How to Become an Official

Do you have what it takes to become an amateur sports official? To succeed as an amateur sports official, you must be able to make quick decisions, accept criticism, avoid distractions, resolve conflicts and deal with stress. To be an excellent official, you need to live by the official's creed and understand the 7 C's of officiating. You also must to be physically fit and have a love for the game, always encourage sportsmanship and be willing to serve as a role model to youth.

A sports official must make a commitment to not only learn the rulebook to the sport he or she is officiating, but know how to apply the rules to the game. A sports official must also keep up with rules changes and the nuances of the game and make a commitment to attend skills training seminars and workshops.

Most sports officials get started working in YMCA and youth leagues then work their way up to junior high and high school officiating. To officiate in Oklahoma high school sports, you will need to join the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) and take the exams for the sports you want to officiate. Click here to visit the OSSAA's website and learn about how to join.

Once you are a member of the OSSAA, you should consider joining the OKC METRO OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION to meet other officials, attend skills enhancement workshops and network. For information on joining our organization, click on on the tab above entitled "Want to Join?".

For more information on becoming an amateur sports official, visit the website for the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) by clicking here.

To help avoid making those rookie mistakes, click on the tab above entitled "Common Blunders of New Officials".

The Official's Creed -- You Can Count on Me!

  • To have studied the rules.

  • To have attended weekly meetings or clinics to improve my knowledge.

  • To be in shape to officiate an entire game.

  • To have a uniform that is neat and clean - and to present myself in a professional manner.

  • To arrive at the game site or travel meeting site at the designated time.

  • To actively participate in the pre-game conference.

  • To cooperate within the crew concept.

  • To communicate.

  • To not be afraid to questions the actions of a fellow official - when you think he may be in error.

  • To be able to accept information from a fellow official and admit that your wrong.

  • To have the courage to stick by your decision - even when a fellow official thinks you are wrong.

  • To be able to accept criticism from fellow officials, observers, and\or supervisors.

 

SEVEN C’s TO BECOMING AN EXCELLENT OFFICIAL

  1. CONDITIONING: Both physical and mental.

  2. COMMUNICATION: You have to know how to handle people.  Once you blow your whistle, you become a salesperson.

  3. COMPOSURE: If your flustered, nervous or emotional, you won’t be successful.

  4. CONFIDENCE: You need to exude confidence, not arrogance.

  5. CONSISTENCY:  Make the same call in the 4th quarter as you would in the 1st quarter.

  6. CONCENTRATION: You must prepare yourself to block out all distractions.

  7. COURAGE:  Have GUTS!! When a penalty is appropriate, assess   it calmly, without emotion and regard to being blackballed.  If you don’t have guts, you will soon be identified as a weak official.  

What are some common blunders
that new officials make?

There are many mistakes that new officials make, and you would be surprised to know that many of them are not related to actually calling the game. Most new officials slow down their growth in officiating because of their off-the-court (field) comments, actions or behavior.


Here is a very common mistake: A relatively new official believes that he has learned all there is to know about the game and stops listening to advice from others. If this happens to you, your career is going to hit a brick wall. Also, because your attitude will be perceived as arrogant and conceited, very few officials will want to work with you. Remember that officiating is a very close-knit community, and the word will immediately get out to those responsible for making assignments or advancement decisions.


Do you get envious if others succeed and you stay behind? While there is nothing wrong with getting upset that you did not get the call to work the championship game or get hired into a collegiate conference, envy is not the answer. Instead, you should contact the fortunate official and congratulate him/her on the opportunity. If you are smart, you will learn what made this person successful, and do everything you can to duplicate his/her efforts. By staying positive and focusing on how you can improve, there is a greater chance that you can someday reach your officiating goals.


Criticizing other officials is a big no-no. Abraham Lincoln said it best, "With malice toward none, with charity for all……" If you cannot think of a positive comment to voice about a fellow official, do not say anything at all. Officiating is sometimes a cutthroat business where many spread rumors about others. You will hear how Joe R. received a playoff assignment because he and the president of the association are drinking buddies, and how Steve L. will make a college football crew because he constantly phones the supervisor of officials to politic. It is best to not get involved with any of this petty stuff, as it has never yields positive results.


Officials also make some big mistakes while working a game. For example, it is never a good idea to use obscenities toward a player or coach. If you engage in this activity, your career is as good as over.


There was a reported incident where a collegiate official and a head coach of a Division I men's basketball program came close to a fistfight after a game. The coach is still around and doing quite well, but the official has disappeared from the officiating radar screen.


Success and longevity in officiating demands that one is patient and professional in their behavior. A new official must understand that success is cultivated over many years. He/She must seek knowledge from officials who have reached the pinnacle of officiating. When in doubt, employ a humble approach and seek advice, even if you already know the answer.

Want to Join?

 Are you an amateur sports official looking to become a part of Oklahoma City's premier amateur sports officials association? For only $20 annually, you will be able to attend weekly meetings to enhance your officiating skills and stay on top of changes. You will also receive information and educational mailings from Referee Magazine and the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO).

 For more information, please check out our bylaws, constitution, Frequently Asked Questions and membership application. If you have questions regarding membership or anything else, please click here and complete our contact form and one of our officers will be in touch to answer your questions.

 * Note: All members are required to also have their membership to the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA). Click here to visit the OSSAA's website and learn about their membership criteria.