To become a referee or umpire in Minnesota, begin by registering online with the Minnesota State High School League. The MSHSL handles the certification process for competitive interscholastic sports including: Basketball, baseball, football, soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, softball, track, golf, volleyball and wrestling.
During the registration process, you will be required to complete a background check. The current cost to register is $30 per sport for the first year. Returning officials pay $60 for the first sport and $20 for each additional sport. The cost of the background check is included in the registration fee. Officials must be 18 years old or a high school graduate.
After your registration is complete and your payment is processed, you will be sent study material for your sport which will include a rules book, case book, pre-season guide and rules exam. Officials are also required to complete a yearly concussion training course. This course is available online as well.
To be considered for post season assignments, officials must attend a live training clinic every two years.
All referees and umpires in Minnesota must pass the current NFHS rules exam to remain a certified official. A passing grade of 80% is required. Because the test is open book, officials should wait until they receive their yearly rules packet before taking the exam.
Minnesota high school and middle school sports officials must also attend an online rules meeting to maintain their certification. This rules meeting is required before you can access the rules exam. Rules meetings provide a rules refresher as well as outlining any rule changes and points of emphasis for your sport.
Minnesota Referee Training
After you become a certified official, it is suggested that you join a board of officials in your area. These local associations provide ongoing training and mentorship for referees and umpires. They also help with the process of getting game assignments. You can also get game assignments by contacting the athletic director of the schools in your area that you would like to work.
For other training opportunities, referee camps and clinics take place in Minnesota throughout the year. For more information, visit the officiating page of the MSHSL website.
