AssignOfficial


Assigning of Officials for Sports and Events


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AO Operating Info



SECTION ONE:
AO Operating Info
(SECTION ONE is basically the remnants of the beginnings of AssignOfficial. It is basically the same but has since evolved, and the updated, revised and edited versions can be found in SECTION TWO, THREE AND FOUR). More detailed information is available to AO Members at the AO/Arbiter DASHBOARD page.

AssignOfficial can be used to assign sports officials to sporting events via methods such as paper/pencil, email, text, or via assigning software programs, with paper check or with direct deposit. AssignOfficial can take care of:
1. Assigning,
2. Billing,
3. Payments
to officials, or any combination of those (such as if a group that wants to do their own assigning, AssignOfficial could still take care of billing and/or official payments).

Software Programs: AssignOfficial is currently using ArbiterSports assigning software but is in the process of using RefTown and GotSport also.

Sport: AssignOfficial is mostly set up for soccer but can accommodate for just about any sport or event.

Rates: Outside of contracted agreements, AssignOfficial's average rate of official game fees is: The officials' payment plus $5 per scheduled game.

Area: AssignOfficial's area is predominantly inland northern Caifornia.

Conversation pieces herein are to be considered soccer related unless described otherwise.

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All rates are negotiable but some leagues/schools are under contract with official payment rates. Those that are not under contract would still be competing with those contracted rates. All officials are independently contracted and there is currently a shortage of them when considering supply and demand. A portion of rates and ref fees is invested in recruiting and training new refs, and upgrading current refs through mentoring.

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Youth Rec and Competitive League Games:
Basically the same as Junior High and High School Games but each league and level would vary.
Example: U14 rates would be close to Junior High and U16/19 would be close to High School JV/Varsity respectively.

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Junior High Games (for fall season 2023):
AssignOfficial's junior high proposal and/or recommendations for best outcome:
* Dual or solo refs depending upon availability.
* Two back-to-back games preferred to increase ref availability.
* Fall season weekday games would be best if they were played on days other than Tuesday and Thursday because that is when fall season high schools play and ref supply and demand is already tight.
One of the winter leagues last year bumped the pay up to $45 each for dual refs. There was still a struggle filling slots.
* A recommendation of $50 each per dual refs or $65 for a solo ref is highly recommended, along with the other above recommendations to increase the odds of referee availability.
* There is a $5 per game assigning fee.
* Junior high soccer tournaments are negotiable but generally there is an assigning fee of $50 per tournament depending upon the amount of teams.
* Some league games can end in a tie, some want a winner. League games that can end in a tie are surer for the official/s to make it to their next event on time.

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High School Games:
In California: Per CIF current contract.
In other states: Per that state's current contract.

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All Other Leagues/Tournaments/Games/Events/Etc:
Unless under contract, and MOU can be negotiated, but typically ref pay plus $5 assigning fee per game.

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AssignOfficial is a new start-up and is in its early stages of development. Please check back periodically for updates.

​In the meantime though, a little info on purpose:
1. The originating purpose of AssignOfficial is to pick up slack in uncovered areas and/or leagues of sports officiating, and to assign officials to officiate these games in the northern inland area of California. Games shall include, but not be limited to youth, adult, and semi-pro.
​
And, also in the meantime, a little info on arrangements:
2. All time-frames of official scheduling must be submitted in writing (including email) and in advance of expecting official/s to be assigned to games and/or events.

​And again, in the meantime, a little info on financing:
3. All seasons, tournaments, and/or yes, even single game fees must be paid in advance before officials will be assigned to such games.

​And yes, once again, in the meantime, a little info on contracting and insurance:
4. Each official is independently contracted and expected to carry their own insurance. None are to be considered employees of AssignOfficial. Each event holder is also expected to carry their own insurance and are also not to be considered employees of AssignOfficial.

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Disclaimer:
All season, tournament, and/or single game fees must be agreed upon in writing (including email) by both AssignOfficial and event sponsor, and must be paid in advance before officials will be assigned to such games and/or events.​ All time-frames of officials scheduling must be submitted in writing and in advance of any expectation of officials being assigned to games/events.​ Each official is independently contracted and expected to carry their own insurance. None are to be considered employees of AssignOfficial. Each event holder is also expected to carry their own insurance and are also not to be considered employees of AssignOfficial.


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SECTION TWO:
AO Operating Info

AssignOfficial
MISSION STATEMENT
(Constitution and Bylaws [mainly for CIF]-[MOUs for others are below in SECTION THREE])

1. Purpose:
AssignOfficial's main mission is to assign independently contracted officials to sporting events with an emphasis on soccer, through recruiting, educating, training, evaluating, and certifying potential new officials, to providing programs for further advancement opportunities in officiating levels of sport from youth recreational, competitive, junior high, high school, college, and adult leagues, to a level of officiating semi pro leagues, and post season officiating at all levels, through written agreement with sporting event holders, short or long term.

AssignOfficial
OTHER STATEMENTS
(Constitution and Bylaws)

2. Type of Business:
AssignOfficial is a Sole Proprietorship.

3. Area:
The area consists mainly of northern inland California, beginning with the Shasta County/Redding area, with prospects of branching out west into Trinity County, north into Siskiyou County, east into eastern Shasta County, and south into Tehama County (and beyond as needed and as practical).

4. Payment:
AssignOfficial will collect and distribute payments from event sources to independently contracted officials, minus any pay-deduct fees and/or dues per written agreement with officials.

5. Assigning Methods/Programs:
AssignOfficial can be used to assign officials via methods such as paper/pencil, email, text, or via assigning software programs, with or without direct deposit. AssignOfficial can take care of all assigning, billing, and payments to officials, or any combination of those (such as a group that wants to do their own assigning, AssignOfficial could take care of billing and/or payments). AssignOfficial is mostly set up for soccer but can accommodate for just about any sport or event.

6. Management Structure:
A group of Advisors consisting of three AO Members holding positions of Advisor 1, 2 and 3 will be maintained with one of those representing the area served. The other two will represent AO Member groups, such as adult and youth. Advisor terms will be 2 years with Advisor 1 and 3 appointed in odd years and Advisor 2 appointed in even years. The Advisors will assist overseeing fair operations of AssignOfficial and be appointed and/or un-appointed by the Sole Proprietor. Advisor positions are voluntary and Advisor positions could be added and/or revised as area grows. Committees may be formed as needed. The Sole Proprietor shall have final say on all recommendations and shall Chair all meetings.

7. Members:
All AssignOfficial Members in good standing (current with dues/fees, insured, good track record of being on time, attends meetings, classes and courses, responds timely to email/text, reports games timely and properly, etc.) and qualified through training and evaluation will receive equal assignment opportunities per Member ranking/experience and game level ranking/experience. No one will be denied membership or access due to race, color, creed, religion, sex or national origin.
Members will be expected to agree to an MOU each year with AssignOfficial assuring that they will be safe, fair, knowledgeable and professional in their duties as an official.
A member may request a leave of absence by submitting a request in writing to AssignOfficial. This leave will be honored for the amount of time requested. The member may return with all previous benefits during this period, unless limited by other reasons.
A member may voluntarily resign at any time. If a resigned member should re-apply, his/her application would be treated as that of a new member.
A prospective Member may begin as a volunteer, such as being mentored watching a game, shadowing an AR, shagging soccer balls, assisting 4th Official, etc. However, they would still need to be properly insured.
Each member shall not have been convicted of a sexual offense, a crime against a minor, or a crime involving illegal drugs which would prohibit contact with minors.

8. Performance Evaluation Grievance:
A Member with a Performance Evaluation Grievance must submit such Performance Evaluation Grievance in writing to AssignOfficial. The procedure will be for AssignOfficial to offer ways to improve or correct such Performance Evaluation Grievance before imposing any action such as increased training, suspensions, or expulsion. Expulsion will be a last resort after all attempts of correcting a grievance have been made. Members eligible for reinstatement would resume rankings.

9. Assignors:
There will be a minimum of two Assignors. The Sole Proprietor may be an Assignor and an Assignor may be an Advisor. Assignments will be distributed to Members fairly according to levels of ranking.

10. Conflict of Interest:
Officials must inform Assignors of any perceivable conflict of interest they may have with any team, such as relatives, employment, and other connections that could be reasonably perceived as a conflict of interest.

11. Operation, Instruction and Certification:
Meetings will be held 4 times a year, spring, summer, fall and winter. Records will be maintained and kept by AssignOfficial. Dues and game fees will be decided each year in the spring or summer and explained to Members before they commit to another year/season of Membership. Funds will be collected and distributed by AssignOfficial. Instruction and Certification will be conducted by various available Instructors in meeting rooms, in the field, via video and email, and in real time at games as needed. Instruction will vary depending upon game observations and game personnel feedback. Individual and small group mentoring will also be available and conducted by senior and/or the more experienced well-seasoned officials. There will be a minimum of 18 hours per year of meetings, education, training and mentoring in gaining and maintaining certification.

12. Insurance:
Insurance is to be purchased by individual Members, Assignors, Advisors, etc., or by AssignOfficial through pay-deducted reimbursement. AssignOfficial must receive a copy of proof of current active insurance with expiration date. Insurance will be through NFHS membership for CIF school related officiating, through CNRA for youth recreation/competitive related officiating, and/or through other sufficing officiating insurance agencies for other sporting games, events and/or leagues.

13. Amendments:
Recommended amendments by Members must be submitted in writing and be deliberated by Members, Advisors, and the Sole Proprietor, and must be approved by the Sole Proprietor.

14. Communication:
AssignOfficial will communicate with officials and event holders via email, text, cell phone, via assigning software, and via https://AssignOfficial.com (back-up website is " https://assignofficial.wixsite.com/assignofficial ").

15. Ultimate Goal:
AssignOfficial's ultimate per-game goal is for safe, fair, and enjoyable sport for all involved, win, lose or draw...

Revision 6/5/2024


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SECTION THREE:
AO Operating Info



*(SAMPLE)* *LEVEL* *SPORT* MOU 202?
(See below for individual sport MOU)



AssignOfficial/Jr. High-U14 *SPORT* 202? MOU

This is what I'm asking for for the refs (some similarities to HS).

Jr High = School/s. AO = AssignOfficial.

1. Schools supply AO with at least home game schedules.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per ref for dual refs, $?? for solo ref, $??/??/?? for 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.

3. There is a $5 per game assigning fee.

4. Schools (or a league) pay AO per invoice.

5. AO assigns refs and pays refs.

6. (a) Games canceled with notification to AO and/or refs at least 3 hours before game time = no ref pay.

(b) Games cancelled on game day less than 3 hours before game time = 50% pay to refs.

(c) Full pay for refs for any game started with approval of AD, refs and/or coaches but later stopped for any reason.

7. Ref slots unfilled, added games, #6 above, etc, will be balanced out at end-of-season and schools and AO will either be even, or schools will pay AO an added balance, or AO will pay schools a refund. AO will supply schools with an end-of-season balance.

8. School reps will be able to track games and track ref slots during, and at end-of-season on AssignOfficial via assigning software.

9. In all cases: refs, umpires, judges, etc. are supplied as available. In situations where they are not available, coaches, team personnel, etc will need to officiate and event holders will be reimbursed.



*(SAMPLE)* *LEVEL* *SPORT* MOU 202?
(See below for individual sport MOU)



AssignOfficial/4th/5th-U12 *SPORT* 202? MOU

This is what I'm asking for for the refs (some similarities to JH).

Jr High = School/s. AO = AssignOfficial.

1. Schools supply AO with at least home game schedules.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per game for a combination of either a solo ref, dual refs, or 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.

3. There is a $5 per game assigning fee.

4. Schools (or a league) pay AO per invoice.

5. AO assigns refs and pays refs.

6. (a) Games canceled with notification to AO and/or refs at least 3 hours before game time = no ref pay.

(b) Games cancelled on game day less than 3 hours before game time = 50% pay to refs.

(c) Full pay for refs for any game started with approval of AD, refs and/or coaches but later stopped for any reason.

7. Ref slots unfilled, added games, #6 above, etc, will be balanced out at end-of-season and schools and AO will either be even, or schools will pay AO an added balance, or AO will pay schools a refund. AO will supply schools with an end-of-season balance.

8. School reps will be able to track games and track ref slots during, and at end-of-season on AssignOfficial via assigning software.

9. In all cases: refs, umpires, judges, etc. are supplied as available. In situations where they are not available, coaches, team personnel, etc will need to officiate and event holders will be reimbursed.



Soccer Jr. High MOU 2025



AssignOfficial/Jr High Soccer 2025 MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 2025 at $50 per ref for dual refs, $65 for solo ref, $40/30/30 for 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.



Soccer 4th/5th MOU 2025



AssignOfficial/4th-5th Soccer 2025 MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 2025 at $60 per game for a combination of either a solo ref, dual refs, or 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.



Baseball Jr. High MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/Jr High Baseball 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per ump for dual umps, $?? for solo ump, $??/??/?? for 3-ump teams - all dependent upon ump availability and training needs.



Baseball 4th/5th MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/4th-5th Baseball 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per game for a combination of either a solo ump, dual umps, or 3-ump teams - all dependent upon ump availability and training needs.



Softball Jr. High MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/Jr High Softball 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per ump for dual umps, $?? for solo ump, $??/??/?? for 3-ump teams - all dependent upon ump availability and training needs.



Softball 4th/5th MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/4th-5th Softball 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per game for a combination of either a solo ump, dual umps, or 3-ump teams - all dependent upon ump availability and training needs.



Flag Football Jr. High MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/Jr High Flag Football 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per ref for dual refs, $?? for solo ref, $??/??/?? for 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.



Flag Football 4th/5th MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/4th-5th Flag Football 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per game for a combination of either a solo ref, dual refs, or 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.



Volleyball Jr. High MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/Jr High Volleyball 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per ref for dual refs, $?? for solo ref, $??/??/?? for 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.



Volleyball 4th/5th MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/4th-5th Volleyball 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per game for a combination of either a solo ref, dual refs, or 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.



Basketball Jr. High MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/Jr High Basketball 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per ref for dual refs, $?? for solo ref, $??/??/?? for 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.



Basketball 4th/5th MOU 202?
(in progress)



AssignOfficial/4th-5th Basketball 202? MOU

Same as SAMPLE above except for #2.

2. AO prepares and sends invoice to schools according to home game schedules for 202? at $?? per game for a combination of either a solo ref, dual refs, or 3-ref teams - all dependent upon ref availability and training needs.



Tournament MOUs



Tournament rates vary depending upon amount of teams, games and game length in tournaments.

The typical rate is the officials' payment plus $25 per each five teams. For example: $25 for the first five teams, $50 per 6-10 teams, $75 per 11-15 teams, and so on.

Officials' tournament rates are based on regular season game pay, divided by regular season game length, times tournament game length.

Other than weather related, officials are expected to receive full pay for games canceled after the first scheduled game time of the tournament has begun, 50% for games canceled within 24 hours of the tournament beginning, and no pay for games canceled more than 24 hours before the beginning of the tournament.

Weather related issues can be dealt with as they arise, and in the best interest of the tournament.



Jamborees



Jamborees are often a variation of levels of games and so rates can vary also. Typically all events start at official payments plus $5 per game but as with tournaments, jamboree rates can fluctuate depending upon details of dynamics.



AO Member, Assigner, Sub Assigner, Outside NorCal Area MOUs and Release and Waiver of Liability



These AO Member MOU forms have been updated and are now on online forms and are available to relatively appropriate AO Members only. These original MOUs are here to give an idea of how they read.



AO/Member/Official MOU 2024
(in revision mode for 2024)



AssignOfficial (aka AO) and AO Officials/Members MOU

Update 2/26/2024

By accepting/requesting/self-assigning/participating, etc., any AO positions, each official agrees to the following:

1. Each AO Official is independently contracted and expected to carry their own insurance. None are to be considered employees of AssignOfficial. Offers of discounts for insurance, as affordable, are available through AssignOfficial periodically.

2. AO Officials with current USSF/USA/StateHS/NISOA, etc, may advance quicker than officials without, but there is AO training for all levels of experience to advance.

3. AO Officials may turn down game positions without consequence, other than a possible lowering of ranking for repeated turndowns. And, it may be determined that repeated turndowns are a sign that such official does not feel comfortable at that level, location, etc, of officiating.

4. AO Officials are not expected to take positions outside of what they feel comfortable with, such as their personal health, weather conditions, game levels, field conditions, and travel hazards. However, once positions are requested/accepted, they are expected to see them though. Assignments accepted are not guaranteed, sometimes schedule changes need to be made.

5. Communication will be mainly via email, text, phone, AO web site and via assigning software. Officials are expected to check their email, text, and assigning software accounts regularly to stay current. AssignOfficial keeps updated info on the assigning software pages and also at https://AssignOfficial.com.

6. Minors (anyone under 18) must be permitted by their parents/guardians to participate. AO Officials between the ages of 18-21 may be less-eligible to officiate some 17-19 year-olds games.

7. AO Officials must complete their assigning software profile or provide AssignOfficial with a form W9. Officials nearing $600 in payment without supplying W9 info may be suspended from officiating until such info is provided.

8. Officials assure that they will be safe, fair, knowledgeable and professional in their duties as an official.


Official's Name: ___________________


Sign: ___________________


Date: ___________________


If official is a minor, please sign allowing son/daughter to participate:


Parent/Guardian Sign: ___________________


Date: ___________________



AO/Assigner MOU 2024
(in revision mode for 2024)



AssignOfficial (aka AO) and Assigners MOU

Update 2/26/2024

AO Assigners agree to the following:

1. AO Assigners will be familiar with the AO Official's MOU and assign officials according to it.

2. Each AO Assigner is independently contracted and expected to carry their own insurance. None are to be considered employees of AssignOfficial. Offers of additional insurance, as affordable, are available through AssignOfficial periodically.

3. Communication will be mainly via email, text, phone, AO web site and via assigning software. AO Assigners are expected to check their email, text, and assigning software accounts regularly to stay current. AssignOfficial keeps updated info on the assigning software pages and also at https://AssignOfficial.com.

4. AO Assigners must complete their assigning software profile or provide AssignOfficial with a form W9. Assigners nearing $600 in payment without supplying W9 info may be suspended from assigning until such info is provided.

5. AO Assigners have the freedom to communicate with refs/officials, current and/or recruits, in order to fulfill assigner duties.

6. AO Assigners are to abide by: From CNRA Assignor Training: "Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued."

7. AO Assigners assure that they will be safe, fair, knowledgeable and professional in their duties as an AO Assigner.


Assigner's Name: ___________________


Sign: ___________________


Date: ___________________



AO/Sub-Assigner MOU
(Update 4/3/2024)



AssignOfficial (aka AO) and AO Sub-Assigner MOU

(Update 4/3/2024)

AO Sub-Assigners agree to the following:

1. AO Sub-Assigners will be familiar with their Official's MOU with them, assign officials according to it, provide AO with a copy of it, and AO must approve of it (or they may use AO's).

2. Each AO Sub-Assigner is (and their base of officials are) independently contracted and expected to carry their own insurance. None are to be considered employees of AssignOfficial. Sub-Assigner is responsible for background checks when necessary. Offers of insurance assistance and background checks are available periodically through AssignOfficial.

3. Communication will be mainly via email, text, and phone (in some cases through AO web site and via assigning software). AO Sub-Assigners are expected to check their email, text, and phone (in some cases assigning software accounts) regularly to stay current. AssignOfficial keeps updated info on the assigning software pages and also at https://AssignOfficial.com.

4. AO Sub-Assigners, when relevant, if receiving payment from AO, must complete their assigning software profile or provide AssignOfficial with a form W9. AO Sub-Assigners nearing $600 in payment in a calendar year without supplying W9 info may be temporarily suspended from assigning with AO until such info is provided.

5. AO Sub-Assigners have the freedom to communicate with AO refs, officials, umpires, etc, (current and/or recruits) in order to fulfill their assigner duties.

6. AO Sub-Assigners are to abide by: From CNRA Assignor Training: "Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued."

7. AO Sub-Assigners assure that they will be safe, fair, knowledgeable and professional in their duties as an AO Sub-Assigner.

8. The basis is that the AO Sub-Assigner will assign officials for a specific season for schools, clubs, and/or leagues, etc. AO will bill and collect for a specific season from said schools, clubs, and/or leagues, etc, and/or distribute payments to officials per agreement. AO's operating expenses cut would be an agreed upon rate of assigning fees and/or game fees.


Sub-Assigner's Name: __________________


Sign: __________________


Date: ___________________



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MOUs Outside of NorCal Area



Depending upon the event and distance, in most cases the area would need to be able to supply a local ref/official base, and a lead person to oversee the area event.

As mentioned above, AssignOfficial can take care of billing, assigning, and official payments, or any combination of those.

To make an MOU arrangement for an event outside of the NorCal area, please contact AssignOfficial via email at bottom of page.



Official Ranking, Mentoring, Assessing



Official ranking is a number system that is used for officials so that assigners can know what level and position an official is experienced at per sport. For example: In high school soccer: An AR is ranked at 900. A Dual ref position is ranked at 925. A Center ref position is ranked at 950. As you can see, the ranking increments are by 25. Additional rankings, 1-24, are based upon Instructional Hours (IH) attended, meetings attended, online/offline forms/quizzes, etc. Mentoring officials is as easy as a 950 ref could mentor a 900, or less experienced ref.

Assessing is by the most experienced in or outside of the ref pool, and basically a conclusion of one of three things: level reffed was a bit of a challenge, maintain rank, or increase rank.



202?/2? AO Members, Associate Members, Minor Members, Dues and Game Fees



This content is often revised, yearly and sometimes seasonally for best results for the best season possible for all involved. Currently, AO Member dues are not charged to minors, but all AO Members pay a



.



game fee per game. Any revisions are made available to all prior to implementation. An Associate Member option may be added at a later date.



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SECTION FOUR:
AO Operating Info
AO Officials 2025/26 Info
More detailed information is available to AO Members at the AO/Arbiter Member DASHBOARD page.

Dues: Dues are estimated minimum operating expenses divided by estimated amount of members for an AO fiscal year (August to August). For 2025/26, AO youths (under 18), AO is going to have a "No Dues Policy".

Game Fees: Game Fees are estimated to help cover for additional instructional services for AO Officials. Game Fees are currently applied to each ref position on each game on Jr High and High School games.

Payment: Payment is approximately every other week, first and third week monthly.



Soccer Rules:
USSF/IFAB Rules Book: https://www.refereestore.com/products/ifab-laws-of-the-game-book-2024-25.html
USSF/IFAB Rules on Web: https://www.theifab.com/
USSF/IFAB Rules on PDF: https://downloads.theifab.com/downloads/laws-of-the-game-2024-25?l=en

NFHS Rules Book: https://nfhs.com/p-1437-2024-25-soccer-rules-book.aspx

NCAA Rules Book: http://www.ncaapublications.com/p-4692-2024-and-2025-soccer-rules.aspx

USSF/IFAB/NFHS/NCAA soccer rules comparisons can be found at: https://www.nfhs.org/media/7213076/2024-25-soccer-guide-final.pdf
(NOTE: These rules comparisons are not always accurate).



Insurance: Insurance desired is AOA, NFHS, NASO (or other currently unknown sufficing insurance). Proof of AOA, NFHS and/or NASO insurance obtained through any other assigning groups are honored by AO.
Please check with other assigning groups that you are also a member of so that you do not double-pay for insurance. For 2025/26, AO youths (under 18), AO is offering to pay AOA insurance (up to around ten youths with a little gray area there) after they are registered with AO on ArbiterSports (and possibly RefTown in the near future) and after they have turned in waiver form signed by parent/guardian.

Waiver: AO has an online waiver for officials to agree to.



Ranking Officials: AO uses ranking numbers 1-999 to rank officials. For instance: A soccer official qualified for a U14 Center position is ranked at a 450.

Ranking Levels: AO uses ranking numbers 1-999 to rank game levels. For instance: For a U14 soccer game, positions are ranked in the 400s.

Ranking Points: Ranking points are awarded for attending AO meetings, clinics, instructional courses, game-watch mentoring, etc.



Uniforms: Officials' uniforms vary from sport to sport and league to league, with more lenient exceptions for younger leagues and newer refs. Check with your assignors about uniforms.

Official Sports: https://officialsports.com/

Referee Store: https://www.refereestore.com/



"Ready To Be Assigned": Be sure that the "Ready To Be Assigned" box on the AO/Arbiter DASHBOARD page is checked.

Self-Assign: Self-Assign is configured (for starters) with official rankings, league and game level rankings, and sometimes a distance perimeter. Self-Assign settings are averagely set to where an official can select any two assignments a day (60 days out).

Master Schedule: The Master Schedule is currently set to where any official can view game/event schedules and personnel assigned.

Update Profile: Be sure your mailing address with AO is current (this is for the Self Assign feature and for mailing checks).

W9s: Assigning platform profiles need to be complete with W9 info for a Member to earn $600 or more yearly. Any Member not providing W9 info will be limited to not more than $599 per year.

Blocks/Travel Limits: You can set your personal Blocks and Travel Limits on most software assigning platforms that AO uses.

Custom Field Questions: CFQs are helpful for ranking and assigning purposes (in Arbiter, some were auto generated. They do not all need to be answered).

Turn-Back: Turn-Back is currently set for 15 days out. Such as: if you need to take yourself off of a game, you can do so yourself with the Turn-Back feature beyond 15 days out.



Partner Up: Officials that wish to partner up, ride together, officiate together, feel free to do so when opportunities arise. It is best for the games though, if the same refs don't ref the same games all the time (with exception to ref availability, travel issues, and location super conveniences).

Recruiting: AO is recruiting. Please have anyone interested in being a soccer ref contact AO. We can arrange training and mentoring for all levels of experience. AO will ad lib in trying to find a way to train new refs from any starting point.

Training: Any refs (and/or assignors for officials) wanting additional training for advancement purposes are likely able to get it through AO depending upon time and personnel constraints (supply and demand). Assignors outside of AO in need of positions to fill, please inform AO, and AO will try to help you fill those positions.



Assigning Platforms: AO is currently assigning mostly through AriterSports, and may also soon have games through RefTown, and maybe GotSport, but AO also assigns outside of such assigning platforms.

Travel Allowances: Some leagues pay Travel Allowances.

Travel Limits: Officials can set their personal travel limits.

Travel Mileage: In most cases, if other drivers are driving in from other areas, that factors into the mileage equation as mileage is usually divvied with all drivers to a game.

Games North/South of Red Bluff: Red Bluff is basically a central point of officials locations in this area. In an attempt to try saving travel expenses for refs and schools, AO will first attempt to have officials from north of Red Bluff on games north of Red Bluff, and vice versa for games south of Red Bluff.

Instruction/18 Hours (yearly): Instructional hours consist of attending meetings, clinics, field sessions, etc, and each hour of instruction also equals one ranking point for officials.

Per Diems: Some leagues pay Per Diems for riders over a specific number of miles.



Contact AssignOfficial



mike@assignofficial.com