Getting started as a High School Official, with the West Coast Officials Association.

Desire - You must have a commitment to being the best official possible.

Complete this link to allow the WCOA to contact you:

 Football Application

Register with the WCOA by downloading the registration form  then mail it to the address at the top of the form, or obtain a registration form at a sports meeting.

http://www.wcoafla.org/WCOAREGIST.pdf

Then register with the state via online registration at : IFHSAA ONLINE REGISTRATION

 You must be an active member in a local association which has been sanctioned by the FHSAA,  in this case, the WCOA.

 

State requirements for registration:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age, unless you are in a junior mentoring program
  • Submit an application
  • Pay the non-refundable fee
  • Join and maintain membership in a local officials association sanctioned by the state
  • Complete the felony/crime certification and fingerprinting; contact Thom Powers for information -  or click on this link for details http://www.wcoafla.org/fingerprint.htm. 

WEST COAST OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION - WCOA

All meetings are held at the location specified on the Basketball/Football Dates page or on the master calendar available on the main page .

Officials with no prior experience or officials with non-high school experience will undergo training in WCOA provided training sessions, clinics and scrimmages.

Officials with prior experience will be evaluated by association board members and must provide :

  • A letter from their previous association stating that they were a member in good standing
  • The level and number of contests previously officiated
  • A letter from the state association indicating the number of years active with that state.
  • All new high school experienced officials may enter the WCOA as a '3' rated official until Board Members can determine through observation, of the level at which they are qualified to officiate. 

All Varsity level officials must score a minimum of 80 on the National Federation/FHSAA rules exam to officiate varsity Hillsborough County public High School contests. Per state regulations, varsity officials must score over '75'  to officiate high school contests not in the Hillsborough County public system.

All active association members "MUST" take the state/federation rules exam yearly as well as view the yearly rules video for their specific sport.

The WCOA rates association members as follows :  

  1. Beginning official, little or no officiating experience.
  2. More experienced official, able to work Junior Varsity games, may be the lead official, depending on experience.
  3. Beginning level varsity qualified official. Able to be the lead official in any JV contest and work some varsity contests under experienced supervision on a varsity crew. Should be to work officiate with minimal supervision.
  4. Experienced varsity official, trained in all mechanics. Able to work almost any contest, and depending on ability, often is the crew lead in games.
  5. Top level varsity officials. Able to work any contest, at any level, with any crew. Heavily involved in association affairs, as well as training and rating less experienced officials.     

All members 'MUST' adhere to the dress code specified by the WCOA to officiate contests in the association; see the dress code for specifics. 

Contact one of the WCOA basketball board members for additional information.