Permit Types and Classifications

• NOTE: Only residents of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia may become an OHSAA licensed official.

• Classification of Officials
     Class 1 – Eligible to officiate all levels.
     Class 2 – Eligible to officiate all levels of contests except varsity high school contests in football, basketball and the Referee position in volleyball.
     Class 3 – Restricted to 7-8-9th grade and non-school officiating.

• Sports for Which Officiating Permits May be Issued

  Fall Sports Field Hockey - Class 1 Football - Class 1,2,3 Soccer - Class 1,2,3 Volleyball - Class 1,2,3

  Winter Sports Basketball - Class 1,2,3 Girls Gymnastics - Class 1,2 Ice Hockey - Class 1 Swimming and Diving - Class 1,3 Wrestling Class - 1,2,3

  Spring Sports Baseball Class - 1,2,3 Softball Class - 1,2,3 Track and Field - Class 1,3

Select the Category Below That Applies to Your Situation

There are eight categories which new OHSAA officials shall select from that applies to your specific circumstances and/or sport(s).
 

1. Beginning Officials - Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer (USSF Grades 9-12), Softball, Volleyball and Wrestling

Step 1: Take OHSAA Officiating Class - Register to use the online system at officials.myohsaa.org. Once registered, complete/edit any profile and contact information and click Choose Sports to indicate which sports you are interested in. Click on the Official profile and Select a Course to review the information and register for a class.
Step 2: Take Officiating Exam - The class concludes with the officiating exam. Applicants must receive a passing score of 75% on the mechanics and rules exams and pass the proficiency portion in order to be a licensed OHSAA official. Successful students may begin officiating interscholastic contests immediately.
Step 3: Receive Officiating Permit - Applicants with a passing score will receive their officiating permit in the mail within three weeks from their test date. If you do not receive your permit within this time frame, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
     Note: Applicants receiving a grade of 65% to 74% on the mechanics or rules exam may request a retest. Applicants who do not pass the subsequent officiating exam must wait one year to re-enroll in the officiating class and start the application process over.
Step 4: Contact your local officiating association - Find a local association in your area
Step 5: Annual Renewal of Permit - Renew your officiating permit annually in June.
     Note: During the school year in which the official successfully completes the adult education class, all meeting requirements are waived.

1A. Person who has current certification through USSF (Grades 1-7) or another sport Association Officiating program

a. Application form with application fee of $60.00 attached for each sport must be completed and sent to the OHSAA. See application deadlines.

b. Submission of experience and training in sport of interest required.

c. Must pass an online review exam with 80% or higher. See examination dates. Two attempts will be permitted.

d. Must attend minimum required local rules meetings. Meetings attended prior to test shall count towards local meeting requirements.

e. State Rules Interpretation Meeting not required in year tested, but is an annual requirement thereafter.

f. Annual officiating permit fee required for each sport.

1B. Person who has current certification through USSF (Grade 8)

a. Application and fee submitted to class instructor along with proof of current Grade 8 certification.

b. Attend 10-hour OHSAA-approved officiating class covering OHSAA, differences between FIFA's Laws and NFHS Rules, Dual System Officiating Mechanics and Double-Dual System Officiating Mechanics.

c. Score a minimum of 75% on NFHS Rules Test.

d. Score a minimum of 75% on NFHS Class II Mechanics Exam.

e. Annual officiating permit fee is required.

f. After first year, attend an annual State Rules Interpretation Meeting and the required number (i.e. four) Local Rules Meetings.

2. Beginning Officials - Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Swimming & Diving and Track & Field

Step 1: Obtain an Officiating Application   [ APPLICATION ]
Step 2: Mail application form and fee - Mail completed application form and required $65.00 application fee ($65 per sport, check or money order payable to the OHSAA) to Officiating department, OHSAA, 4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, OH, 43214. Fall sport applications will only be accepted from June 15 through July 15, winter sport applications Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, spring sport applications Dec. 15 through Jan. 15.
Step 3: Receive officiating instruction books in mail - You will receive all study material, the testing instructions and the OHSAA handbook for officials within 14 days after we receive the application. If you do not receive this material, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Step 4: Prepare for Officiating Exam - Study your rule books in preparation for the online test.
Step 5: Take Officiating Exam - You will take an exam that includes rules and mechanics questions. Each test you will be able to take twice. At the conclusion of the test you will receive your results.
Step 6: Receive Officiating Permit - Applicants with a passing score of 80% or higher will receive their officiating permit in the mail. Allow three weeks from mailing date. If you do not receive your permit within this time frame, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
     Note: Applicants who do not pass the officiating exam must wait one year to re-apply and start the application process over.
Step 7: Attend Required Rules Meetings - All officials have annual meeting requirements. Most sports require four local meetings. A state rules meeting is also required after the year in which an individual initially becomes an official. Begin local meeting attendance NOW!
     Find a local and state rules meeting in your area
Step 8: Annual Renewal of Officiating Permit - Renew your officiating permit annually in June.

3. Beginning Officials - Gymnastics

     Note: You must first obtain a rating from the Joint Certification Committee (JCC) of U.S.A. Gymnastics Judging Program. Applicants with a minimum rating of Level 8 and an expiration date of 2009 may proceed to step 2.
Step 1: Take Joint Certification Exam for Women's Gymnastics with current rules - Contact a Joint Certification Test Administrator in your area to take Joint Certification Exam. Applicants must receive a minimum rating of Level 8 with an expiration date of 2009 to continue the OHSAA application process.
Step 2: Obtain an OHSAA Officiating Application   [ APPLICATION ]
Step 3: Mail OHSAA Application Form, Fee and Photocopy of JCC Rating - Mail completed application form, $65.00 application fee and a photocopy of your JCC rating card to the Officiating department, OHSAA, 4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, OH, 43214. Applications will be accepted from September 1 through October 31.
Step 4: Receive Officiating Permit - Applicants earning a JCC minimum rating of Level 9 will receive a Class 1 officiating permit in the mail. Applicants earning a JCC minimum rating of Level 8 will receive a Class 2 officiating permit in the mail. Allow three week for delivery. If you do not receive your permit within this time frame, contact Officiating department at the OHSAA office 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Step 5: Attend State Rules Meetings - Officials are required to attend one state rules meeting each school year and complete an annual rules review to maintain their officiating permit.
Step 6: Annual Renewal of Officiating Permit - Renew your officiating permit annually in June.

4. Experienced Officials Living in a Contiguous State

     Note: An out-of-state official living in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania or West Virginia may apply for an OHSAA Officiating permit.
Step 1: Obtain an Officiating Application   [ APPLICATION ]
Step 2: Mail application form and fee - Mail completed application form, photocopy of valid state officiating permit and required $60.00 application fee ($60 per sport) to Officiating Department, OHSAA, 4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, OH, 43214. Fall sport applications will only be accepted from June 15 through July 15, winter sport applications Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, spring sport applications Dec. 15 through Jan. 15.
Step 3: Receive officiating rule book packet in mail - You will receive all study material, the testing instructions and the OHSAA handbook for officials within 14 days after we receive the application. If you do not receive this material, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Step 4: Prepare for and take officiating exam - Study the provided books in preparation for the online test. You will take a rules test and a mechanics test. Each test you will be able to take twice. At the conclusion of the test you will receive your results.
Step 5: Receive Officiating Permit - Applicants with a passing score of 80% or higher will receive their officiating permit in the mail. Allow three weeks from mailing date. If you do not receive your permit within this time frame, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Note: Applicants who do not pass the officiating exam must wait one year to re-apply and start the application process over.
Step 6: Attend Required Rules Meetings - All officials have annual meeting requirements. Most sports require four local meetings. A state rules meeting is also required after the year in which an individual initially becomes an official. Begin local meeting attendance NOW!
     Find a local and state rules meeting in your area.
Step 7: Annual Renewal of Officiating Permit - Renew your officiating permit annually in June.

5. Experienced Officials Holding Another State Association's Officiating Permit and Becomes an Ohio Resident - Reciprocity

Step 1: Obtain an Officiating Application   [ APPLICATION ]
Step 2: Mail application form and fee - Mail completed application form, photocopy of valid state officiating permit and required $60 application fee for one sport and $30 per additional sports to Officiating Department, OHSAA, 4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, OH, 43214.
Step 3: Receive officiating rule book packet in mail - You will receive your rule books, instruction sheet, test information when required, and the OHSAA handbook for officials within 14 days after we receive the application. If you do not receive this material, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Step 4: Attend Required Rules Meetings - All officials have annual meeting requirements. Most sports require four local meetings. A state rules meeting is also required after the year in which an individual initially becomes an official. Begin local meeting attendance NOW!
     Find a local and state rules meeting in your area
Step 5: Annual Renewal of Officiating Permit - Renew your officiating permit annually in June.

6. Experienced Officials Certified by Another Sport Association Officiating Program

Step 1: Obtain an Officiating Application   [ APPLICATION ]
Step 2: Mail application form and fee - Mail completed application form, photocopies of officiating permits from the last three years and required $60.00 application fee ($60 per sport) to Officiating Department, OHSAA, 4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, OH, 43214. Fall sport applications will only be accepted from June 15 through July 15, winter sport applications Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, spring sport applications Dec. 15 through Jan. 15.
Step 3: Receive officiating rule book packet in mail - You will receive all study material, the testing instructions and the OHSAA handbook for officials within 14 days after we receive your application. If you do not receive this material, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Step 4: Prepare for and take officiating exam - Study the provided books in preparation for the online test. You will take a rules test and a mechanics test. Each test you will be able to take twice. At the conclusion of the test you will receive your results.
Step 5: Receive Officiating Permit - Applicants with a passing score of 80% or higher will receive their officiating permit in the mail. Allow three weeks from mailing date. If you do not receive your permit within this time frame, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Note: Applicants who do not pass the officiating exam must wait one year to re-apply and start the application process over.
Step 6: Attend Required Rules Meetings - All officials have annual meeting requirements. Most sports require four local meetings. A state rules meeting is also required after the year in which an individual initially becomes an official. Begin local meeting attendance NOW!
     Find a local and state rules meeting in your area
Step 7: Annual Renewal of Officiating Permit - Renew your officiating permit annually in June.

7. Inactive Officials in Good Standing Wanting to Return to Active Status

Step 1: Obtain an Officiating Application   [ APPLICATION ]
Step 2: Mail application form and fee - Mail completed application form and required $60.00 application fee ($60 per sport) to Officiating Department, OHSAA, 4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, OH, 43214. Fall sport applications will only be accepted from June 15 through July 15, winter sport applications Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, spring sport applications Dec. 15 through Jan. 15.
Step 3: Receive officiating rule book packet in mail - You will receive all study material, the testing instructions and the OHSAA handbook for officials within 14 days after we receive your application. If you do not receive this material, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Step 4: Prepare for and take officiating exam - Study the provided books in preparation for the online test. You will take a rules test and a mechanics test. Each test you will be able to take twice. At the conclusion of the test you will receive your results.
Step 5: Receive Officiating Permit - Applicants with a passing score of 80% or higher will receive their officiating permit in the mail. Allow three weeks from mailing date. If you do not receive your permit within this time frame, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Note: Applicants who do not pass the officiating exam must wait one year to re-apply and start the application process over.
Step 7: Attend Required Rules Meetings - All officials have annual meeting requirements. Most sports require four local meetings. A state rules meeting is also required after the year in which an individual initially becomes an official. Begin local meeting attendance NOW!
     Find local and state rules meeting in your area
Step 8: Annual Renewal of Officiating Permit - Renew your officiating permit annually in June.

8. Suspended Officials Wanting to Return to Active Status

Step 1: Obtain an Officiating Application   [ APPLICATION ]
Step 2: Mail application form and fee - Mail completed application form and required $85.00 application fee ($85 per sport) to Officiating Department, OHSAA, 4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, OH, 43214. Fall sport applications will only be accepted from June 15 through July 15, winter sport applications Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, spring sport applications Dec. 15 through Jan. 15.
Step 3: Receive officiating instruction books in mail - You will receive all study material, the testing instructions and the OHSAA handbook for officials within 14 days after we receive your application. If you do not receive this material, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Step 4: Prepare for Officiating Exam - Study your books in preparation for the online test.
Step 5: Take Officiating Exam - You will take a rules test and a mechanics test. Each test you will be able to take twice. At the conclusion of the test you will receive your results.
Step 6: Receive Officiating Permit - Applicants with a passing score of 80% or higher will receive their officiating permit in the mail. Allow three weeks from mailing date. If you do not receive your permit within this time frame, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.
Note: Applicants who do not pass the officiating exam must wait one year to re-apply and start the application process over.
Step 7: Attend Required Rules Meetings - All officials have annual meeting requirements. Most sports require four local meetings. A state rules meeting is also required after the year in which an individual initially becomes an official. Begin local meeting attendance now!
     Find local and state rules meeting in your area
Step 8: Annual Renewal of Officiating Permit - Renew your officiating permit annually in June.
     Note: Individuals are not eligible for OHSAA tournament assignments in that sport.