TASO-Austin

To learn more about our training program, our season schedule, and other aspects of officiating football, review the following Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

To place your name and contact information on our 2010 training class email list, email us at Recruiting@austinofficials.org or call (512) 423-9663.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

Why become a football official?
Your love of football brought you to this website. You need not be an ex-player or coach to become a great official and have a memorable officiating career. Working around student athletes at all levels of football is gratifying, plus you will develop life-long friendships with other officials who share your passion for the game.

Prior officiating experience is good but not required. Our thorough training program will prepare you for an enjoyable and successful officiating career. Officiating football is also a great way to get and stay in shape, be a positive role model for student athletes, retain your competitive edge, and earn additional income.

How do I enroll in the training program?
First, email us at recruiting@austinofficials.org so we can add you to our 2010 training class list. Training meetings are held on Monday evenings, 6-8pm, from early July through early November. At your first Monday night training meeting, you’ll be provided and asked to complete a two-page application. Once you submit the completed application and $75 training fee, you’ll be enrolled in the training class and gain access to Zebra-ware, the software system used to schedule our sub-varsity and varsity game assignments.

What type of training will I receive?
The Austin football chapter of TASO (Texas Association of Sports Officials) provides a two-year training program for new members. Training classes meet each Monday night beginning in early July, include classroom and on-field instruction, and are taught by a crew of five veteran officials. New officials should make plans to attend training each Monday night beginning in early July.

What time commitment must I make to officiate football?
As a first-year official, you’ll be expected to attend Monday night training meetings and study rules related to class discussion. Sub-varsity games are scheduled Monday through Thursday evenings. Most nights, you will work two games at each assignment. The first sub-varsity game begins around 5:00 pm. and each game will be 1-1/2 to 2 hours. As a first-year official, you have the opportunity to work most weeknights, and you’ll decide how much you want to work depending on your desire and availability. During the season, you will be asked to work games in a variety of areas throughout Central Texas. This distribution of games will help you become familiar with and receive training from most of our veteran officials.

How will I be paid to officiate games?
Local schools and school districts hire football officials as independent contractors. Accordingly, you’ll receive a check for each game assignment you work, and we recommend you keep accurate records as your earnings are taxable, reportable income. As a new official, you’ll start working sub-varsity games, which pay about $40/game. (Varsity game pay is based on game attendance.)

On most weeknights, new officials work two sub-varsity games (example: one 7th-grade game and one 8th-grade game), and receive $40/game. A mileage fee of $12/night is also provided, with mileage calculated using State rates for games outside metro Austin. We carpool to most games outside the metro area. Varsity game chain and clock assignments are paid, too.

What costs are involved in officiating football?
Your start-up uniform will cost approximately $150, including solid-black, cleated shoes. A number of online vendors sell officiating equipment, and a couple of local (not Academy) sporting goods suppliers also provide football officiating uniforms and supplies. During the first few training meetings, you’ll have an opportunity to obtain previously-worn uniforms, too. Local TASO chapter dues run about $130/year.

Where are the games officiated by the Austin TASO football chapter?
Austin football officials work both public (UIL) and private school (TAPPS) games throughout Central Texas. While the majority of games are in metro Austin, game assignments include nearby Central Texas school districts, too. Pop Warner games are not directly associated with our chapter but are assigned by members of our chapter who work with local youth leagues. These games, typically on Saturdays, provide great training for new officials; however, no game or training points are awarded for these games, and pay is provided by the youth football leagues.

How do I gain experience and start working varsity games? How are varsity officials chosen?
Chapter members are ranked based on points accrued by working games, attending officiating clinics, and exam scores. On-field evaluations affect rankings, too. During your first couple of seasons, attempt to work as many scrimmages and sub-varsity games as you are assigned. On Friday nights (varsity games), run the chains and the clock in every game you are assigned.

How do I become a collegiate and/or NFL official?
If you want to officiate college or pro football, this is the place to start. All of the officials you see working Saturdays and Sundays began in a local chapter working sub-varsity and varsity games. Several members of the Austin TASO football chapter are college officials, and a one member is an umpire in the NFL.

What’s the most common complaint of football officials?
Almost every chapter member regrets waiting to start training to become a football official. Don’t make their mistake and wait another season to start the process of becoming a Texas high school football official.

To learn more about the training program and add your name to the 2010 training class list, email us at recruiting@austinofficials.org or call us at (512) 423-9663.

You can also join the new Blog for incoming Austin Football officials.