HOW TO BECOME A NEW OFFICIAL
Following is a step-by-step process in becoming a certified official for high schools in
Utah. The UHSAA is the acronym for Utah High School Activities Association.
- The first step in becoming an official is to register with the UHSAA. This is done
by logging onto the web site ArbiterSports. Click on the registration link and
choose the sport you want to officiate, then complete the process. - After the application is accepted, officials are entered into a database system and a
packet will be sent out prior to the start of the sports season. Packets will include
sport specific rulebooks and UHSAA rules clinic information. An open book
100-question rules test (Part 1 Test) needs to be completed on-line by the due date
listed on the information sheet that accompanies the application form. Officials
must obtain a minimum score of 80% to pass the Part 1 Test. If a failing grade
occurs, then one free retake is allowed. A fee of $15.00 is charged for any
additional retakes. Part of the registration process in becoming an official is to
have a background check completed. This will automatically be done for you after
you are registered. - Rules Clinics: A UHSAA staff member or their designee will conduct one new
rules clinic before the season for the sports of football, volleyball, soccer,
basketball, wrestling, baseball and softball. The dates will be listed on the website
and a meeting schedule will accompany the packet. An Internet Clinic will be
available for officials and coaches until the first day of the Part 2 Test. The rules
clinic consists of new rules, NFHS points of emphasis and their interpretation for
the specific sport. This is mandatory in order to be a certified official. - The next step is to contact the local officials association. The names of the local
association leadership are listed in the UHSAA Officials Leadership Directory .
Joining a local association is vital, as assignments to work games will be issued
for sub-varsity games from the association arbiter. The local associations will
conduct meetings, which are geared to provide additional rules training, game
evaluations and information regarding association policies and procedures.
The Part 2 test is mandatory for post-season varsity officials; however, the test is
available and encouraged for all officials. The test is open book and requires a 90%
accuracy to pass. No retakes are allowed for the Part 2 Test. The test can be taken
anytime up to two weeks after the initial test day. Dates for the test are listed in the
information sent with the packet. This will be completed on-line and the link will be on
your Arbiter account site.
It is the hope of the UHSAA that this information will be helpful to potential new
officials as you consider joining us in this most important and rewarding avocation. If
further questions arise, contact the UHSAA at (801) 566-0681 or email to: jeffcluff@uhsaa.org