Here is the information you need to become a referee or umpire in Michigan.
Referee training in Michigan is handled by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. To become a sports official you must first register with the MHSAA. Upon registration you will be sent instructions on testing and certification procedures.
The MHSAA registers officials for over a dozen sports including: basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, football, lacrosse, ice hockey, field hockey, volleyball and wrestling.
To become a fully certified official, candidates must be 18 years old and out of high school. However, the MHSAA Legacy program allows high school students as young as 14 years of age to officiate at a sub varsity level. New referees must also submit to a criminal background check.
Michigan Referee Training
To become a Michigan referee, candidates must complete the Officials Guidebook exam and achieve a passing grade of 70 percent. This test can be completed online. You must also complete the Principles of Officiating online course and quiz. A minimum score of 70 is required, but three opportunities are allowed for new candidates.
Michigan football and basketball referees are also required to complete game situation testing to demonstrate their abilities during live action.
Once certified, referees and umpires should plan to join a local association of officials. Local associations assist with ongoing training and education for all of their member officials.
Michigan referees and umpires are independent contractors. Once you are certified, you should contact your local assigners to let them know that you are available to work games in their leagues. An assigner contact list is available on the MSHAA website.
Use this link to get to the Michigan officials page: http://www.mhsaa.com/officials.
The MSHAA website also contains several excellent training videos for officials. Click here to take a look: http://www.mhsaa.com/officials/officials-video-training
