Qualifications

• Minimum Age – Must be 16 years of age by March 1, 2026. Exception waivers may be made for 15-year olds who have been approved by the town after discussion with the Regional Referee Coordinator.
   

• School Level – Program is open to High School students who meet the minimum age requirement.
   

• High School and College students who are 18 and older by March 1, 2026 are eligible for more advanced officiating programs as an apprentice official.
   

• Associate Officials must be a certified Associate Member of EMLOA

  • Complete Registration and pay annual dues

  • Complete Classroom/Remote Training

  • Successfully complete EMLOA AO Certification Test

  • New candidates must complete mentoring process

• Senior Associate Officials – Must have at least two previous years of high performance as an Associate Official. Reach out to your TAC (Town AO Coordinator) or your EMLOA Regional Referee Coordinator to see if you qualify. 
   

• Returning College AO's - If you were previously an AO or Sr. AO and have gone to college, you can still officiate during breaks and when you return in the Spring. Contact your regional Referee Coordinator to arrange for registration and testing, as well as the timing of when you'll be available to officiate.