To become a referee in Maryland, begin by registering with your local officials association. These officiating groups register and certify officials in the following sports: basketball, football, baseball, soccer, boys and girls lacrosse, football, volleyball, wrestling, cross country, track & field, swimming and field hockey.
All Maryland high school referees and umpires must be a high school graduate and at least 18 years old. To become certified to officiate, new candidates must first pass and rules exam created by the NFHS. A passing grade is 75%. A test grade of 85% allows officials to work games in the Maryland high school post season tournament.
Once you pass the exam, your local association will register you with the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association. The MPSSAA oversees high school sports throughout the state.
Maryland Referee and Umpire Training
In addition to training referees and umpires, local officiating boards hold a rules interpretation clinic prior to the start of each season. This meeting allows members to receive updates on any rule changes within their sport. All officials must attend this meeting in order to keep active their license to officiate.
To get more information, register with the MPSSAA directly. Here is their new sports official registration page. Provide them your name, phone number, what sport you want to work and where. You must also select a local association from a drop-down list.
Use this link for more information about the process of becoming a Maryland referee.
