Officiating in Arizona

[Mregor]

Looks like I'm moving to Phoenix area. Anyone have any experience there? I know about the AIA, but they don't say much on their website. Looks like they do 2-man. Is that right? Who assigns or do you have to go get your own games? Any info is appreciated.

Mregor

[AZ_REF]

I'm in Tucson but we use basically the same system. It is still 2 man for regular season games. Some tournaments we run 3 man. In PHX you're on a crew for varsity games, that means 1 partner all season. Horrible idea if you ask me. Also you'll come in as a level 5, which means they evaluate you and then decide if you can do varsity games right off the bat or if you have to do Frosh / JV games. ALL assignments come out of the AIA office. So at least you don't have to hussle your own games. If you have any other questions, let me know.

[blindzebra]

Sign up on the website...have whomever is assigning your games now write to the AIA verifying your experience level.

You don't have to have a regular partner, most do, but there are enough schedule changes that you can be a sub and work just as much, if not more.

The kickoff meeting is usually the first or second Monday in Oct. You can expect another 3-5 rules meetings, plus test night. Varsity officials are also required to work at least one preseason scrimmage.

From what I'm hearing there will be a 3 person clinic the end of Sept or early Oct.

Most of the holiday tournaments will be 3 person.

All the arena games...state semi and championship games...will also use 3 officials.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

From what I'm hearing there will be a 3 person clinic the end of Sept or early Oct.

So if Mregor shows up, it'll be a 4 person clinic? That's a pretty small association.

[Mregor]

Thanks for the valuabe input (excluding Padgett of course ). I won't be there until late Nov - early Dec so I'm sure I'll be "punished" for missing the rule meetings. I like working with the same partner personally. I did that in Madison. Not so sure I like the idea of going back to 2-man. I'll miss my slot official.

Mregor

[AZ_REF]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

You can expect another 3-5 rules meetings, plus test night.

All testing is online this year. At ESO. However, if you've already signed up, you'll need a new account w/ your AIA computer number entered. You should have a 30 day window to take the test.