Frequently Asked Questions

(Application)



1.   
How Do I Apply to Become a PIAA Official?

a.       Complete the PIAA Officials' Application on the reverse side and submit to PIAA Office at least ten (10) business days prior to the exam date.

b.       Send a $30.00 NON-REFUNDABLE application fee which will cover your application and your first year's dues for all sports tested. You will receive the appropriate rules books, study sheets and a PIAA Athletic Officials' Manual as part of your application fee. Application fees are valid for two (2) years and three (3) exams may be taken on the same registration fee. However, only one (1) exam may be taken per test date.

 

2.     What Happens After I take a Sports' Examination?

a.       The PIAA Office will inform you, within two weeks, in writing, if you have achieved the minimum 75% passing grade.

b.       Upon successful completion, you must affiliate with a local officials' chapter within fifteen (15) business days of your successful notification from the PIAA Office.

c.       A list of chapters and their secretaries will be sent to each successful applicant to assist them in their chapter affiliation.

d.       You will receive your PIAA emblem to be worn on the upper left sleeve of your officials' uniform. No other emblems are to be worn on the officials' uniform.

 

3.     What If I Fail the Exam?

a.       All officials may take every test a second time if they fail to achieve the 75% minimum for passing. Applicants may only retest once per sport if the exam is failed.

 

4.     Where Do I Get Officials' Uniforms and Equipment?

a.       These items can be secured at either local sporting goods stores, mail order suppliers, or by ordering from the PIAA Officials' Equipment Center. You will receive a PIAA Equipment brochure with your test results.

 

5.     How Are Officials' Dues Paid?

a.       Newly registered officials receive credit for their first sports' season's dues as part of their initial registration fee. PIAA officials' dues are paid one year in advance. All PIAA officials will be billed in October with a due date of February 28th of the following year.

 

6.     How Do I Receive Assignments?

a.       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.

b.       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 Dues?

a.       NFOA Insurance - liability coverage up to one (1) million dollars per incident.

b.       Accident medical fee loss coverage

c.       Catastrophic medical coverage

d.       Accidental death and dismemberment

e.       Accidental injury fee loss reimbursement

f.         PIAA Officials' Emblem on initial registration.

g.       Rules books and case books for respective sports.

h.       PIAA Athletic Officials' Manual

i.         PIAA Officials' I. D. card

j.         PIAA Chapter Meeting Guides

k.       Transparencies for chapters for rules interpretations.

l.         Films and video tapes available at PIAA Office

m.     PIAA Officials' Newsletters

n.       PIAA Newsletter to Chapters Opportunity to officiate at member schools

o.       A governing body (PIAA) and a representa­tive voice in the administration of inter­scholastic athletics in Pennsylvania

p.       Officials' Quarterly - a publication from the National Federation Interscholastic Officials Association. (NFOA)

q.       Representation of officials on district committees and PIAA Board of Control



"EVERYONE WINS WHEN WE'RE ALL GOOD SPORTS"