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

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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