Learn how to officate the sport of football and meet with who will be assigning you games
JFOA meetings are essential to you meeting a great group of officials who will help you start or continue your officiating career. We have a great trainer, and you will meet experienced members who may serve as your mentor and assist you in becoming a successful football official.
Your first-year membership dues of $45 is waived when you apply for membership.
- August 5th, 2025, 6:00 to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, MSHSAA RULES MEETING. Location: MSSU Campus at Plaster Hall
- August 12th, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, Location: MSSU Campus at Plaster Hall
- August 16th, 2025, 6:00 pm, Saturday, MSHSAA MECHANICS MEETING (Wear your full uniform(Black Shorts are okay as well).
Location: Carthage High School Football Field; meeting in the locker room for a briefing and assignments. - August 19th, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, training meeting. Location: MSSU Campus at Plaster Hall
- August 26th, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, training meeting. Location: MSSU Campus at Plaster Hall
- September 10th, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Wednesday, training meeting. Location: MSSU Campus at Plaster Hall
- September 24th, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Wednesday, training meeting. Location: MSSU Campus at Plaster Hall
- October 21st, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Tuesday, Season -Ending BUSINESS MEETING. Location: MSSU Plaster Hall
Our meetings are casual and inviting. We hope you enjoy the journey!
The football officiating experience is a reward of a lifetime and a chance to work and create friendships among a GREAT group of people. We come from all walks of life, teachers, firefighters, police officers, adminstators, lawyers, factory workers, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a member?
It’s simple. Fill out an application to become a member. Your first-year JFOA membership dues are paid for as an incentive in becoming a new recruit! This is a $45 savings.
What do I do after I apply?
A member of the JFOA or the recruiter will contact you via mail, email, or phone to verify your interest and provide you with more information.
Will someone be there to help me in my first few games?
Absolutely. Most all of our members have exprience in bring the new recruit up to speed. Our assignors are great at putting crews together with different level of experience to help eliminate you from feeling overwhelmed. We have all had a “first time officiating” experience.
Will I work with the same people and will I be doing big Varsity games the first year?
A new recruit is expected and welcomed to attend pregame with Varsity crews which are comprised of the same people working together on Friday nights. The new recruit gains their experience by working the levels of Junior High, Freshman, and JV games with a multitude of other members to start, and if you mentor with a Varsity crew, you just might be called to pick up a Varsity game your first season.
How do I apply for my high school football officiating certification through MSHSAA?
You will need to go to www.mshsaa.org, click on “Officials” and then select “Click to apply now” under “Become and Official”. Your cost will be approximately $65 for one sport. MSHSAA will then send you all of the necessary information. Plus, we will help you through the entire process, start to finish.
Where do I get my uniforms?
We will help you with that too. You will be required to pay for your uniform. Your uniform is very specific, and it is a requirement of MSHSAA to officiate the sport of football. All of the correct items must be in place and worn properly so that all officials look professional and all of us are “uniform”!
How do I get assigned games?
Relax, we have your back! Once officials come to a JFOA meeting, they will meet the assignors and other members of the association. The assignors will get you setup on www. ArbiterSports.com where you can select a schedule that suits you throughout the season. From there, the assignor will give you assignments through ArbiterSports, and then you decide to accept them or not.
Have additional inquiries or uncertainties?
Can’t locate the information you need? We’re here to discuss.
