, 07:15pm

And while you're on the computer, check out the web page of the Texas Association of Sports Officials: http://www.taso.org

There's a link there for folks interested in becoming an official......

Welcome to the forum!

Splute · #7 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 08:14am

Great! Thanks and I appreciate the welcome. There is a lot of great discussion here.

Ignats75 · #8 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 08:31am

I posted this to you on the other thread.

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.

Junker · #9 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 09:15am

Just a suggestion here, but you mention wanting to teach volunteers the mechanics before next season. You might want to consider bringing in a more seasoned official to do the teaching. Officiating isn't really something you can pick up over the course of 1 year, especially since your regular NFHS season is about over.

Splute · #10 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 09:20am

Good point. I need to find out what officials are in my area. Hopefully getting involved with the Houston Chapter will provide me with people who do not mind helping guys who are just getting started. Plus I will contact my local High School to see if the coach may be able to help. I am hoping there are some camps I can attend in the coming months that will give me a better understanding of what I am getting into. Perhaps I can find out early if this is right for me. I really appreciate all the information; I truly had no idea how to get started.

SmokeEater · #11 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 09:21am

Maybe OS is available.......

Ignats75 · #12 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 09:23am

Quote:

Maybe OS is available.......

If those are the kind of ideas those voices tell you, I'm glad they ignore me.

chartrusepengui · #13 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 09:36am

Wow!!! They really play basketball in Texas. I thought they only knew Football!!!!!!!

Splute · #14 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 10:04am

Yep, we play round ball too, they just dont make movies bout it.

chartrusepengui · #15 (**permalink**) Thu Feb 08, 2007, 10:19am

I'm gonna have to give Texas more respect. At least they know not to go Hollywood with every sport. Let's face it - even Texas couldn't go nose to nose with a place like Indiana with Hollywood roundball!!