Officiating Recruitment Forums
These forums are designed to provide information for those interested in learning more about officiating.
Forums are held 3 times a year in July, November, and February.
We are seeking high school and college students, parents and sport enthusiasts across the state to join our ranks.
This virtual online event will provide an opportunity to hear from top officials who will share the benefits and steps to becoming an official.
There will be opportunities to ask questions about officiating and you will be provided with connections to associations and mentors who can get you started.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the Forum!
Agenda
Welcome
Getting Started: The First Steps: Tim Leighton
Officiating Voices:
- MSHSL Officials: TBA
Becoming an Official:
- MSHSL: Jason Nickleby
- MYAS: Tony Schrepfer
Technology Requirements:
The MSHSL Officiating Recruitment Forum will be held via Zoom.
- Learn more about being a Zoom participant here.
Presenters
Jason Nickleby has led the MSHSL Officiating Program since 2015, supporting over 6,300 officials and judges across 18 sports. He oversees education, training, and the selection process for 1,200 state tournament officiating assignments. A long-time official himself, Jason has worked state tournaments in football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball, with additional experience at the college level in football (including the Big Ten) and men’s basketball (MIAC, NSIC, WIAC, UMAC). Before joining the League, he spent 15 years as a K–12 physical education teacher.
Contact Information:
Phone: 763-392-5551
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @MSHSL_Officials
Tim Leighton is a 30-year veteran official with experience in soccer, basketball, baseball, and fastpitch softball. He has officiated at the high school (MSHSL, WIAA), JUCO, and NCAA Division III levels. Tim serves on the board of the Minneapolis Officials Association, including past president, and is also an MSHSL Clinician.
In his role as Communications Coordinator for the MSHSL, Tim contributes to state and national officiating initiatives, including serving on the High School Today editorial board, representing officials nationwide.
Contact Information:
Phone: 763-569-0485
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @MSHSLTim
Tony Schrepfer has been involved in sports his entire life—from competitive BMX racing to team sports and, ultimately, officiating. With over 30 years of experience, Tony is still actively officiating basketball, baseball, soccer, and fastpitch softball.
As MYAS Director of Officials, Tony is passionate about developing and inspiring the next generation of officials. He focuses on providing hands-on training, promoting proper mechanics, and deepening rules knowledge to help officials succeed at every level. His mission is to grow the officiating community and reshape the perception of what it means to be an official.
Remember… I'm one of you. Officials working on behalf of officials!
Contact Information:
Phone: 763-746-1717
Email: [email protected]