FIRST... What is required to get started officiating?

Cost for the New Officials Course is $100.00.  That fee covers the cost of the rule book, case book, mechanics manual, and first year's annual dues for membership with the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA).  In addition, the annual dues fee for DFOA membership is waived for the first season.

Official's Uniform & Accessories will need to be purchased.  Items including shirts (long and short sleeve), pants, hat, shorts, shoes, bags, flags & whistles are needed in order to officiate.  The DFOA will have at least one vendor that comes out to the class and will sell an introductory starter package with pricing close to $130.00.  This package will get you the equipment you need to start working games at the high school level.

This roughly $230.00 investment will get you on your way to starting your football officiating career.

Course Review by 2018 Rookie John Armstrong

     The most beneficial aspects of the class were the thorough discussion of the rules and interacting with prominent members of the association.  I also enjoyed the last day of the course when we got out on the field, learned some of the mechanics and put them into practice for some simulated plays.

     I wish we could have had even more time out on the field throughout the entire course to actually see plays, situations, fouls, etc. and get more of a chance to officiate them.  Additional use of videos as a learning tool would have helped with that as well.

     But overall, I felt well-prepared to step out onto the field for a real game the first time and the other officials have been very supportive and helpful throughout the season. 

SECOND... What can be expected?

During the 2018 New Officials Course, eight 2-hour sessions were provided.  7 of these were classroom sessions covering rules, mechanics, and other scenarios.  The final class was instruction on the field to learn further and work on the mechanics of officiating high school football in Colorado.

These classes were taught by more than a dozen veteran DFOA officials... many that have worked state championship games throughout the state.

New material is covered every class so attendance at each class is strongly encouraged so that no material is missed.

These classes will prepare you to take the NFHS test in order to become a certified official.  Once the test is passed, you will be eligible to begin working sub-varsity games.  There are plenty of sub-varsity games during the season so you have the opportunity to work a lot.  These games are typically scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  And... you'll be able to work these when it works with your schedule.

During the 2018 season, a few of the rookie officials that went through the 2018 New Officials Course were even selected to work their first varsity games.  Though this is an exception and not a rule... hard work can be rewarded!

You will also be assigned to a crew within the DFOA so that you can study and learn from your crew mates.  The opportunity to gain many friends through this is great as well.