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
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.

Professional Conduct and Communication

  • Communication between officials and coaches should remain brief, respectful and focused on facts.
  • When a caution or ejection is issued, officials are expected to calmly and clearly advise the head coach using rule book language (i.e., unsporting conduct, dissent), and the coach must receive it without displaying dissent.
  • Head coaches are responsible for maintaining bench decorum and can be cautioned along with the offender for any inappropriate behavior in the bench area. Examples: consistently arguing calls, provocative or inflammatory actions, confronting opposing coaches, players or spectators.

Properly Marked Fields

  • 10-foot buffer around the field’s boundaries
  • Team/bench areas run from the 40 yard line to the 20 yard line
  • Bench areas should be marked by lines or cones

Goal Celebrations

Players should enjoy their celebration, and officials should be proactive in encouraging players to prepare for the restart. Rehearsed/choreographed celebrations and other actions that delay the timely restart of the game must be managed, and cautioned if ignored. Taunting opponents or fans is strictly prohibited.

Penalty Kick Offenses and the Concept of Impact

Encroachment is only penalized when the distraction or encroachment impacts the outcome of the play. Goalkeepers receive a warning the first time their encroachment impacts play (via a save) and a caution in subsequent violations. The kicker can stutter-step and pause during the run-up, but is cautioned for feinting when the approach to the ball is complete.

NFHS Authenticating Mark on Game Balls

The game balls should have the NFHS mark. Non-compliance should result in a game report to OHSAA.

Looking forward to a great High School season!