OHSAA

Become an OHSAA Official!

STEPS

  1. Visit OHSAA website: https://www.ohsaa.org/Officiating/permits
  2. If you are a licensed USSF soccer referee, create your DragonFly account and then contact OHSAA Keaton Jones <kjones@ohsaa.org> before starting the courses to save you both time and money.
  3. Take OHSAA Officiating Class ($70). Once registered, complete your profile and contact information. Select Soccer from the Choose Sports menu. Click on the Official profile and Select a Course to review the information and register for a class.
  4. Take Officiating Exam. The class concludes with the officiating exam. Applicants must receive a passing score of 75% on the mechanics and rules exams and pass the proficiency portion in order to be a licensed OHSAA official.  
  5. Complete Concussion Training. Applicants must complete a course on concussion training and enter their concussion certificate number on their myOHSAA profile prior to officiating. Complete the free NFHS Online Concussion in Sports class (renew every 3 yrs)
  6. Check your DragonFly account for your permit and other completed requirements.
  7. Register your NWOSOA Membership for High School so you can be assigned games.
  8. Attend rules and mechanics clinics throughout summer/fall to fulfill the OHSAA officiating requirements.
  9. The Terry Thompson Memorial Scholarship will reimburse new referee certification training fees after completing 12 games. See http://nwosoa.org/scholarship/
  10. Questions? Contact:
    • Karen Raszka
      OHSAA Assignor
      rasassign@gmail.com

Returning OHSAA Referees

  • Register your NWOSOA Membership to include OHSAA.
  • Renew your OHSAA license in DragonFly June 1-30 in your DragonFly account ($60). You can renew July 1-15 with an additional $50 late fee.
  • Check your concussion certificate in your DragonFly account. Concussion certificates can be renewed by completing the free NFHS Online Concussion in Sports class.
  • Attend the Mandatory State Rules Meeting on DragonFly
  • Attend referee clinics throughout summer/fall
  • Study the rules changes and points of emphasis that are sent in early July
  • Sign up to ref the July pre-season tourneys and events to get acclimated to the new rules, heat and conditioning so you’re ready for the season.

Resources for the season

OHSAA – Soccer
OHSAA Soccer Regulations 2025
Uniform Regulations
2025 Tournament Regulations
2025 Tournament Regulations Slideshow

Emphasis on Safety

Lightning: SEE it or HEAR it, you must CLEAR it!

Concussion: Players who exhibit concussion symptoms may not return to play the same day. Medical staff/Trainers may not clear them until the next day. This is Ohio Law and OHSAA Guidelines.

Game Management – Official’s Toolbox

  • Communication: Verbal and non-verbal cues to convey decisions, instructions, and warnings and to work with site administrators to create positive game environments.
  • Game Control: Manage the tempo and flow of the game, intervening to calm tensions, prevent conflicts, or address unsporting behavior. Tools: verbal warnings, cautions, ejections, or temporarily suspending a game to deal with spectators.
  • Development: Approach explanations of misconduct with respect and professionalism. Clearly and concisely describe the nature of the misconduct to foster a positive learning opportunity.
  • Adaptability: Adapt to changing circumstances, level of play, player behavior, and unexpected developments.

Coaching and Team Area Decorum

Good sport conduct is the behavior appropriate of coaches, players and bench personnel. This includes every individual who is in the team area during a game. Coaches set the tone for the contest with their display of sportsmanship. Officials should focus on the actions of players, coaches and other bench/sideline personnel. A positive, open line of communication between officials and coaches ultimately results in a better contest for everyone involved. Inappropriate bench behavior shows a clear lack of respect.

Examples of inappropriate bench decorum:

  • Kicking or throwing objects in reaction to a decision.
  • Entering the field of play to dissent a call or confront an official or player.
  • Acting in a provocative or inflammatory manner.
  • Arguing calls consistently.
  • Engaging in a verbal or physical confrontation with the opposing coaching staff or players.
  • Confronting or arguing with spectators.
  • Referees are reminded that they are expected to manage this type of behavior.

Stopping a Promising Attack

Previously known as a tactical foul, stopping a promising attack (SPA) involves a foul aimed at interrupting a team’s progress. SPA is a form of misconduct that must be cautioned. Criteria:

  • Distance between offense and goal
  • General direction of play
  • Likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball
  • Attacking team is moving forward with pace
  • Open space in front of the player with the ball or the presence of other attackers who could receive the ball
  • Player has option to take on defender or pass to teammate
  • Attacker has assistance from teammate
  • Not all criteria must be met in order to call SPA
  • Typically occur when defender has been beat and s/he prevents or slows an attack… can be typical fouls, shirt pulls, obstruction, or last-ditch tackles.
  • Can occur anywhere on the field

Wearable Technology

While there are many different types, styles, and functions, the technology can only be worn as a part of the shoe and/or under the uniform and not worn on the arm or below the level of the shoulder.

Looking forward to a great High School season!