The SDHSAA has been a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations since 1923.

How to become an SDHSAA
Sports Official


If you are inquiring about becoming an officials, please contact  paula.lind@sdhsaa.com or print the application.   
NEW Officials Application - Only new officials use this application - 2009-10 ($12.00 fee)
Accepting applications from May 15 - July 15.    New Officials can registered up to the date of the last rules meeting in the sport(s) they are applying for.

Renewal Officials contact Paula for an application!

Registration Fees for Renewal Officials
One Sport $50.00
Two Sports $70.00
Three Sports $85.00
Four Sports $100.00
Five Sports $110.00
For renewing officials - $20.00 late fee after July 15th

How to Become a Licensed Official

The SDHSAA is looking for men and women who want to return something their school and community by becoming a licensed athletic official.

To become an official, you'll need to fill out an application. Applications are available from the SDHSAA office. Once the application and registration fees are received, applicants will receive their rule books) and open book test.  In addition, applicants must attend an annual rules meeting and a local association meeting, complete and pass the open book test and attend an officials jamboree (if sport requires a jamboree).

 Your License Fees Provide More Than Just A Rules Meeting…

1.  National Federation Official’s Association Membership

        ·         Insurance which includes general liability coverage, accident medical, catastrophic medical, accidental death & dismemberment, fee loss 
·
         Official’s Quarterly Publication
·
         Awards program at the state, sectional and national level
·
         Official’s equipment catalog to order supplies
·
         Opportunity to serve on a national rules committee

2.        Rule Books, Case Books, Officials Manuals

3.        “On the court” training in all sports

4.        Rules meetings, mechanics clinics

5.        Rule Interpretations

6.        Membership in your own sport official’s group

7.        A special awards program for SD officials

How Do I Find Contests To Work? 
Each SDHSAA registered official is an independent contractor responsible for arranging his/her own games.  However, involvement in an Approved Officials Association will provide leads because the local association is often contacted by athletic directors for assistance in filling sub-varsity contests.   Especially in the beginning you may be called to "fill in" for officials when conflicts wwwop or to accept contracts resulting from date changes or additions to a schedule.  To help facilitate your start in officiating, we encourage you to become involved with your local association. Such networks open opportunities for officiating and provide structures for study and learning.  

How To Apply

If you’d like to get an application, please e-mail the SDHSAA (paula.lind@sdhsaa.com) with your name, address and the sport(s) you are interested in or you can call (605)224-9261.  New officials can print the “New Officials Application” above.  Renewal officials must contact the SDHSAA for an application.

 


POLICIES REGARDING REGISTRATION

I. WHO SHOULD MAKE APPLICATION:

A. Individuals who are interested in officiating varsity high school sports, such as football, girls and/or boys' basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, volleyball and track.

NOTE: The following track officials must make application:

Qualifying Meets & Region Meets: Starters, Meet Referees

State Meet: Starters, Meet Referees, Head Field Judges.

B. If an official drops his/her license and then re-applies prior to the 3rd year from the drop time, s/he enters at the same classification as when s/he left (registered or certified).

C. An official registering with a previous background of officiating (another state, etc.) may submit appropriate records showing past experience. Based on this data, a determination will be made as to entry classification.

E-mail at paula.lind@sdhsaa.com