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Welcome to the MSHSL Officials Program!

New Official:
Would you like to stay involved with sports? Do you want to provide a valuable service? Would you like to contribute to the education of today's youth?

Then become a sports official! Men and women of all ages are needed to officiate youth sports -at both the middle school and high school level. If you still love sports, have a "feel" for the game, and a basic knowledge of the rules you can be an official. To find out more about being an official, click here: Official's Brochure.

The information necessary to register as a MSHSL official is listed below. In order to work varsity events you must be a fully registered official. To be fully registered you must complete the registration process, submit to a background check, attend a rules meeting (either in person or online) and pass the rules test. Officials are a valuable part of high school athletics – you are needed and MSHSL member schools value your services!

Please note the following Registration Deadlines: Registration closes as follows: September 1 for Fall Sports; December 1 for Winter Sports; and April 1 for Spring Sports. Note that there are also deadlines for submitting the rules test.

Register online by clicking the link at the end of this document.

Please Note the Following:
  • Background checks will be conducted on officials: all officials will be required to go through this process. Officials will initiate the process online, with the actual check being conducted by an outside vendor. Specific information and instructions are enclosed, along with a copy of the background check policy. There is not a separate charge for the background checks. Background Check Instructions.
  • Registration fees: The registration fee for one sport is $42. Additional sports can be added for $10. These fees continue to be well below most other states. Registration fees cover the cost of rule books, case books, pre-season guides, testing, rules meetings, liability insurance and excess medical insurance.
  • NFOA: All officials will be members of the National Federation Officials Association. Insurance coverage (liability and excess medical) are through the NFOA (see the Officials Manual for details). You will receive the Official’s Quarterly magazine and have access to the free video education program.
  • Free Training Clinics: will be held in Football, Soccer, Basketball, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Baseball and Softball – more will be added in 2010.
  • Mentoring: a statewide mentoring program will be available to all officials.


Pre-Season Mailing: Approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the start of rules meetings you will receive a packet of materials, which will include a rule book, case book, pre-season guide, test and other pertinent information. You must complete all registration forms and pay your fee before your packet will be mailed.

Rules Meetings and Exams: You must attend a rules meeting (in-person or online) and pass the rules test annually (80%) to be a “Registered” official. Test codes are used to verify attendance at “in-person” rules meetings and are passed out at the conclusion of meetings. Those completing online meetings will have access to the tests. 2009-2010 Rule Interpretation Meeting Schedule.

Note: Do Not submit your test until you have received your rule book and attended a rules meeting. The rules test is open book, and you will need to use your rule book in order to pass the test. There are no retakes.

Addresses, Phone Numbers, E-mail Addresses: must be kept up to date. The MSHSL is not responsible for late, lost or misdirected mail. If you do not receive registration materials by May 15 of each year, it is your responsibility to notify us. Not receiving information will not excuse or waive the late fee.

Standards and Classifications: To be a registered official, you must attend a rules meeting in each sport for which you are registered EVERY year and attain a score of 80% or higher on the rules exam.
  • T = Temporary 1st year official – must attend rules meeting and pass exam to become “R”
  • R = Registered Official has met the above stated requirements
  • P = Probation A “P” official has not met the requirements for “R” for one year. Eligible for regular season only. After one year will become “NQ.” Attend a meeting and pass the test to return to “R.”
  • NQ = Not Qualified have not met requirements for “R” for two years, or “T” who has not moved to “R” status. Not eligible to officiate varsity contests. Attend rules meeting and pass test to return to “R” status.


Getting Games: The League office does not schedule regular season games. To get games you can either contact schools directly or join a local official’s association. All officials are encouraged to join an officials association. In addition to scheduling games, association's will provide training to all officials and mentoring to all new officials. Associations also provide the opportunity to develop friendships and camaraderie with other officials. Click here to see the list of Officials Associations then sort by sport to find an association in your area.

Contracts: Officials must contract for contests with member schools – either directly or through an Official’s Association. All officials are Independent Contractors.

MSHSL Officials Manual: is available on the web site, or you may contact the office to request a “hard copy.” You are responsible for all information contained in the manual. Incident report forms are “on-line.” Specific rules and policies for officials and insurance coverage information are included in the manual.

Camps & Training Opportunities: Training opportunities that we know of will be listed on the MSHSL web site -- in the "Officials’ Corner."

If you have questions or problems with registration, please contact the League office – 763-560-2262. !

MAKE A GREAT CALL…BECOME AN OFFICIAL!




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MAKE A GREAT CALL! . . . . . . BECOME A HIGH SCHOOL OFFICIAL!
 
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