BECOME AN OFFICIAL

2024 -2025 FIRST YEAR HIGH SCHOOL OFFICIALS SUOA DUES ARE WAIVED!

The following is a step-by-step process in becoming a certified official for high schools in Utah.

1. The first step in becoming an official is to register with the UHSAA. This is done by logging onto the web site www.arbitersports.com. Click on the registration link and choose the sport you want to officiate, then complete the process.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. The next step is to join the Southern Utah Officials Association by Submitting the contract below.

5. Contact the director of the sport you are joining for information on local meetings, which are geared to provide additional rules training, game evaluations and information regarding association policies and procedures.

SUOA Independent Contractors Agreement

In consideration of the following mutual promises, the Southern Utah Officials Association and the Official agree as follows:  

The term of this Agreement is for one year, beginning on June 16, of calendar year selected below and terminating June 15 of calendar year submitted below.

 OFFICIAL’S STATUS: The Official is an independent contractor for all purposes related to the performance of officiating and officiating related work, including travel to and from games, meetings, seminars, camps, and clinics and is not an employee of the Southern Utah Officials Association. The official is advised to obtain and maintain in effect during the term of this Agreement medical insurance and disability insurance for officiating and officiating related work.  

 ASSIGNMENTS: This Agreement, which makes the Official a member of the Southern Utah Officials Association’s officiating roster for the sports designated below, does not obligate the Southern Utah Officials Association to make any game assignments to the Official nor does it obligate the Southern Utah Officials Association to make minimum number of or certain quality level assignments to the Official. This agreement does obligate the Official to attend meetings, camps and clinics, and to take such qualifying tests, trials, and examinations as required. Officials agree to maintain the standards outlined in the “Code of Conduct” on all officiating and officiating work. All assignments are subject to change within the discretion and for the best interests of the Southern Utah Officials Association.  

TERMINATION: This agreement may be terminated at any time by either the Southern Utah Officials Association, or the Official, upon written notice, to be received ten days prior to the effective date of termination.  

HOLD HARMLESS AND IDEMNIFICATION: The Official agrees to hold Members of the Board of Directors, Supervisors, Assigners, and Independent Contractors, from any and all liability of any nature for claims made by any person or entity for injuries or damages alleged to have been or actually caused by the Official’s negligent, reckless, intentional acts or omission related to or arising out of the Official’s officiating or officiating related work under this agreement.  

BINDING EFFECT: This Agreement is binding upon the Southern Utah Officials Association and Official’s assigns, successors, legal representatives, and heirs.  

DUES: Officials agree to pay dues for each sport they officiate, according to the table below.  

To accept and acknowledge these terms and conditions as outlined please complete and submit the following with your information: 

The term of this Agreement is for one year, beginning on June 16, of calendar year selected below and terminating June 15 of calendar year submitted below.

First Sport $40(required)

Additional Sport $10 (if needed)

Links and Information

UHSAA Officials Home Page

Officials Pay Scale

NFHS Website