If you want to become a referee in New Jersey, you will need to join a local officials association or chapter. These associations are certified by the NJSIAA to train officials for the following high school sports: football, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, ice hockey, lacrosse, volleyball field hockey and wrestling. High school sports referees and umpires in New Jersey must be at least 18-years old.
To become a referee in NJ, you must register with the NJSIAA. New high school sports referees and umpires must go through a Cadet training program before they can begin their officiating careers. These cadet programs typically consist of 10-14 hours of training in which rules and situations are presented in a classroom setting.
Local associations are free to establish their own system for training new officials. Following the classroom training period, new referees and umpires must pass a written test to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the rules and procedures of your sport.
New Jersey Referee and Umpire Training
After successfully completing the written exam, a period of floor or field training will begin to help new officials with their in-game mechanics and signals and positioning. Only after completing this part of the training, are officials allowed to work games in their sport.
Cadet officials are required to work sub-varsity games for a period of up to two years before becoming certified to work at all high school levels.
You should expect to pay a chapter training fee along with a yearly dues assessment. The training fee generally covers the cost of rule books, study material and classroom instruction.
Use this link to find the association in your area: http://www.njsiaa.org/officials-associations
You can also complete the New Officials Information form to start the process of becoming a New Jersey sports official.
