Untitled Document
APPLICATIONS AND ADDED SPORTS
Q. I would like to become an official. What should I do?
A. To obtain an official’s license with the IHSA you should start by filling out the online application.
Q. I am licensed in one sport and would like to add another. How do I go about adding a sport?
A. The base registration fee for the 2024-25 school year is $80. This fee allows an individual to apply for two licenses, so adding a second license is free.
For individuals who register between May 1-31, an early registration ‘discount’ will be applied and the fee will be $70 ($80 base registration fee minus $10 discount) for the first sport, $0 for the second sport, and $15 dollars for each additional sport.
For individuals who register between June 1-July 31, the registration fee will be $80 for the first sport, $0 for the second sport, and $15 for each additional sport.
For any individual who registers for a fall sport(s) on or after August 1, the registration fee will be $110 ($80 for registration and a $30 late fee). There will be a $0 charge for a second sport, and each additional sport will cost the individual $15 per license.
Individuals who register for a winter sport on or after October 1, 2024, will pay the fees described in the paragraph above, as will individuals who register for a spring sport on or after February 1, 2025.
Q. If I applied to be an official, but now am unable to officiate, how can I get a refund?
A. As stated in our Officials Handbook (page 12), application fees are non-refundable.
LICENSE RENEWALS
Q. Do I have to renew my membership every year? If so, what is the cost?
A. Yes. An IHSA Officials License expires every June 30, regardless of when it became effective. All licenses, whether for a brand new official or someone looking to renew a license, must be applied for and approved by April 15th. After April 15th, the IHSA does not accept any requests for licenses for the remainder of that particular year.
The base registration fee for the 2024-25 school year is $80. This fee allows an individual to apply for two licenses.
For individuals who register between May 1-31, an early registration ‘discount’ will be applied and the fee will be $70 ($80 base registration fee minus $10 discount) for the first sport, $0 for the second sport, and $15 dollars for each additional sport.
For individuals who register between June 1-July 31, the registration fee will be $80 for the first sport, $0 for the second sport, and $15 for each additional sport.
For any individual who registers for a fall sport(s) on or after August 1, the registration fee will be $110 ($80 for registration and a $30 late fee). There will be a $0 charge for a second sport, and each additional sport will cost the individual $15 per license.
Individuals who register for a winter sport on or after October 1, 2024, will pay the fees described in the paragraph above, as will individuals who register for a spring sport on or after February 1, 2025.
Q. When do renewal notices go out?
A. A renewal notice will be posted on the IHSA Officials Center yearly at the beginning of March. Nothing will be mailed to the officials. The online renewal period starts May 1.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Q. When will I receive my rules and case book?
A. The rules and case books will be sent out before each season starts – Fall sports. July; Winter sports. October; Spring sports. February. We do have a yearly rotation for rules books. Please check the schedule in the Officials Calendar.
Q. I have lost or misplaced my rules and case book. How can I get another?
A. You may purchase a book for $7 online at www.ihsastore.com or you can purchase an electronic version through the NFHS App.
Q. I attended a rules interpretation meeting out of state. How can I get credit in Illinois?
A. Only in limited circumstances can an out of state rules interpretation meeting count for credit in Illinois. Refer to the IHSA Officials Handbook for a more detailed explanation. If you have questions specific to your situation, please contact the IHSA Officials Deparment.
Q. I submitted a rules exam in another state. Can I get credit in Illinois?
A. Only in limited circumstances can an out of state rules exam count for credit in Illinois. Refer to the IHSA Officials Handbook for a more detailed explanation. If you have questions specific to your situation, please contact the IHSA Officials Deparment.
Q. May I get credit for attending a clinic in another state? What about another governing body’s clinic (e.g., USA Volleyball)?
A. No.
Q. May an official be active in one sport, and inactive in another?
A. Yes, but there are no cost savings associated with this scenario. You will have to pay a yearly $15 fee for each sport you choose to be inactive in.
Q. Once I become licensed, how do I get assigned games?
A. IHSA licensed officials are considered independent contractors and not employees of the IHSA or member institutions. As independent contractors, the official is entitled to remuneration for services rendered, but has no entitlements which may be available to an employee of the IHSA or member institutions. The IHSA does not assign officials except to state series contests. To find an assignor in your area, you will need to either contact the local high school Athletic Director or local IHSA recognized officials association. This is where you will find out if schools need more officials. Please check our website for the list of IHSA recognized officials associations.
Q. Are fall baseball and softball coaches required to submit ratings on officials used for fall contests?
A. No. The requirement is only for the season in which the state series is conducted in.
RECIPROCITY
Q. Does the Illinois have a Reciprocity Official Licensing program?
A. IHSA has a Reciprocity Official Licensing program for boardering states including: Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Tennessee. More details can be found in the Official Handbook pg. 13-14.
UNIFORMS AND PATCHES
Q. I often see officials working that are not in proper IHSA uniform (including lack of patches). What, if anything, can be done?
A. The IHSA encourages you to complete and submit a Special Report Form, which is located in the Officials Center, to report an official working without the proper uniform and patches. The only way to correct the problem is to report it.
Q. I have paid my yearly fee to get my officials license. When do I receive patches?
A. Each new official in a sport will get one patch sent out with their rules book. Current officials will not be sent any patches with their rules book. Our licensed officals merchandise vendors will embroider the IHSA Officials Logo on the uniform upon request at the time of purchase.
Q. Since it is mandatory that I wear my officials patch, I need more. How can I get extra patches for my extra uniforms?
A. The cost of a patch is $1 per patch. Send the IHSA your name, address, ID number, and the number of patches you desire, along with your proper payment.