To become a referee in Tennessee, begin by registering with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association. The TSSAA handles certification for basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, wrestling referees as well as baseball and softball umpires.
The current fee is $70 for the first sport and $60 for each sport thereafter. Candidates must be 18 years or older, a high school graduate and of good character (no felonies). Prospective officials must also agree to a background check.
Registration can be done online. High school sports official must re-register each year in order to be eligible to referee for the upcoming season. Here is a link to the Tennessee Officials page.
TSSAA Referee Requirements
Another requirement of TSSAA sports officials is that they pass a “Part I – Qualifying Exam” for every year that he or she officiates a Tennessee high school sport. Passing grade is 70.
The following meeting attendance is also required of all officials:
- One state sponsored rules interpretation meeting
- Three local interpretation meetings
There are Tennessee officials’ associations located throughout the state to help you with your ongoing training. These associations hold the local interpretation meetings to help you fulfill that requirement. Use this link
to help you find your local official’s association.
Tennessee Basketball Referees and Baseball Umpires
To work post season tournaments, basketball referees must attend a TSSAA officials basketball camp once every three years. State tournament referees must also attend a TSSAA Invitational Basketball Camp (unless he or she has worked the state tournament in the past).
To be post season tournament eligible, baseball umpires must attend either a TSSAA clinic every two years or a TSSAA camp every three years.
