To become a referee or umpire in Oklahoma begin by enrolling with the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association. The OSSAA oversees high school officials for the following sports: baseball, basketball, football soccer, softball, swimming, track, volleyball and wrestling.
According to the OSSAA website, to become an OK official you must be of “good character” and at least 16 years old. If you are a high school senior, you are allowed to work any high school games below the varsity level. Anyone listed on the database of sex offenders cannot be an Oklahoma official.
Enrollment can be done on-line using the OSSAA area of the ArbiterSports website. After you enroll, you will be sent a packet of information which includes rule books and case books. You will need this information to prepare for the rules exam which you must pass in order to become certified.
All testing is completed on-line, untimed, open book on the ArbiterSports website. To become certified to work high school games for grades 7-12, you must pass test one of the OSSAA exam. A passing grade of 75% is required. The site allows two chances at passing the test.
Referee Training in Oklahoma
Local training is available through area referee and umpire local associations. This training provides on-court and on-field instruction with positioning, mechanics and signals. Plan to join a local association once you have completed your certification process.
Through local camps and workshops, the OSSAA provides its own training for the sports of baseball, basketball and football. The OSSAA also sponsors yearly rules meetings to keep officials updated on any rule changes and points of emphasis in their sport. Oklahoma football, basketball and baseball officials must attend yearly rules meetings to be eligible to work post-season tournament games.
For more information, visit the official’s page of the OSSAA/ArbiterSports website. Select the registration tab to get started.
