How to Become a Youth Football Referee in the Orlando, Florida Area

Not just anybody can work as a youth football referee in the Orlando, Florida area. Each referee must meet certain criteria before he is licensed to call games. The Central Florida Officials Association is the official organization to which licensed, Orlando-area referees belong. The CFOA complies with the Florida High School Athletic Association's requirements. Before applying to become a youth football referee in the Orlando area, review the FHSAA's requirements and see if you qualify.

Instructions

    • 1

      Go to the FHSAA website and review the criteria to become an Orlando-area youth football referee. You must be at least 18 years of age, never been convicted of a felony and must comply with the Jessica Lunsford Act, which prohibits sexual predators from working around children. You must comply to a background check. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you may join the FHSAA's Student Official Program.

    • 2

      Complete the online form to apply for membership with the Central Florida Officials Association (see Resources).

    • 3

      Complete the contest official registration form to apply for membership with the FHSAA (see Resources). Pay the $35 fee ($27 for the sport of football and $8 for registration).

    • 4

      View the Online Rules Presentation Video during the time at which you are instructed by the FHSAA. The viewing times are posted at officials.fhsaa.org and are viewable at fhsaa.org/eclassroom/clinics during the scheduled time periods. The video lasts about one hour. Once the video is finished, you must complete a short online quiz. If you do not complete the quiz or if you are not present during the end of the video, you must watch it again from the beginning.

    • 5

      Log into your FHSAA account and register for the rules examination at officials.fhsaa.org. Complete the rules examination on the date you are instructed. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the exam. The schedule is available on the same website. If you pass, you will be licensed to referee youth football games.