Frequently Asked Questions

Start by visiting the Join MOA page and completing the MOA application form. You will also need to register with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), pay any applicable MOA dues, attend your sport’s pre-season meeting, and complete any sport-specific requirements before you are eligible to work games.

New officials should begin the process several weeks before the season starts so there is enough time for registration, training, communication with MOA, and assignment setup.

Yes. MOA membership connects you with the local association, sport directors, training, mentors, meetings, and association communication. MSHSL registration is separate and is required for high school officiating eligibility. Visit Join MOA for the local association process and use the MSHSL registration link when you are ready to register with the state.

MOA supports high school basketball and football officials. Each sport has its own training resources, rules, mechanics, meetings, uniforms, and assignment process.

Start as early as possible before your sport’s season begins. Waiting until the last minute can make it difficult to complete registration, attend meetings, order gear, and get connected with the correct people.

You can also check the MOA calendar for upcoming meetings, training dates, and important seasonal reminders.

Dues may vary depending on whether you officiate basketball, football, or both. First-year officials may be eligible for a reduced rate. Visit the Dues & Payments page for current payment information and final amounts.

Complete the MOA application form. After your application is received, an MOA representative will follow up with next steps, which may include dues, MSHSL registration, Arbiter setup, meetings, training, and sport-specific communication.

You can also review the New Officials page for a general overview of the process.

Arbiter is commonly used for registration, scheduling, assignment management, availability, and communication. New officials should become familiar with Arbiter early and keep their availability updated throughout the season.

Arbiter.

Yes. New officials should expect to attend meetings, review training materials, learn basic rules and mechanics, and connect with experienced officials. Training expectations may vary by sport and season.

Basketball officials can start with the Basketball Hub. Football officials can start with the Football Hub.

Yes. Pre-season meetings are important for rule updates, mechanics, points of emphasis, Arbiter information, crew expectations, and mentor assignment. New officials should make every effort to attend.

Check the Calendar page for meeting dates and other association events.

Assignment procedures may vary by sport and level. Generally, officials need to complete the required registration steps, attend training or meetings, keep availability current, and communicate with the appropriate assignor or sport director. Most, if not all assigments are processed through Arbiter.

For sport-specific questions, visit the Contact page and choose the appropriate basketball or football contact.

Most new officials begin with lower-level assignments while they learn rules, mechanics, positioning, communication, and game management. As officials gain experience and demonstrate readiness, they may be considered for higher-level assignments.

New officials should review sport-specific resources on the Basketball Hub or Football Hub.

Officials are expected to wear the appropriate uniform for their sport and level of play. New officials should check with their sport director, mentor, or crew chief before making major purchases. Visit the Gear page for current uniform vendor information.

Arrive early enough to park, enter the facility, meet your partner or crew, dress, review responsibilities, and be ready before the contest begins. Expectations may vary by sport and level, so ask your mentor, crew chief, or sport director for guidance.

Sport-specific expectations can be added later on the Basketball Hub and Football Hub.

Review your assignment details, confirm the date, time, location, level, and number of games, and communicate with your partner or crew if needed. Make sure you know where to go, what uniform to wear, and whether any site-specific instructions apply.

You can use the Forms page for any association forms or documents that may be needed during the season.

Follow the assignment system instructions and contact the appropriate assignor or sport director as soon as possible. Do not ignore an assignment conflict. Timely communication is essential so the game can remain properly covered.

Use the Contact page if you need to reach the appropriate MOA contact.

Check Arbiter, school communication, and any applicable weather guidance. When in doubt, contact your assignor, partner, crew chief, or the host school contact before traveling.

Add the final MSHSL weather policy link here: MSHSL Weather Policy.

Use the Basketball Hub or Football Hub to find sport-specific rules, mechanics, training videos, MSHSL materials, and other helpful documents.

MSHSL Officials Manual, NFHS Rules Resources, and NASO Resources.

Start with the Join MOA page or use the Contact page. If you already know which sport you plan to officiate, you may also contact the appropriate director of operations for basketball or football.

Yes. Returning officials should complete any annual MOA dues, MSHSL registration, Arbiter updates, meeting requirements, and sport-specific training expectations before the season begins.

Use the Basketball Hub or Football Hub for current rules, mechanics, training videos, MSHSL materials, and other sport-specific resources.

Training videos can also be organized later on the Video Catalog page.

Meeting minutes are posted on the Meeting Minutes page when available. Association forms, game summary forms, schedule forms, and other useful links can be found on the Forms or Member Resources pages.

Use the Contact page and select the webmaster or site administrator contact option. Include the page name, the item that needs to be updated, and the correct replacement text, link, file, or image.