About the KSHSAA Officials Department

The KSHSAA Officials Department oversees the licensing and testing of the Kansas High School officials. Officials are licensed in: baseball, basketball, football, girls gymnastics, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball and wrestling. Officials are required to pay registration fees, attend a KSHSAA rules meeting and take a written rules test each year in each sport in which they are licensed.

Officials who are licensed through the KSHSAA are eligible to apply for post season officiating. KSHSAA contests that use licensed officials are: baseball, girls and boys basketball, football, girls gymnastics, girls and boys soccer, softball, track & field, girls volleyball, and wrestling.

Over the years, the KSHSAA has registered and licensed over 10,000 officials. Approximately 4,000-5,000 officials are active each year, many in more than one sport. The officials registered with the KSHSAA are among thousands across America honored each year on National Officials' Day, which is held in October during National High School Activities Week.

How to Become a Licensed Official

The KSHSAA is looking for men and women who want to return something to their school and community by becoming a licensed athletic official. Candidates should be in good physical condition and be able to make decisions on their feet and stick to them.

To become an official, you'll need to register through ArbiterSports. Once the registration is completed, applicants will receive their rule book(s) to use for the open-book rules test in the mail.

In addition, applicants must attend an annual Rules Meeting to learn the latest rule changes and interpretations. Other meetings includ Area Supervisor meetings as well as additional clinics.