Become an Official
Get Back in the Game - Become a Licensed Official
Participation in high school athletics does not have to end with high school graduation. Even if you have been away from the game for a while, you can get back in the game by becoming a licensed official in any of the 24 sports sanctioned by the Indiana High School Athletic Association.
As a licensed official, you not only have the opportunity to earn a little extra money, but also the opportunity to be a positive influence in a young person’s life. The hours are somewhat flexible and contracts can be accepted based on a day-to-day availability.
To Become an IHSAA Licensed Official, you will need to complete the registration process, take a computer generated open-book test and score 75% or better. Once you are licensed, we encourage you to join one of the twenty-four officials associations throughout the state and attend an annual rules interpretation meeting.
Follow the directions below to begin the application process:
- You must have an email address.
- Rules books will be sent to you for study prior to the test.
- The cost of applying to take a test in a sport is $50.00 for up to three sports in one year. No money will be refunded.
- Testing materials will be sent out seasonally for each sport. As soon as the materials are available before the start of the testing period, rule books will be sent out to all officials that have applied for that sport.
The link below takes you to the Registration page where you will complete the Registration process - Check sports to be tested, give personal information again, and enter credit card information for payment - Submit information to complete the registration - You will receive a confirmation email following payment.
PROSPECTIVE OFFICIALS: To take advantage of a free license through your nearest professional officials' association, please text OFFICIAL to 317-943-9030.
OTHERWISE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2025-26 SCHOOL YEAR ON MYIHSAA.NET
Part 1 testing opens each year on April 1st for the following school year. For example, April 1st, 2025 will start registration and testing for the 2025-26 school year.
Please make sure you are registering for the correct intended school year.
Licensing Exams for all sports are open the entire year, opening on April 1st each year for the following school year.
When registering, please make sure you are registering for the correct year. Anything before April 1st would be for the current school year which may have sports that have already concluded their seasons.
The exam process is online. This is not a timed exam. No on-site paper and pencil tests will be provided unless you are taking a class in that sport.
Application Deadlines must be met. Allow for ample time to prepare for the exam. APPLY EARLY!
You will receive your rules books from IHSAA along with instructions on how to access the exam. If you are licensing in multiple sports in different seasons, the books for the later seasons will be sent when those books arrive to the IHSAA Office. Please begin to study for the exam upon receipt of the rules books.
The exam is composed of 55 multiple choice questions. You must earn 75% or better on the exam to become licensed. You will have two chances to take and pass the Part 1 Exam. You should receive immediate feedback on your exam results. If you do not meet the 75% standard, you will need to wait until the next registration year to apply again.
You can access your Digital (only) License in myihsaa.net under your Official's profile.
Which sports use officials?
Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Gymnastics, Girls Flag Football, Girls Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field, Unified Flag Football, Unified Track & Field, Volleyball, Wrestling
When can I register (pay) and what is the deadline?
The registration window opens April 1st and is open through July 31st. Renewing officials must complete the registration renewal during this window or a late fee of $50 will apply. New officials can join at any point throughout the year.
What are the registration fees for officials?
First year/new officials can join and register for three (3) sports for $50. Renewing officials can register for three (3) sports for $70. There is a $50 late fee added onto renewing officials should they not renew during the April 1 – July 31 window. New or returning officials can add sports for $10/sport.
What does my registration fee include?
Registration fees cover the cost of rule books, case books, officials’ manuals (if available), liability insurance through the NFHS, background checks, and training.
What is the age requirement to become an official?
You must be 18 years of age and a high school graduate to serve as an IHSAA Official. Students who are 18 and under can join as a Provisional Official, should their school offer the Officiating 101 Course through RefReps. A Provisionally licensed official who has completed the Girls Flag Football course offered by RefReps and passed the exam will be able to officiate high school contests in the sport of Girls Flag Football.
Do I need to complete a background check?
Background checks will be processed for all officials. All officials will be required to consent to this process during the registration. There is not a separate charge for the background check, as it is part of your registration fee. All new officials will be subject to a background check in their first year of registration. Returning officials will have a background check completed once every three years.
How much do officials get paid?
Officiating pay varies by sport and by school. Check with an officials association, assigner, or local school for more information.
Will training be provided to officials?
Clinics will be offered for baseball, basketball, cross country/track, football, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, volleyball, and wrestling every year, at locations throughout the state.
Official association meetings will be available throughout the year, offering training for new and veteran officials.
What uniform or equipment is needed to officiate?
Uniforms and equipment needed to officiate varies by sport. Uniforms can be purchased from any of the five (5) IHSAA approved vendors. The IHSAA logo will come sublimated on the uniforms. Patches are not available for purchase. See the Uniform Specification document located in the Officials Resources section of myIHSAA.
How do I get scheduled for contests/games?
Officials must contract for contests/games with member schools either directly or through an IHSAA approved assigner. Officials are considered independent contractors. All assignments should be officially scheduled through Eventlink to ensure proper communication, assignments, and official’s pay. The IHSAA does not schedule regular season contests. Officials are encouraged to join an official’s association to receive training, mentorship, and potential assignments that will match up with ability.