NNFOA Commissioner Pat White, President Earl Hintz, and the entire Executive Board welcome you! We are dedicated to making your officiating experience as fun and rewarding as possible. Do not hesitate to contact any of us if you have any questions. You can find contact information by simply clicking on someone's picture on the NNFOA Leadership page.

Please make plans to attend the Rookie Social on May 26 at Little Waldorf in Reno 6pm. All NNFOA Dates are listed under the "Home" tab on this website. At this event you will meet NNFOA leadership and crew chiefs, as well as other officials. You can pay your dues, get study materials (we've already ordered 2022 Rulebooks and Casebooks and hopefully will have them by then), and ask any questions you may have. 

Crew Chiefs typically start hosting rules and mechanics study sessions In early June up until the season begins in mid-August. This is a great way to dive into the rules with fellow officials. Go to the Training tab and 2022 Study Sessions for details.

Make plans to attend at least one if not both on field training sessions at McQueen HS, May 7 and Jun 18. Both are on Saturday at 9am. We will be training in basic fundamentals of officiating mechanics. This will put you on the path to a successful first season in the NNFOA. 

Try to attend as many of our pre season 1 hour zoom meetings if possible. While not required, this is supplemental training that will help you build your skills. 

If possible, attend our NNFOA Preseason clinic July 15-17 at Feather River College in Quincy CA. This is not required of rookies but it is definitely encouraged. Friday the 15th is a golf tournament and just socialization. The main clinic is Saturday 16th, and there is a half day on Sunday 17th. It is typically over by noon on Sunday.

You will need to register as an official with the NIAA and pay a fee and background check (cost is typically about $45 total) which includes insurance coverage for you when doing officiating duties, and take the state test to qualify as an official. Passing score is 70%, as many attempts to pass as you need to, and it's open book (pretty easy). This isn't open until July 1 for the 2022 season.

DUES: To join the NNFOA, each member pays dues annually of $50. This covers several expenses incurred by the Association (renting meeting rooms, paying for food at social events, etc.)

You will need to acquire a uniform. It is suggested you do this as early as possible and no later than mid July.  Most online vendors sell a "starter" kit that will include most of what you'll need, Cost is about $200-$250. We will have a list of vendors at the rookie social. Get both a short and long sleeve shirt (2" stripes only!). Some vendors offer hemming of the pants too. You will need shoes also, all black or mostly black (minimal white ok), and a bag or small suitcase to put your gear in. 

You will need to sign up for an account on Arbiter.com (no cost), which is how you will be notified of game assignments. It is also the vehicle through which you are paid for HS games. (Pay dates are typically every 3-4 weeks or so for games worked up to that point). Contact Secretary Geoff Dierenger or Treasurer Rocky Polito.

Expect that you will be assigned to youth, freshman, and possibly JV games your first year or two as you learn the craft. Most but not all assignments will be at the wing position. Officials are assigned varsity games as they demonstrate the skills necessary to work games with the older, and faster, athletes. 

Lastly, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! You have joined a select group of individuals who have the mental fortitude and discipline to do what 99.99% of others won't do--officiate high school sports. Enjoy your success and a circle of lifetime friends, and welcome to the NNFOA.