Learn how to become a referee or umpire in Virginia by following the links below. Referee training in Virginia can be found here as well.
To become a referee you must first register with the Virginia High School League. The current cost to register is $45 for the first sport and $30 for each additional sport. Registration must occur during a pre-set period, roughly six weeks before the start of the playing season.
Referee Training in Virginia
The VHSL authorizes local sports associations to prepare sports officials to become basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, wrestling, hockey, and lacrosse referees as well as baseball, softball and field hockey umpires. These associations are required to provide a minimum of 10 hours of training for new referee and umpire candidates.
Referee and umpire training provided by the association will include more than simply time in the classroom. It will also include actual in-game instruction as you learn to officiate your sport during live action. Associations also hold meetings during the season to discuss rules, situations, mechanics and other subjects that are important to an official’s ongoing education.
Classifications of VHSL Officials
Referees and umpires are classified in three levels depending on their experience and development. Beginning officials are classified as “Registered” as they gain experience working at the sub-varsity level. You must score at least 70% on your rules exam to become registered.
“Approved” officials have more in-game experience and can receive varsity assignments, but not post-season assignments. They must also score a minimum of 75% on the yearly rules exam.
At the highest level are the “Certified” officials who are eligible to officiate post-season tournament games in addition to their regular schedule varsity schedule. At this level, an official must score at least 85% on the annual rules exam
Finally, officials within all classifications must attend an annual rules clinic to help them stay up-to-date on rule changes and points of emphasis. Here is a link to the officials page of the VHSL website.
