So you want to be a football referee?
There is a real shortage of qualified high school football officials. If you want to stay/get involved with the game of football, if you want to get some good exercise to help keep in shape, and if you enjoy working with young people, football officiating may be a rewarding and fun hobby for you. Most games for new refs are played after school (4:30 weekdays) or on Saturday mornings (9:00).
The first step is to get licensed with the Illinois High School Assn. as an official (generic). The next step with the IHSA is to get sport-specific. (e.g. football) They will provide you with rule-books and resources to help you learn what you need to be able to work your first game. Then get information about a local football officials' association from the IHSA directory, and attend their meetings. The next thing you know, you'll be out there blowing your whistle.
If you would like to go to the IHSA website, get more information and/or request an officials' application, you can do that by clicking below.
Illinois High School Assn. Officials' Department
Return to H.S. Football Page.
If you have any questions, please email me and I'll try to answer them.