Certification/Recertification

NOMINATION PROCESS

We want to maximize the officiating opportunities for the successful AO candidates. The nomination process is designed to ensure that the AO’s get on the local town program’s radar for assignments. By having the local Town AO Coordinator (TAC) nominate the AO’s for the training, we know that they will be in the queue for assignments. There is some flexibility with the nomination process – we will accept candidates without a formal nomination from a town, but we make them aware that we cannot provide any degree of assurance that they will get assignments.

Nominations started on January 19, 2026. The deadline for Nominations is March 1, 2026. This will accomodate towns that may get a late start on the process.  Please forward your nominees to your Regional Referee Coordinator.

REGISTRATION/PAYMENT PROCESS

The initial group of AO nominees will be contacted by February 1, 2026. These are the returning AO's from 2025 who will need re-certication. They will be given instructions for registration in the 2026 program and for enrolling in the mandatory certification program. This part of the process will run from January 19 to March 1, 2026. The registration fee is $50 per candidate. Payment options include online (eCheck or credit card) or a physical check by mail.

CLASSROOM SESSION 

Once the candidate registers and makes thier payment, they should sign up for a classroom session (Class Enrollment page).

CERTIFICATION TEST

After completing the classroom session, candidates will take a 50-question certification test. Unique test links will be provided to each attendee after completion of their class. Attendees must receive a score of 80% or above to pass the test and be ready for mentoring (new AO candidates) or start officiating (returning AO's and Sr. AO's).

LIVE ONLINE SESSIONS - Classroom and Updates/Q&A

We will schedule live online sessions (classroom or updates) as needed to provide AO's with more classroom options, getting the most current officiating information, and to answer any questions. When held, Update sessions are not mandatory but an opportunity to ask questions and get any updates related to the upcoming season. Online classes may be offered to accommodate AO candiates and returning AO's who were not able to attend the preferred, in-person class.

MENTORING/EVALUATIONS

Once a new candidate completes the required training and testing, he/she will enter into the Mentoring phase of the training. Upon successful completion of the Mentoring and Evaluation phase, the candidate becomes a certified Associate Official. 

Note: Returning AO's or Sr. AO's do not have to repeat the mentoring process. Upon successfully completing their classroom attendence and certification test, these AO's are ready to be scheduled for the upcoming season.