FAQ
- How Do I Apply to Become a PIAA Official?
- Complete the PIAA Officials' Application and submit to PIAA Office or complete the online application.
- Persons wishing to become a junior official (16 & 17 year olds) should contact Kim Hill directly at (717) 697-0374 ext. *103 or via email at khill@piaa.org Application fees are waived for Junior Official applicants.
- Send a $40.00 NON-REFUNDABLE application fee which will cover your application and your first year's dues for each sport you want to test. You will receive the appropriate rule book and practice test as part of your application fee. Application fees are valid for one (1) year and one (1) sport may be chosen for one registration fee. Applicants shall be required to identify any crimes of which they have been convicted or have pled guilty or no contest. Background clearances are NOT to be submitted to PIAA until after you receive your test results.
- What Happens After I take a Sports' Examination?
- Upon successful completion, you must affiliate with a local officials' chapter within fifteen (15) business days of your successful notification from the PIAA Office.
- You must upload copies of your clearances (Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151) as required by PA state law.
- Officials taking the exam digtially via the PIAA website will be shown a list of chapters and chapter secretaries upon successful completion of the exam. Offcials taking the exam via the traditional paper method will be mailed a list of chapters and their secretaries via USPS so each successful applicant is able to affiliate with a chapter.
- You will also receive the clearance instructions to assist you in the completion of your background clearances.
- You will NOT receive your PIAA ID Card until all clearances are completed, uploaded and reviewed/approved by the PIAA Office.
- You will receive your PIAA emblem to be worn on the upper left sleeve of your officials' uniform. No other emblems, with the exception of the American flag, are to be worn on the officials' uniform.
- What If I Fail the Exam?
- All applicants may take the test a second time if they fail to achieve the 70% minimum for passing.
- Where Do I Get Officials' Uniforms and Equipment?
- These items can be secured at either local sporting goods stores, mail order suppliers, or by ordering from the PIAA Officials' Equipment Center, Officially Sports. Click here to go to their website.
- How Are Officials' Fees Paid?
- Newly registered officials receive credit for their first sports' season's fees as part of their initial registration fee. PIAA officials' fees are paid one year in advance. All PIAA officials will be billed in October with a due date of February 28th or 29th of the following year.
- How Do I Receive Assignments?
- All officials are independent contractors as defined by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board and not employees of PIAA. Therefore, officials can solicit games as individuals or, in many areas of the state, games are assigned by local assignors and/or chapters.
- Inquiries may be directed to your chapter officers to ascertain how games are assigned in your area.
7. What Do I Receive for My PIAA Fees?
- PIAA Officials’ emblem on initial registration when passing the examination
- Rules books and case books for respective sports at no additional cost
- Access to PIAA Athletic Officials’ Manual (electronic version only) and a say on what is included through Officials' Representatives on the Officials' Council
- PIAA Officials’ I.D. card which includes registration date and clearance expiration dates
- PIAA Chapter Meeting Guides to assist with conducting chapter meetings
- PIAA Officials’ Newsletters provided to keep officials up to date on PIAA policies
- A governing body (PIAA) and a representative voice in the administration of interscholastic athletics in Pennsylvania
- Representation of officials on District Committees and PIAA Board of Directors
- PIAA Officials Database available to all registered officials
- Online Services including chapter and mandatory meetings dates listed along with the ability to download necessary forms and the ability to complete these forms online
- The ability to affiliate with a chapter to ensure education is provided to each official attending meetings
- Information for the education of officials concerning rules and mechanics which includes all chapter meeting guides, NFHS provided power points and rules interpretations and periodic sport specific bulletins
- The opportunity to work regular season, district, and inter-district contests in all PIAA sponsored sports
- Post-Season Evaluations
- Clearance Collection, Review and Database Storage of these clearances with periodic reminders as the expiration dates approach
- 1-on-1 phone support provided by all PIAA staff for any issues related to officiating
- Online Mandatory Rules Meeting Attendance availability
- Ability to attend the PIAA Officials Convention