MHSAA Officials Registration Opens

May 30, 2012

The Michigan High School Athletic Association is accepting registrations by mail and online for game officials for the 2012-13 school year, and has launched an effort aimed at recruiting new officials from this year’s high school senior class.

The MHSAA has provided each member high school with two complimentary officials registrations to be awarded to graduating seniors designated by their athletic directors as having the skills and interest in continuing their involvement in MHSAA athletics through officiating.

Those high school seniors will not have to pay registration fees for the next school year, and will receive assistance from MHSAA staff in connecting with local officials’ associations and training opportunities.

“Officiating is a great way to remain involved after these students’ playing careers have ended, and provides a variety of benefits for young people leaving high school – including opportunities to stay physically active and grow a professional network,” MHSAA assistant director Mark Uyl said. “We always are looking for promising officials, and we’re excited about the potential to reach a number of outstanding candidates.”

For other new and returning officials, those who register online again will receive a $5 discount off their processing fees.  A $12 fee is charged for each sport in which an official wishes to register, and the online processing fee is $30. Officials submitting registration forms by mail or on a walk-up basis will incur a $35 processing fee. Officials registered in 2011-12 will be assessed a late fee of $30 for registration after July 31. The processing fee includes liability insurance coverage of up to $1 million for officials while working contests involving MHSAA schools.

Online registration can be accessed by clicking “Officials” on the Home Page of the MHSAA Website (MHSAA.com). Forms also are available online that can be printed out and submitted by traditional mail or hand delivery to the MHSAA Office. More information about officials registration may be obtained by contacting the MHSAA at 1661 Ramblewood Drive, East Lansing, MI, 48823, by phone at (517) 332-5046 or by e-mail at [email protected].

There is an officials' registration test, which is for first-time officials and officials who were not registered during the past school year. The test consists of 45 questions derived from the MHSAA Officials Guidebook, which also is available on the Officials page of the MHSAA Website. Additional 50-question exams must be taken by those registering for football or basketball for the first time or those who were not registered for those sports during the previous school year. Manuals for both sports also are available on the Officials page.

2024-25 MHSAA Officials Registration Underway

By Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor

June 17, 2024

The MHSAA is accepting registrations online or by mail for game officials for the 2024-25 school year.

The MHSAA registered approximately 8,700 officials for the 2023-24 school year, an increase of nearly five percent over 2022-23 as the ranks continue to build back toward pre-COVID totals.

All officials who register may sign up for up to two sports as part of their registration. Officials also will receive membership in the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), which comes with a variety of educational and training resources and the NASO’s Shield liability insurance that will provide $6 million in coverage for officials while they are working both MHSAA and non-MHSAA events.

For new and returning officials, a $70 fee covers registration for up to two sports. Officials may register for additional sports at $16 per sport.

To avoid a $30 late fee, all fall sport registration applications must be received by Aug. 19, 2024. Winter sports registrations must be received by Nov. 18 to avoid the late fee, and spring sports registrations must be received by March 24, 2025.

Online registration can be accessed by clicking here. More information about officials registration may be obtained by contacting the MHSAA by phone at (517) 332-5046 or by e-mail at [email protected].

There is an officials' registration test for first-time officials and officials who were not registered during the past school year, derived from the MHSAA Officials Guidebook. New officials and those who didn’t officiate during 2023-24 also must complete the online MHSAA Principles of Officiating course. Additional exams must be taken by those registering for football or basketball for the first time or those who were not registered for those sports during the previous school year. Links to the Officials Guidebook, Principles of Officiating presentation and the football and basketball mechanics manuals can be found by following the “New Officials” link on the Officials page of the MHSAA Website.

There also are opportunities to officiate for students at least 14 years old and in grades 9-12 through the MHSAA Legacy Program. Juniors and seniors may officiate subvarsity contests, while freshmen and sophomores may officiate contests at the middle school/junior high levels. Mentor officials will work events with Legacy participants to provide guidance and support. Find information on the Legacy Program by clicking here.