2026 ASSOCIATE OFFICIALS PROGRAM          General Information and Updates

 2026 ASSOCIATE OFFICIALS PROGRAM

UPDATES

 - Click here for new TAC information - FAQs for TACs

Here are the steps AO's need to follow in 2026 to become Certified- the steps are described in detail on the Certification Page  (click link or go to menu above).

   ✔ NOMINATION PROCESS

   ✔ REGISTRATION PROCESS

   ✔ CLASSROOM TRAINING SESSION

   ✔ CERTIFICATION TEST

   ✔ MENTORING (New AO's) AND EVALUATIONS (Returning and Senior AO's)

ASSOCIATE OFFICIALS STATUS

New Associate Official Candidate - If you have never officiated games, you are a New AO Candidate. 

Returning Associate Official - If you officiated games in 2025, you are considered a Returning AO.

Senior Associate Official - If you have officiated for at least two seasons as an AO, you may be eligible to become a Senior AO. Reach out to your TAC Town AO Coordinator) or your EMLOA Regional Referee Coordinator to see if you qualify and to be observed. If you were previously a Sr. AO, you still have to attend a class, and will retain your Sr. AO status after successfully completing your registration and training class.