How To Become A Section X Official
Section X welcomes your interest in high school sports officiating. Officials play a very significant role in the success of interscholastic athletic programs. If you are ready to accept the challenge and move into this realm, we welcome you. If not, perhaps you now have a better understanding and appreciation of the official. If you can’t join the ranks now, perhaps you will be able to sometime in the future. It’s your call to make.
Do you have what it takes?
If you know the game as a player, parent, or fan and like the idea of playing a role in promoting the growth of the sport, this is your opportunity. Any individual who is 18 years old and not in high school may officiate high school contests. It helps to have participated in the given sport you wish to officiate in; however, it is not necessary to have been an outstanding performer. It is important that an official possesses a very thorough knowledge of the rules of the sport, a love of athletics and kids, physical ability, self-confidence, the dedication and determination to work hard, and above all, personal integrity. The athletes and coaches look at each contest as being the most important thing happening in their lives at that moment, and the official must look upon each contest the same way and react accordingly.
What Does it Pay?
The pay schedule for regular season games is established by the Northern New York Sport Officials Organization and Section X. Varsity contests pay more than a contest below the varsity level. Fees range from $60.00 for a non-varsity level contest to $90.00 for a varsity contest. Schools and conferences will also pay mileage for your travel. Expect to spend some money on uniforms and equipment.
