SCFOA District 5
New Official Welcome Letter
Thank you for your high school football officiating interest. If you commit, you will find an exciting group to work with. We meet throughout the summer preparing for the upcoming season. In addition, we have social events throughout the year including an annual banquet. To become a member and be welcomed into our officiating family, there are a few requirements.
For those who have never officiated for the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL), your registration will include a background check. This includes out of state transfers. At this time, we recommend you DO NOT complete your registration until you are fully able to commit, no later than 15. Registration completion requires SCHSL payment that is not fully reimbursed if you decide you no longer wish to officiate.
If you are ready to commit, the registration link is: https://app.arbitersports.com/registration/official/register/4718?org=455&role=3
Officials transferring to District 5 from another SC district need to register with the SCHSL and submit a transfer request. Your prior District Director will need to email us with the following information:
Position (Varsity and Sub-Varsity)
Years of Experience
Current Year Rating
Standing
This will help us incorporate you into our family. Officials transferring from out of state and prior SCHSL registered officials returning after not officiating for greater than one year will need to complete additional tasks:
Your prior District Director or local leader will need to email us with the following information:
Position (Varsity and Sub-Varsity)
Years of Experience (Including College)
Standing within the Organization at time of departure
For prior SCHSL registered officials, we will need your last rating. All this information will enable us to recommend a fair rating which the SCHSL uses to assign varsity games.
All new officials to our district (regardless of experience) are expected to meet the following requirements to be assigned varsity games: Attend ten (10) Rule/Mechanic Meetings, attend two (2) On-Field Mechanic Field Sessions, and work three (3) scrimmages. Your assigned mentor will offer their input prior to us submitting your name to work varsity games. Even if you meet the requirements, you may still not work
varsity games your first year depending upon SCHSL needs. You will work plenty of sub-varsity games giving you critical experience preparing you for future varsity games.
Please watch the 2024 orientation video to gain a further understanding of what becoming a high school football official entails. We will help each of you reach your officiating goals, however it does require you to study and put in the work.
Our preseason meetings start at the beginning of May. We meet most Mondays and Thursdays throughout the summer with Thursday meetings geared toward newer officials (three years or less experience). You are welcome to attend Monday meetings in addition to Thursday.
For officials with full uniforms (likely transfers or prior officials), you may be asked to work a Spring Game allowing us to evaluate you on the field during game like conditions.
Scrimmages typically start the first full week of August. You and your mentor will try to work together when the schedule allows. Our goal is to incorporate scrimmages and jamborees/sportsaramas into our preseason training and will provide further information over the summer.
We recommend you DO NOT buy a uniform until you attend our orientation and some meetings. You will NOT need to have a full uniform until August. Currently, SCHSL charges $65 for registration. Local dues will be set at our annual business meeting in May.
We look forward to meeting with each of you and again welcome you to the officiating family.
Sincerely,
Garrick Messer
Garrick Messer
SCFOA District 5 Director
803-361-1282
scfoadistrict5@gmail.com