MHSAA Officials Recruitment Program 1661 Ramblewood Drive East Lansing, MI 48823 517.332.5046 www.mhsaa.com

THE MHSAA The MHSAA is a private, non-profit corporation that exists to … 1) Conduct post-season tournaments 2) Create rules (eligibility & playing) for scholastic athletic competition. The main constituencies of the MHSAA include member schools, athletic administrators, coaches and registered game officials.

WHY OFFICIATE? Allows you to stay connected to sports. Keeps you active and fit. Chance to make additional money. Camaraderie within the officiating ranks. Chance for advancement. Can open doors for future employment. Keeps you connected to young people.

REGISTERED OFFICIALS The MHSAA annually has just over 10,000 registered officials. Registered officials are required for all MHSAA competition in grades 7-12 in 15 sports. These include the following….

Baseball

Basketball (Boys and Girls)

Cross Country & Track and Field (Boys and Girls)

Girls Competitive Cheer & Girls Gymnastics

Football

Ice Hockey

Boys Lacrosse

Girls Lacrosse

Soccer (Boys and Girls)

Girls Softball

Swimming (Boys and Girls)

Girls Volleyball

Wrestling

REGISTRATION Currently, the basic fee for registration is $50 if registering for one sport ($35 insurance / processing fee and $15 per sport). Each additional sport is $15.

What do I get? Current Registration Emblems Rules Book & Case Books Insurance Coverage- $1 Million Dollar Liability coverage when working MHSAA member school competition. Service Awards (20, 30, 40, 45 & 50) Online services (registration, official reports, ratings, sportsmanship feedback, etc)

Independent Contractor Status All registered officials work as independent contractors. Individuals are responsible for their own schedules, equipment, uniforms, education, training, travel and insurance. Officials are not eligible for workmen's, disability or unemployment benefits. Assigner & Official Relationship

Payment At the close of each contest, the contracting school should pay officials the full contracted amount (no withholdings). Officials are responsible for claiming all income for tax purposes, along with claiming all legitimate expenses. Payment must go from the school to the official! The MHSAA will only be involved in disputes when a written or electronic contract exists.

How Much Do I get Paid? An average HS game fee is $40-60 for a single game depending on the level (Junior High – Varsity). Saturday tournaments and invitational pay much more ($125-$200). For college students, it is virtually impossible to find other part-time work (restaurants, retail, etc.) that pays more per hour than sports officiating!

MHSAA Officials Guidebook Highlights Uniform Requirements Conflict of Interest Ratings Contracts Weather Ejections Tournament Assignments & Compensation Local Approved Associations

Contracts Officials enter into contracts with hosting schools. The official agrees to provide a service for a fee. Contracts can be either paper or electronic (ArbiterSports). Double-booking is prohibited…once you accept an assignment, you must work that contest!

Contracts & Suspension of Play Acts of God 1) Cancelled before you leave - no pay. 2) Cancelled after arrival but before the contest begins - 1/3 of the fee. 3) Cancelled or suspended after the contest begins - full contracted fee.

EJECTIONS Whenever a player or coach is ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, the official must file an Officials Report with the MHSAA and offending school. Available online at MHSAA.com Report & phone call to the school must be made within 48 hours The MHSAA strongly supports officials in this area!

How do I get started? Visit MHSAA.com, register as an official. Complete online exams utilizing online manuals Join a local approved officials association. Local associations provide meetings and training opportunities for new officials. How are contests assigned? 1) Local Officials Association 2) Registered Assigners 3) Host School, League or Conference

Honigs.com Honig’s is the preferred vendor of officiating apparel for the MHSAA! They also have some great starter packages.

QUESTIONS. 1661 Ramblewood Drive East Lansing, MI 48823 517. 332 QUESTIONS??? 1661 Ramblewood Drive East Lansing, MI 48823 517.332.5046 www.mhsaa.com