Becoming an Official
Some Basic Requirements:
Interested in becoming an official? The Baltimore Board of Officials for Women’s Sports is the perfect place to start your journey as an official! You must be at least 18 years of age and be a high school graduate or GED.
You MUST:
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Pay applicable training fee/dues.
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Attend at least 80% of our classroom instruction and participate in the field/court instruction at a playday.
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Pass the requisite open book state or national test with a grade of 75% or better.
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Pass a background check.
Once you accomplish the 4 steps above, you need to be rated. Ratings take place at a playday or designated rating site. Please note that completing these four steps does not guarantee you a rating. You must participate in live action as an official. Rating standards are created by the national governing body of that sport and may differ between the sports officiated by BBOWS.
Should you take the course, but not receive your rating, you may be ineligible to officiate that season. These situations are rare, but it is important to note that prospective referees must wait until the next training cycle and re-take the training and pay appropriate fees for a second time.
Cost of Becoming a New Official
Throughout the season, BBOWS hosts ongoing training sessions in each sport and these meetings are mandatory for new officials.
There is a $175 fee which includes training fees and first year dues. Officials are required to register with Dragonfly to obtain MPSSAA insurance coverage. In addition, new officials are responsible for purchasing the appropriate uniform and accessories.
Are you interested in more information about officiating a specific sport at the high school level?
Click on that sport's link to the right.
