Florida High School Athletic Association

1. New Officials Orientation Florida High School Athletic Association

2. How an inquiry to the FHSAA Office leads to a registered official

3. What new officials should knowup front Comply with the Jessica Lunsford Act Register with the local officials association Register with the FHSAA Certify that he or she has never been arrested for or convicted of a felony View an online rules video presentation Take an exam Non participation fine/suspensions

4. Retaining new recruits Let them know how much they are needed and appreciated Keep them in the loop Assign them a mentor Recognition

5. Student Officials • Must be at least 16 years of age and still in high school • Can officiate middle school (6th-8th grades) and junior high (8th-9th grades) • No financial penalties for nonparticipation of the online rules video presentation and exam • Student officials do not have to be fingerprinted

6. Student Officials Continued- • Register at a reduced fee of $10.00 a sport • Use the same online registration as all other officials

7. Proper cancellation procedures Official should notify the FHSAA Office in writing as soon as possible and preferably before clinic and exam fines become assessed. Encourage them to give it another shot next year or maybe in another sport.

8. Common questions that returning officials have Why am I suspended? Am I eligible for a test exemption?How do I take a leave of absence? When was my last field clinic?

9. Resources • FHSAA’s new officials page www.becomeanofficial.org • FHSAA’s contest officials page https://officials.fhsaa.org/ • National Federation of State High School Associations http://www.nfhs.org/

10. A thank you letter worth sharing.

11. Hello Mark, This thank you letter has been long overdue, but it’s taken me awhile to reflect on my recent expedition as it did mean very much to me; as I continue to gain experience on and off the field II have realized becoming an official is more than just regulating a game. I left Jacksonville Saturday afternoon with a better understanding, my mind obscured with thoughts of new friends and great memories. I arrived that evening still disconnected from reality, wanting to tell my father the kaleidoscope of thoughts running through my mind. But my father was nowhere to be found, and then it hit me once more, like it has countless times. My father is no longer with me, and that Saturday was six months to the day. Football has been a part of my life since I can remember, but now without my father it’s been much more. It was eight months ago when I got my first varsity game, a game which did not come to its normal conclusion. There was less than two minutes in the game when a fight broke out and we decided to call it. So my first varsity game didn’t even finish and I can still hear the laughter from my old man when I told him the story. It was six months ago when I had my first semi-pro game and I left for Delray Beach. To my surprise we were able to get back early enough where I still caught my parents awake, slowly drifting into their sleep. I vividly remember walking over to my dad, being asked how was the game, did I make the calls. I remember giving him a hug and exchanging “I love you”. That night became the worst nightmare of my life. My father in the middle of the night woke up for the last time, returning to his bed, collapsed and was gone. He didn’t leave me with all the answers; he didn’t leave a script of the way my life should go. I know he left me with all the tools to strive to be a better person, much like he is in my eyes, but still I am hesitant of what the future might bring, sometimes scared he is no here to guide me. When I become an official I didn’t think much of it, but Al was right, you’re first an official and then a friend. After my great loss of fraternity of brothers rushed to my aide, making sure they knew I was not alone. I was always taught the greatest things in life are the laughter and smiles of others, not the wrapped gifts under the tree, so that made it all with it. My father was one of the best communicators I have ever known. He met strangers and turned them into friends. He made you feel like you were the most important person. He built a company based on service and friendship. I hear officials talk about networking and connections like it’s a job, like it’s going to be their ticket to fame. It might very well be, but I disagree; like you all said it’s about opportunity and being ready when your chance comes. It’s about what you do off the field, being a family man and a friend. I may not make the NFL, or even college, but I will be one of the best officials I can be at whatever level I may be at. I may not be the best pilot out there, and I most definitely don’t fly large commercial jets or military fighters, but I could. I know Mother Nature is unforgiving and for that I prepare each flight to the best of my ability like it’s the most important, because when it comes down to it, it is. I take the same approach to my games, whether it’s peewee or varsity. I may change the axioms, but it’s still a game that needs to be piloted and people at every level can be human. With all that said being in Jacksonville not only allowed me to gain experience through your eyes, but I was also able to make lasting memories. You may not remember me five years from now or even a year from now, but I will remember you and the people you work with. I will remember the laughter we all shared Friday night. This thank you is extended to your crew and the people in attendance. They all made the experience one to always remember. I will never forget it and for that I thank you. Best Regards, Clem

12. Tips for FHSAA to consider?

13. Before you leave, please check your area to make sure you are not leaving anything behind!