Become a sports referee or umpire in Montana by first registering with the Montana Officials Association. Under the direction of the Montana High School Association, the MOA certifies officials for the many competitive sports including: basketball, baseball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling.
To get started, register with the MOA. As of this writing the cost to register is $75 for the first sport and $30 for each additional sport. After you register, you will receive a packet of information including rule books and study material.
To become certified, you must complete and pass the test provided by the NFHS. Testing is done online.
Montana uses study clubs to train and provide continuous education for its officials. For the sports of basketball, football, volleyball and wrestling, Montana officials must attend six study clubs. For the sports of soccer and softball, officials must attend four study clubs.
Montana Referee and Umpire Levels
There are three levels of Montana sports officials: apprentice, certified and master. You must achieve a grade of 60% on the NFHS test to become an apprentice level official. All new officials begin at the apprentice level.
After two years as an apprentice, you can apply and test to become a certified referee or umpire. A passing grade of 80% is required of certified officials. Master officials must work two years at the certified level. To become a master, you must receive a minimum score of 85% on the NFHS exam.
Click here to get more information about becoming a sports official in Montana.
