Sports officials in Washington are under the direction of the Washington Officials Association. It is the responsibility of the WOA to oversee the certification and supervision of referees and umpires in the sports of baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, soccer, softball, soccer, volleyball and wrestling.
The WOA uses local associations and boards to handle the training and education of new referees. To become an official, start by contacting the association in your region area for the sport that you choose to officiate. Use this link to find your local association: WOA.Arbitersports.
Washington Referee and Umpire Training
After you follow the above link, look below the heading “WOA Contacts” and select your sport or sports. From there, choose the region closest to you and contact the person that oversees that region. If you are unsure of your region, use this email kstordahl@woa-officials.com to contact the WOA directly. Your local association will handle your registration with the Washington Officials Association.
Once you join and pay your registration fee, you will be notified of classes, clinics and training opportunities in your area. Finally, to become a referee or umpire you will need to achieve a passing grade on the NFHS exam required for your sport. This will show that you have a clear understanding of the rules and are ready to being working games as a licensed WOA official.
