NNFOA Commissioner Tony Kiriluk, President Mark Jacoby, and the entire Executive Board welcome you! We are dedicated to making your officiating experience as fun and rewarding as possible. Do not hesitate to contact any of us if you have any questions. You can find contact information by simply clicking on someone's picture on the NNFOA Leadership page.
Please make plans to attend the Rookie Social on May 15 at Little Waldorf 7pm. All NNFOA Dates are listed under the "Home" tab on this website. At this event you will meet NNFOA leadership and crew chiefs, as well as other officials. You can pay your dues, get study materials (we've already ordered 2024 Rulebooks and Casebooks and hopefully will have them by then), and ask any questions you may have.
Crew Chiefs typically start hosting rules and mechanics study sessions In early June up until the season begins in mid-August. This is a great way to dive into the rules with fellow officials. Go to the Training tab and 2024 Study Sessions for details.
We will be holding one or two on field training sessions in late Spring 2024, exact dates and times are to be determined. Check back here for updates. We will be training in basic fundamentals of officiating mechanics. This will put you on the path to a successful first season in the NNFOA.
Try to attend as many of our pre season 1 hour zoom meetings if possible. While not required, this is supplemental training that will help you build your skills. Dates are listed in the NNFOA Dates page.
If possible, attend our NNFOA Preseason clinic Aug 2-4. Plans are being finalized and we will have more info here soon. This is not required of rookies but it is definitely encouraged. Friday the 2nd is a golf tournament and socialization. The main clinic is Saturday 3rd, and there is a half day on Sunday 4th. It is typically over by noon on Sunday.
DUES: To join the NNFOA, each member pays dues annually of $50. This covers several expenses incurred by the Association (renting meeting rooms, paying for food at social events, etc.)
You will need to register as an official with the NIAA and pay a fee and background check (cost is typically about $45 total) which includes insurance coverage for you when doing officiating duties, and take the state test to qualify as an official. Passing score is 70%, as many attempts to pass as you need to, and it's open book (pretty easy). This isn't open until July 1 for the 2024 season.
Once your dues are paid, you will be added to our Arbiter account and you will need to register at Arbiter.com (no cost), which is how you will be notified of game assignments. It is also the vehicle through which you are paid for HS games. (Pay dates are typically every 3-4 weeks or so for games worked up to that point). Contact Secretary Chris Whitbeck or Treasurer Rocky Polito. You can access contact info on the Leadership page.
You will need to acquire a uniform. It is suggested you do this as early as possible and no later than mid July. Most online vendors sell a "starter" kit that will include most of what you'll need, Cost is about $200-$250. We will have a list of vendors at the rookie social. Get both a short and long sleeve shirt (2" stripes only!). Some vendors offer hemming of the pants too. You will need shoes also, all black or mostly black (minimal white ok), and a bag or small suitcase to put your gear in.
Expect that you will be assigned to freshman and possibly JV games your first year or two as you learn the craft. Most but not all assignments will be at the wing position. Officials are assigned varsity games as they demonstrate the skills necessary to work games with the older, and faster, athletes.
We encourage new officials to work youth games if they can. Youth games are not assigned by the NNFOA, but we will put you in touch with contacts for both youth leagues in the area. Youth games are a great way to learn the basics of officiating and get needed field experience. Youth games typically occur on Saturdays.
Transferring Officials: Welcome, and we're glad you have decided to continue your officiating journey with us! We think you will find the NNFOA is dedicated to training and having a standard of officiating excellence you can be proud of. Please copy and paste the link to the Nevada State Football Manual on the Training page to learn and review our mechanics. Assignments will be commesurate with your skill level once you are evaluated by your Crew Chief.
Lastly, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! You have joined a select group of individuals who have the mental fortitude and discipline to do what 99.99% of others won't do--officiate high school sports. Enjoy your success and a circle of lifetime friends, and welcome to the NNFOA.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin
