Game and Playoff Assignments | Northern Nevada Football Officials Assoication

Regular Season and Playoff Assignments

Regular Season: NNFOA Crew Chiefs assign crews to games via our assigning software, Arbiter.com, in collaboration with the NNFOA Commissioner. Games are typically assigned in 2 or 3 week blocs. If you have not "blocked" unavailable dates in Arbiter prior to the assigning period, it is presumed you are available and expected to work your assignment. Missed assignments or officials who are habitually late are subject to suspension and not getting assignments.

Playoff Assignments: All playoff game assignments are assigned by the NNFOA Commissioner, based on guidance from the NNFOA Board of Directors and the NNFOA Crew Chiefs. As of 2025, the NNFOA Board has approved the following criteria as minimum requirements to be considered for playoffs. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee a playoff assignment:

PLAYOFFS

1. Must have attended the NNFOA Preseason Clinic or equivalent that is approved the The BoD.

a. an outside clinic waiver must have been submitted in writing to the BoD prior to the season for

approval to qualify a non NNFOA Clinic

2. Must have attended at least 3 of 4 in season general meetings

a. If more than one absence, up to 1 absence can be excused by attending 2 in season zoom training

sessions hosted by the Educational Chair or any Crew Chief

3. Must have scored a minimum of 80% on the NIAA exam (first try)

4. Must be recommended by your Crew Chief

5. Minimum 5 varsity games worked in current season

a. Recommended at least 3 varsity games at assigned position in current season

6. Minimum 1 year prior experience, 2 preferred

7. Not delinquent on NNFOA dues

8. The Commissioner may consider other factors not listed above

STATE FINALS CRITERIA (in addition to above)

1. Minimum 4 years (incl. 2 varsity) in the NNFOA, or 2 years NNFOA with 8+ years experience in outside

associations

2. Recommended by Crew Chief

3. Superior official at designated position, regardless of length of tenure. Tenure itself does not qualify an

official for post season assignments.

4. Minimum of 2 prior seasons working playoff assignments including state semifinals

5. Minimum of 2 games working 7 person mechanics (any position)

6. Minimum of 3 varsity games worked at designated position in current season

a. Exception for deep wing assignments (FJ or SJ), minimum of 1 game at deep wing in prior 3 seasons

7. Score 85% or higher on NIAA exam (first try)

8. Officials who worked a state final in the prior year are not disqualified from a state final assignment in

current season

Crew chiefs shall compile a list by mid October of qualifying officials and send to the Commissioner for playoff assignments. The list shall include recommended levels, playoff rounds, and positions for each official. The Education Chair will compile a list from "pool" officials (those that cannot work a full season and are not assigned to a crew).

Exceptions may be made to the above by the NNFOA Commissioner for 1st round playoff games only, provided the list is exhausted and spots still need to be filled. Succeeding rounds must be taken from the designated list, exceptions only with Board of Directors approval.