IHSA Beginning Official Getting Started: What Every New Official Should Know

Table of Contents Licensing Promotion Post-Season Assignments Officials Associations Professionalism Sportsmanship

Licensing New License is $45 per sport Annual renewal (Only online) 1 sport $45; $15 per additional sport Dated May 1 – June 30 (no exceptions); $30 late fee after June 30 Entry Level Requirements Pass annual exam (80% or better) View online rules interpretation meeting annually Attend an IHSA certified clinic once every 3 yrs. Be in compliance with the conviction policy Inform the IHSA if indicted of any crime Wear the proper IHSA approved uniform and patches IHSA patch on left sleeve Approved IHSA logo on pockets or hats

Licensing (cont.) Adhere to all National Federation/IHSA rules, policies and procedures Fulfill contractual agreements Properly complete and submit any required special report forms available online in your officials center. Maintain high standards of conduct First year officials do not have to fulfill clinic requirement in first year, but highly recommended. Must attend a certified clinic within their second year or take the zero level clinic available online.

Promotion 3 levels of officials Registered (X) Recognized (R) Certified (C) Post-season assignment priority (C, R, X) Must: Be an active official Complete 2 years at current level before attempting promotion Submit application & letters of recommendation by published deadline for sport Complete a Level 2 clinic in the calendar year of promotion Not be on probationary status

Promotion (cont.) Registered to Recognized Recognized to Certified Achieve minimum of 84% on Part I Exam (prior to taking Part I exam) Achieve minimum of 84% on Part II Exam (date specific) Recognized to Certified Achieve minimum of 88% on Part I Exam (prior to taking Part I exam) Achieve minimum of 88% on Part II Exam (date specific)

Post-Season Assignments Eligibility Requirements Met certified clinic criteria Met Rules Interpretation Meeting criteria Not on probation Completed post-season availability information Online in the officials center personal site Assignments based on: Power rating Percentile ranking of coaches & officials ratings Percentile ranking of “Top 15” list school, assignors, IHSA recognized associations and certified officials Geographic representation

Post-Season Assignments (cont.) Power Rating 8 areas X 5 points each = 40 Maximum Part I Exam Score Promotion Level (C, R, X) Previous post-season experience Ratings of coaches and officials Top 15 list Number of regular season varsity contests worked Clinic level attended within the last three years Yearly clinic attendance no matter what level Notification of Assignments Schools are electronically notified by IHSA Officials are electronically notified of assignments

Officials Associations Benefits of joining Education, mentoring, socialization Periodic group meetings (monthly, weekly, etc.) Name recognition (assignors, athletic directors, etc.) Discussion topics Current issues, rules changes, etc. Situation reviews Recognized associations May conduct IHSA certified clinics May Provide a voice in post-season assignment through Top 15 list

Professionalism Goal Setting Fitness and Health Appearance Be realistic in advancement expectations (Jr-High, Frosh, JV, Varsity) Challenge yourself with advancement and promotion goals Personal development (clinics, associations, mentors) Self and partner post-game evaluation Fitness and Health Year-round commitment to physical conditioning Be realistic about performance with injury/illness Appearance Proper uniform, patches, and sport specific equipment Take pride in your appearance

Professionalism (cont.) Rule Knowledge Frequent study of rule book and case book Be aware of rule changes; discuss with peers Study Part I and II exams Know how to use the Officials Handbook Responsibilities & Duties Must understand pre-, during, and post-contest responsibilities of each member on the officiating team Strive for consistency and fairness – impartial Goal is to not be noticed – courteous but detached Communication is key, but know correct approach Practice proper mechanics

Professionalism (cont.) Contracting Contests – You are an independent contractor Look to get assigned through association assignors OR directly through school Athletic Directors Be prompt, organized and gracious Honor all contracts, regardless of other opportunities If you must break a contract: Provide early notice to host school Offer to recruit a replacement Alert other officiating team members, if possible

Sportsmanship IHSA Communication Requirements May use special report form to report inappropriate behavior MUST submit special report form to communicate ejections Encouraged to submit SAWA reports Guidelines for Dealing with Unruly Spectators AVOID direct contact – address through host management Host Management obligated to carry out spectator ejections DO NOT CONFRONT spectators directly Remember to communicate with players, coaches, and officiating team

Sportsmanship (cont.) Officials should be role model for Sportsmanship Address in pre-contest conference with captains and coaches Know and Use warnings and penalties to maintain control Shake hands with both coaches prior to contest Regardless of contest progress, treat officiating team with respect and tolerance; discussion takes place after the contest

Conclusion Utilize IHSA website www.ihsa.org Know and use the Sports Officials Handbook Discuss, learn, get involved Set goals and strive to meet them Represent the profession well Have fun!