BECOME AN OFFICIAL

Your place in the game starts here.

Love football? Stay connected to the game, earn extra income, and become part of a team.

No experience needed. We'll help you learn the rules, develop your skills, and prepare for your first season.

Four questions. One path to the field.
1

Why officiate?

More than just a game.

Officiating keeps you connected to football while giving you the chance to earn, grow, and make a difference.

Stay in the game

Love football? Stay involved in the game from a whole new perspective.

Earn extra income

Get paid for games you work, with applicable mileage allowances.

Build relationships

Join a crew, learn from experienced officials, and build lasting friendships.

Make an impact

Help provide a fair, competitive environment for student-athletes.

2

What does it take?

You don't need experience. You need the willingness to learn.

You don't need to be a former player or coach. You need to be willing to learn, show up, and put in the work.

Time

Sub-varsity games run Monday–Friday around 4:30 PM and Saturday mornings around 9:00 AM. Preseason and regular-season meetings are required.

Training

Learn the rules and on-field mechanics through classroom and field training at no additional cost. Chapter meetings help you continue developing throughout the season.

Where you'll work

South-Central Texas: Llano to Karnes City, Eagle Pass and Del Rio to Gonzales and Cuero. Varsity games may be elsewhere in Texas.

Physical expectations

Officiating requires movement, positioning, and awareness throughout the game. Training and preseason work help you prepare.

What it costs to start

TASO state registration$75
Chapter dues (new members)$25
Estimated gear cost (used gear often available)About $150

What you earn

Sub-varsity games$55+ per game
Varsity games$100+ per game, based on gate receipts
Travel allowancesMileage reimbursement, plus a meal allowance on trips of 90+ miles

Payment may be issued by check, direct deposit, or ArbiterPay.

3

What happens after I sign up?

We don't expect you to figure it out alone.

From registration to your first assignment, the chapter helps you prepare for the field.

  1. Step 1Register with TASOComplete your state registration and take the first step toward becoming an official.
  2. Step 2Chapter onboardingConnect with the chapter, complete your dues, get your gear, and receive ZebraWeb access.
  3. Step 3New Member Boot Camp · JulyLearn the rules and on-field mechanics with the New Member Training Team.
  4. Step 4MentorshipLearn from veteran officials, ask questions, and experience Friday night football with a crew.
MENTORSHIP IN ACTION

The Young Guns

The Young Guns program focuses on developing newer officials through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-game situations. From rules enforcement and proper mechanics to decision-making and game management, the program helps officials build confidence, sharpen their skills, and prepare for the challenges of each season.

The goal is simple: develop better officials and prepare the next generation of chapter leaders.

  1. Step 5First assignmentsPut your training to work during August scrimmages and the regular season.
Grow as an official

Officials can advance through five divisions based on game experience, meeting attendance, education, and required testing.

KEEP GROWING

Chapter Training & Development

The San Antonio Football Officials Chapter is committed to developing knowledgeable, confident, and well-prepared officials through continuous education and hands-on training.

Members participate in regional and state rules clinics, along with chapter meetings held every Monday during July and August and twice monthly from September through November. Training focuses on rules interpretation, proper mechanics, positioning, game management, and consistent enforcement.

Our goal is simple: keep every official learning, improving, and prepared to take the field at every level of competition.

Still have questions?

Becoming an official is a big decision. Here are a few things you might want to know before taking the next step.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. You can begin at 16 as an auxiliary member, with assignments limited to 7th–9th grade games, chain crews, or clock operation. Regular members eligible for varsity assignments are typically 18 or older. Contact the chapter to learn which option fits you.

Can I officiate while working a full-time job?

Yes. Many officials balance games with full-time jobs and family responsibilities. Your availability helps determine which assignments you can accept.

Will I be assigned games close to home?

Assignments depend on game locations, availability, and chapter needs. You may work nearby schools or travel farther for certain games.

What if I make a mistake during a game?

You will. Every official has. The important part is learning from it. Training, feedback, and experienced officials help you improve.

Will I be working games by myself?

Football officials work as part of a crew. You'll learn how to communicate, cover your responsibilities, and work together on the field.

How do I know when I'm ready for my first game?

Your training helps prepare you for your first assignment. You won't know everything on day one, but you'll have experienced officials to learn from as you develop.

Can I officiate if I never played football?

Yes. Playing or coaching experience can help, but it isn't required. Your willingness to learn and prepare matters more.

What if I'm interested now but can't start until next season?

You can still reach out. Submit the interest form so the chapter can keep you informed about upcoming training and registration opportunities.

4

Ready to take the field?

Every official had a first game. Whether you're ready to register or still have questions, there's a next step for you.

I'm ready to register

Your first step is TASO registration. Once you're registered, our chapter will help you prepare for training and your first season.

I have a few questions

Not ready to register? That's fine. Tell us a little about yourself, and someone from the chapter will reach out.

Best way to reach you

A chapter representative will follow up within 48 hours. Your information will only be used to respond to your interest in officiating.