Say Yes to Officiating

The NCAA recognizes the importance of officiating to competition and the student-athlete experience. The state of officiating is at a critical level due to a declining pool affected by the advancing age of current officials and the lack of interest or incentive among younger populations to enter or remain in the field. The NCAA is dedicated to partnering with other organizations in the recruitment, retention, education/training and improving the sporting behavior of the game environment in college sports.

Becoming an official is a great way to stay connected to sport and provides a tremendous service to young people eager for a chance to compete. Officials are the gate keepers of the game, protecting the integrity of the games young people love to play. Officials help in the development and shaping of the next generation by demonstrating qualities like honesty, objectivity, consistency, conflict resolution, empathy and respect.

Why Become an Official?

Love of the game
Staying active
Competitive drive to become your best
Giving back to the sport
Extra Income
Escape/serve in a different role
Camaraderie/community
It’s never too early or too late to start

Where to Start?

Officiating & Membership Resources

In the News

Colorado Mesa’s Melaina Howard uses officiating experience to enhance swimming career

Division II swimmer turned injury into opportunity, becoming a certified USA Swimming official while still competing.

Jenn McCall made history as the first U.S. female water polo referee at the Olympics. She is shown with Darren Spiritosanto, who also represented the U.S. as a referee. (Photos courtesy of Jenn McCall)

Breaking barriers: Jenn McCall’s inspiring journey from student-athlete to Olympic referee

Jenn McCall, the first U.S. female to serve as water polo referee at Olympics hopes others follow her lead.

JP Williams’ journey from a student-athlete to an official highlights his passion for the sport and commitment to giving back. At Wyoming, Williams played football on a full scholarship and ran track. His experience as a student-athlete has been invaluable in his officiating career. (Photos courtesy of JP Williams)

JP Williams: From 2-sport standout at Wyoming to FCS official

JP Williams, a former Division I college football player, has found a way to stay connected to the game he loves — officiating.

Ashley Moyer-Gleich makes history as part of 2024 playoff officiating crew

An NBA official since 2018, she will become the 2nd woman in NBA history to referee a playoff game.

Officiating is right call for former Longwood women’s soccer player

Maddie Hommey hopes to stay involved in the sport she loves by becoming a college official.

Eric Dust played basketball at Missouri-St. Louis

Former DII athlete praises officiating as way to stay in the game

Missouri-St. Louis graduate credits collegiate basketball experience for quick transition to officiating.

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