Step 1: Take OHSAA Officiating Class - Register to use the online system at officials.myohsaa.org. or call Kevin McKinstry at 330-853-2290.  Once registered, complete/edit any profile and contact information and click Choose Sports to indicate which sports you are interested in. Click on the Official profile and Select a Course to review the information and register for a class. 

Step 2: 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. Successful students may begin officiating interscholastic contests immediately.

  Step 3: Complete Concussion Training - Applicants must complete a course on concussion training, prior to officiating.  

Step 4: Receive Officiating Permit - Applicants with a passing score will receive their officiating permit in the mail within three weeks from their test date. If you do not receive your permit within this time frame, contact the OHSAA officiating department at 614-267-2502, ext. 110 or officiating@ohsaa.org.  Note: Applicants receiving a grade of 65% to 74% on the mechanics or rules exam may request a retest. Applicants who do not pass the subsequent officiating exam must wait one year to re-enroll in the officiating class and start the application process over. 

Step 5: Contact your local officiating association - We encourage officials to join the Mahoning Valley Officials Association, which meets at Youngstown State University..If you are not in  the Youngstown area, you can reach out to local associations in your area by searching for their Local Secretary information in the Officiating Directory from your myOHSAA profile. 

Step 6: Annual Renewal of Permit - Renew your officiating permit annually in June.       Note: During the school year in which the official successfully completes the adult education class, all meeting requirements are waived.

Note: Only residents of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia may become an OHSAA licensed official. Classification of Officials:

• Class 1 – Eligible to officiate all levels. 

• Class 2 – Eligible to officiate all levels of contests except varsity high school contests in football, basketball, baseball, softball, and the Referee position in volleyball.

• Class 3 – Restricted to 7-8-9th grade and non-school officiating.