Most officials start out as athletes or sports fans or both. We truly enjoy the intricacies of the sports we work. As an official, you won’t just be watching any more, you’ll be part of the game, with the best view in the house.
LOVE OF SPORTS
Maybe you want to stay engaged and a part of the game you loved to play, or maybe you are looking get more engaged in the game your kids are playing. Either way, being an official will give you access to, and an appreciation for, the rules and strategies of the games you officiate like nothing else can.
GET IN THE GAME
Who doesn’t like getting paid to exercise? You won’t need much motivation to work out through officiating because as you get in better shape, you’ll become a better official.
STAY ACTIVE
Most officials feel that they have gotten something important from their sport before becoming an official. Many officials like to pay it forward to the sport for what it has given them. Officiating is also a way to guide and enrich the lives of the athletes who are playing by teaching the value of sportsmanship and fair play.
GIVE BACK
There is no better part-time job or hobby for you to make a little extra money doing something you enjoy than through officiating. It’s the perfect extra gig for anyone from a high school student, to a parent to a retiree.
EXTRA MONEY
Every game — no matter the venue, player abilities or teams — is a challenge. Nothing is mundane. It’s a rush to be in the moment and have to make the big decision.
CHALLENGE
Once you step onto the court, field, ice or pitch, everyday problems seem to fade away. Although no official would say the job is stress-free, it also provides stress relief from your daily life because after all, it is the sport you love.
ESCAPE
The fellowship and humor officials share with one another are incomparable. You’ll quickly realize there is no community like officials. When it comes down to it, during a game, your only true friends are the officials you’re working with. Many of them will become your closest friends — lifelong friends.
CAMARADERIE & COMMUNITY
Officiating teaches independent thinking and the ability to see the big picture — a skill that translates outside of officiating. It also requires the dedication, togetherness and ability to work as team that is important everywhere.
LIFE SKILLS
Officials learn how to have inner strength and self-confidence. With the whistle in your hand, knowing you’re the last line of defense between sport and chaos forces you to step up.
FORTITUDE
Officials are often identified and associated with the sport(s) they work and are known outside of officiating by coaches, players and fans. Even if people don’t know you specifically, many people associate officiating with trustworthiness, impartiality, dedication and integrity… all qualities that can open doors for you in other areas of life.
OPPORTUNITY
Great games, talented players and hair-raising moments will become commonplace in your life, and you’ll be right in the middle of them. Officiating provides goosebumps in spades. If you like adrenaline, you can get it here.
EXCITEMENT
Officials travel to many different places — interesting or historic venues and towns or places people likely would never visit. It’s a great way to take in some amazing sites whether you work across the country or just around your own area.
TRAVEL
Pressure and success breed great memories and officiating is no different. You’ll remember the exciting games you’ve worked and the talented players that move on to higher levels of success. Most importantly, you’ll remember your great partners, mentors and the times you had together.
MEMORIES
We have officials across EIGHT NCHSAA sports!
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