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High School Information (7-9-2007)

Introduction

High School officiating in the United States is typically done under the auspices of state high school associations, which are affiliated with the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS). In Michigan the state association is the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).  The NFHS publishes a high school rule book, which the MHSAA adds an insert to.  Rules are similar to USSF, put there are numerous differences.  Note that high school teams are not affiliated with USSF in any way, and High School games do not count towards advancement in USSF.

While the NFHS Rulebook is not yet available online, they do have other information available, including rules changes, history and interpretations.  Click here to view this information.

Officiating in High School

The MHSAA does no training of any kind for officials.  To become a High School official you need only take an open book, written test that is not soccer related, send in your application and a fee.  As a practical matter, you should take the USSF Level 8 class and ideally should be a USSF Level 7 official to do more challenging games.  The local high school assignors take your experience and training into account with new officials.

Information on registering as a High School Official is available at www.mhsaa.net.

Note that in local school play, a two man system (two referees) is typically used.  Starting in the Fall of 2005 the OK Red Conference has adopted the 3 man system for use in their Varsity, home games.  Varsity and JV are usually played and officiated back-to-back, while Freshman games take place separately. 

School play also encompasses Junior High and Middle School games in some areas, although most kids in these grades play on local USSF club teams.

Mentors

In an effort to attract more officials to the High School ranks, and to help less experienced officials, WMSOA has started a Mentoring program.  If you are interested in participating please contact  Frank Warren or Greg Pilbeam.  Your help is needed!

MHSAA

WMSOA is recognized by the MHSAA as a recognized Local Chapter.  Part of the requirement is that we have at least five meetings a year:  one for new officials (6 hours), one on mechanics (3 hours) and three others on other topics. In order to be a member in good standing you must attend at least three (3) meetings a year.  These include:  MHSAA Rules Meeting, WMSOA Pre-Season meeting, Fall/Spring Cracker Barrels, AGM, Mechanics Clinics, USSF Clinics, NISOA Camp and meetings of other recognized Local Chapters (e.g. GLASRA meetings in East Lansing). 

Starting in Fall 2007 membership in a recognized local chapter will be necessary to officiate the in High School post-season tournament.  In addition you will need to submit a list of your Varsity Game assignments to MHSAA, attend a High School Rules Meeting, and do at least 10 varsity games in the season you are being considered for.

Meeting Attendance

In order to remain a member in good standing (for MHSAA) you must attend a certain number of WMSOA meetings every year.  Members who are not in good standing cannot officiate any MHSAA tournament games, starting in Fall 2007. 

To help you track your own attendance, the board has provided an Attendance Form for 2005-2006.  Click here to get it online.  These forms will be collected annually.

MHSAA Ratings

High School Ratings (if you care what coaches think of you) are now available on-line at www.mhsaa.com (click on "Officials", then "MHSAA Officials Services" then login (your ID is your MHSAA number - if you do not have a password or have forgotten it they have a number on the website to call).  Three years of data is available, including which schools sent in ratings.

HIGH SCHOOL OFFICIALS REPORT FORM now available online! (2-24-2005)

This form is now available on-line from the MHSAA!  It can be filled out on your computer screen, then you can print the 3 copies required.  It's no longer necessary to keep a supply of the old 3 part forms on hand. 

These reports must be filed when a player or coach is ejected in a High School game, but may also be used if there was any problem (e.g. missing field markings, spectators, poor sportsmanship) or if you wish to praise an individual or team.  This is your way of giving feedback to a school.

Click here for the MHSAA Resources for the Official  page.  The form is about halfway down the page.

OK Conference Realignment (7-9-2007)

Every two years the OK Conference realigns the schools within each Division. For 2007/2008 several schools have switched conference:  Muskegon and Holland; Caledonia and Forest Hills Northern; Forest Hills Eastern and Belding  Click here to see the new Divisions.  In 2008/2009 there will be a major realignment, as the City League will disappear and all seven schools will be absorbed into the OK Conference.  A seventh Division will be added.

Fall 2007 High School Update

The High School Pay Scale effective Fall 2006:

  2 Man System:  Pay will be $50 (Varsity); $36 (JV); $35 (Freshman)

  3 Man System:  Pay will be $65 (Referee); $45 (AR) - Varsity only

  For Tournaments with shortened games, fees will be $5 lower

  Each school will pay WMSOA $75 per season for assignor fees - WMSOA members

   will no longer have to have pay for High School assignments.

  Only the OK Red will uses a 3 man system in 2006/2007.  This will be reviewed next year

   as the OK Conference will realign and they will need to change their scheduling.

A list of changes are available at the NFHS website.  There is a also a nice document comparing rules differences between College, High School and FIFA.  You will find it worthwhile to print out for reference.

Also note that two changes have been made in the Mercy Rule, effective Fall 2006: 

  When the Goal Differential is 8 or greater, and at least half the game has been played,

   then the game must be ended for all Varsity contests.

  Use of the rule is optional in sub-varsity games, and should be discussed beforehand

   with the coaches.

Note the NFHS Rule book is not available on-line, except to paying members (and that's not us ..).  If you do have access to it, you cannot print it.  This is annoying to say the least as the NCAA and FIFA rules are easily accessible online.

If you have comments or questions on High School Rules you may ask Tom Minter of the MHSAA for a clarification.

Mark Uyl of MHSAA has sent the following update.  Note that you will save $5 by registering online!