| Home Contacts |
How to Become an Official
THERE ARE THREE LEVELS OF CERTIFICATION. When first certified, you will be an Association Level official. As an Association Official, each year you will receive a schedule of meets in the Pacific Association; news about clinics and other training sessions; invitations to work local and regional youth, high school, college and open track and field meets along with periodic mailings of the Pacific Officials Newsletter, “Turns & Distances.” You can start to specialize in the event or events that you like best. After a few years’ service, you can apply to become a National Level official. Now you will receive an application to officiate at National Championships and you’ll be invited to work high-level invitational meets. A few more years’ service and you can apply to become a Master Level official in your favorite discipline(s). You’ll be eligible to work at national championships and international events (like Olympics or Pan Am Games) held on U.S. soil. WHAT WILL YOU GET BACK? If you are already helping with your children’s meets, the certification process, and officials’ clinics later on, will help you improve your skills. If you are a former athlete, officiating will help you keep in touch with our great sport. At most meets, the organizers will give you lunch or at least a snack. Most will provide parking; and you can deduct transportation and other costs on your taxes. At quite a few meets, the organizers will give you a shirt or hat. Mostly, you’ll get the thanks of athletes, coaches, parents, and spectators--and other officials--who know this sport cannot go forward without skilled, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers.  |
