2026 Registration for OCFOA

  • This registration form is to be completed by all prospective officials intending to officiate high school tackle and/or flag football during the 2026 season.

    Please carefully review the information below before completing your registration.

    Discounts / Fees / Requirements

    Bundle Discount
    Officials intending to work both tackle and flag football in 2026 will received a discount. By combining your registration across both tackle and flag football, your total fees paid will be less than if the member registered for each seperately. This discount reflects OCFOA's shared expenses between the two sports.


    First-Year Discount
    First-year officials are eligible for reduced fees in order to offset the cost of uniforms and equipment first-year officials encounter. This discount is also applied in order to reduce aprehension and to encourage individuals to try officiating with lower financial risk. In order to maximize the first-year and bundle discounts, first-year officials are encouraged to register for and work both tackle and flag football.


    Assignor Fees
    Tackle: Assignor fees are included in the base registration. No additional fees will be charged no matter how many or how few tackle football games you work during the season.

    Flag: A $60 assignor fee deposit is collected during the registration process. ($3 - $4 per game assignor fee applies depending on JV or Varsity Flag game assigned.) With each flag game assignment completed, a pro-rated portion of the $60 deposit is deducted. Should a flag official work more games than the $60 deposit covers, the flag assignor will invoice the official for the games worked on a pro-rated basis.


    CIF Background Check, Certification & Insurance
    In addition to OCFOA requirements, CIF also requires the following for all officials:

    • Background checks: Schools require annual background checks for anyone working with students, including officials. A statewide database will allow officials to complete a single background check that can be used for all associations they work with, and member schools will be able to verify eligibility through this system. There is no cost to you to perform this background check. 
    • CIF certification and testing: Online rules testing is required to support consistent rules knowledge and application.
    • Required insurance: Liability insurance is required for all contractors working in schools. Through a statewide policy, officials will benefit from lower costs and protection from premium increases that might result from a single high-claims year. This is required by CIF and is seperate from NASO membership insurance. Officials may access the CIF registration through the Eligibility tab on the CIF Website starting June 1. Coverage will run through May 31 of the following year and is valid only for the sports selected during that period. A summary and detailed description of the insurance coverage is provided at the end of this application.

    First-Year Officials
    First-Year Officials will receive instruction and training as part of your discounted registration. Upon successful registration, first-year officials can expect:

    • Granted access to ArbiterSports.com (arbiter.io). Please complete your profile as soon as possible. A completed profile includes: uploading a headshot (photo) and entering your contact information, i.e. name, address, phone, etc.
    • An instructor or group of instructors will contact you to begin your training and guide you through your officiating education and training. 

  • Registration

    • Waiver of Liability 

    • WAIVER OF LIABILITY

      I, (hereinafter "Member"), in consideration for being granted membership status in the Orange County Football Officials Association (hereinafter "ASSOCIATION") and for receiving and accepting assignments from the ASSOCIATION for football related events, voluntarily and knowingly execute this Waiver of Liability ("Waiver") with the express intention of releasing the ASSOCIATION from any liability whatsoever arising out of any ASSOCIATION related activity that MEMBER may participate in. 

      The term "ASSOCIATION" shall mean to include the ASSOCIATION’s officers, directors and regular employees (not including any other ASSOCIATION member -- who is considered a contract employees) or the ASSOCIATION’s legal representatives.

      The MEMBER, with the intention of binding him/her self, his/her heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and if married, his/her spouse, expressly releases, discharges, holds harmless, and agrees to indemnify the ASSOCIATION and/or its officers, directors, employees and/or their legal representatives from any liability for bodily injury or property damage (collectively referred to as “injury”) to the MEMBER that may occur as a result of the negligence of any other party, including but not limited to: the negligence (including gross negligence) of the ASSOCIATION, its members, and its Board of Directors, officers, and any other employee (contract or regular employee) and; the negligence (including gross negligence) of any school and/or school district (including its employees, volunteers, students, fans).

      MEMBER understands that this Waiver shall apply to injury arising out of travel to and from, and participation in, ASSOCIATION meetings or ASSOCIATION sponsored functions and events, paid and/or unpaid ASSOCIATION assignments, and/or officiating at any ASSOCIATION assigned football games (whether such assignment is paid or unpaid). This Waiver shall be in effect and binding upon the MEMBER for two years from the date it is signed by the MEMBER. 

      MEMBER understands that this Waiver shall also apply to any injuries MEMBER shall suffer while officiating ASSOCIATION assigned football games that are as a result of his/her own health related issues, (whether known or unknown to him/her and/or ASSOCIATION). 

      In checking below, I agree that I have executed this release.

    • NFHS / CIF SS Code of Ethics - Officials 

    • NFHS/C.I.F. Southern Section Code of Ethics – Officials

      Officials at an interscholastic athletic event are participants in the educational development of high school students. As such, they must exercise a high level of self-discipline, independence, and responsibility. The purpose of this Code is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all interscholastic officials. 

      As an official, I understand that it is my responsibility to: 

      1. Master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm, and controlled manner. 

      2. Work with each other, their state associations, and their sections in a constructive and cooperative manner. 

      3. Uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interactions with student-athletes, 

      coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, colleagues, and the public. 

      4. Prepare myself both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately and shall comport themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. 

      5. Be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all contractual obligations. 

      6. Remain mindful that their conduct influences the respect that student-athletes, coaches and the public hold for the profession. 

      7. While enforcing the rules of play, remain aware of the inherent risk of injury that competition poses to student-athletes. Where appropriate, they shall inform event management of conditions or situations that appear unreasonably hazardous. 

      8. Take reasonable steps to educate themselves in the recognition of emergency conditions 

      that might arise during the course of the competition. 

      9. Support the principles of Pursuing Victory with Honor and uphold the Six Pillars of 

      Character: 

      - Trustworthiness 

      - Respect 

      - Responsibility 

      - Fairness 

      - Caring 

      - Citizenship 

      By agreeing below, I agree to abide by the NFHS/C.I.F. Southern Section Official’s Code of Ethics. 

      A copy of this form must be kept on file with the Unit President of each Official’s Sports Association and each Unit’s Statement of Compliance must be on file at the C.I.F. Southern Section Office. 

    • OCFOA Social Media Policy 

    • The Orange County Football Officials Association social media policy ensures that all online activity by OCFOA members upholds the integrity, professionalism, and neutrality expected of high school football officials. It applies to all forms of digital communication, including social media platforms, forums, blogs, messaging apps, group chats, and any other online community.

      Representation of OCFOA

      • Members should not speak on behalf of OCFOA unless approval from the OCFOA Board.
      • Any official OCFOA communication must come from Board‑authorized accounts or individuals designated by the Board.
      • Members may not create or manage accounts that appear to represent OCFOA without written authorization.

      Personal Accounts and Disclaimers.

      • If members making posts regarding their experiences as an official, members must make it clear when expressing personal opinions that they do not represent OCFOA.
      • When discussing or commenting online regarding officiating‑related topics where your OCFOA affiliation is known or easily inferred, include a disclaimer such as: “The views expressed are my own and do not reflect the views of the OCFOA.”

      Confidentiality and Game‑Related Content

      • Do not post about assignments, crew information, schedules, or internal OCFOA communications.
      • Do not comment publicly on:
      1. Specific schools, teams, players, or coaches
      2. Ejections, penalties, or controversial plays
      3. Game incidents, injuries, or administrative decisions
      4. Do not share rule interpretations, case plays, or training materials marked as internal.

      Professional Conduct Online

      • Maintain the same professionalism online that is expected on the field.
      • Avoid posts that could be interpreted as biased toward or against any school, league, coach, or player.
      • Do not engage in arguments, debates, or hostile exchanges about officiating decisions.
      • Do not use the OCFOA name, logo, or brand to endorse products, services, political causes, or personal ventures.

      Identity and Misrepresentation

      • Do not impersonate OCFOA, any official, or any affiliated organization.
      • Do not imply OCFOA endorsement of your personal content.
      • When identifying yourself as a football official, avoid phrasing that suggests you represent OCFOA’s official position.

      Interactions with Students, Coaches, and Parents

      • Do not “friend,” follow, or engage in direct messaging with student‑athletes.
      • Use caution when interacting with coaches, administrators, or parents online.
      • Avoid commenting on posts from schools or teams you may officiate.

      Group Chats, Messaging Apps, and Private Forums

      • Treat private digital spaces (WhatsApp, GroupMe, Discord, Slack, etc.) as extensions of professional conduct.
      • Do not share screenshots or private conversations without consent.
      • Do not distribute internal OCFOA information outside approved channels.

      Use of AI‑Generated Content

      • Do not create or share AI‑generated images, videos, or audio that depict schools, players, coaches, or officials in misleading or fabricated scenarios.
      • Do not use AI tools to create content that could be interpreted as official OCFOA communication without Board approval.

      Enforcement

      Actions or posts found to be potentially in violation may be submitted and reviewed by the ethics committee; Based on findings and ethics committee and Board determinations, violations of this policy may result in:

      1. Verbal or written warnings
      2. Removal from assignments
      3. Suspension or termination of OCFOA membership
      4. Reporting to the appropriate governing body (e.g., NFHS, CIF‑SS) when required

      Acknowledgment

      All OCFOA members, new and returning, must review and accept the Social Media Policy annually as a condition of assignment eligibility.

    • OCFOA Certification Requirements 

    • A member has specific requirements to earn Certificated Member status. This status is earned for the following season.

      The Certified requirements are:

      Financial:

      • Pay dues
      • Pay any/all fees for turned back game assignments and assignor fees (if any)
      • Pay any other fees required by OCFOA

      Instructional Hours:

      • Credited with a minimum of 18 instructional hours
      • Credit hours include - Meetings, Scrimmages, on field training, etc. 
      • Other meetings approved by the Instructional Chairman

      Testing:

      A certified member shall be one who achieves at least the minimum passing grade (80%) in a certification examination and takes and passes all other required examinations.

      • Summer Study Guide
      • Certification Exam
      • CIF required Exam/certification
      • Other exams or tests required by the instructional and ratings chairs

      Game Assignments:

      •  All Game Assignments fulfilled as assigned

      Professional Behavior:

      • A member does not engage in unprofessional conduct, or act in a manner which is detrimental to the welfare and purpose of the Association or its members.
    • Refund Policy 
    • Payment Processing 
    • prevnext( X )
      USD
      Credit Card
      Billing Address
    • Insurance Details 

    • Coverage Summary

      Arbiter Officials Association member officials and member associations are provided with General Liability, Accident Medical, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage while they are officiating during covered activities as outlined below, with options for associations to purchase Directors & Officers and Excess Liability insurance.

      General Liability

      Policy will provide $1 million per occurrence, subject to a policy aggregate of $5 million per official/covered association. Participant Legal Liability is included within the limits of coverage. Defense costs are paid in addition to these limits.

      Accident Medical

      Coverage is provided up to a limit of $50,000, with a $250 deductible. Benefit period is 52 weeks; first covered expenses must be incurred within 90 days of the covered accident. Coverage is excess of any other valid and collectible insurance the official may have in force. The $250 deductible will need to be paid over any primary insurance the official may have in force.

      Accidental Death & Dismemberment

      Policy provides a $10,000 limit for Accidental Death & Dismemberment, including limited coverage for heart and circulatory disorders.

      Directors & Officers (optional)

      Associations can purchase Directors & Officers insurance at limits of $1 million or $2 million. To learn more and purchase online, visit amerspec.com/arbiter.

      Excess Liability (optional)

      Associations can contact Susanne Watson at swatson@americanspecialty.com to discuss Excess Liability insurance options and complete an application if required. Minimum premium may apply.

      Covered Activities (All Coverages)

      ·          For coverage to apply, the official/association must be a registered member of Arbiter Officials Association. Associations must have 100% of officials participating in Arbiter Officials Association. Membership will be verified by Arbiter Sports before any claim is paid.

      ·          This insurance coverage shall apply while the member official is engaging in officiating activities for sports/ activities that are recognized by the state high school association where the game/contest takes place and that follow the sports guidelines of an accredited sport sanctioning organization or governing body. If a sport is recognized for either men or women by the state high school association, the official will be covered for officiating both men and women. Officiating activities include assigning, chain crew, and attending or operating officiating camps, clinics or meetings.

      ·          Coverage will extend to non-high school activities as well, such as middle school, summer leagues, and recreational leagues, that are recognized by the state high school association where the game/contest takes place and that follow the sports guidelines of an accredited sport sanctioning organization or governing body.

      ·          Operations for local associations include events such as training seminars, banquets, business meetings, and office premise liability.

      ·          Coverage may extend to include travel directly to and from a covered activity for all Participant Accident benefits. No liability coverage is provided for travel to and from a covered activity.

      ·          No coverage will apply for officiating at the professional or semi-professional level.  

      This is a general summary of policy coverages and is not intended to describe all the terms, provisions, conditions, and exclusions contained in each policy. If there is any discrepancy between this summary and the policy, the policy will prevail.

       

      Insurance Carriers

      The insurance carriers providing these admitted policies to Arbiter Officials Association are rated “A” or better by A.M. Best.

      Claims & Questions

      ·          Request a certificate of insurance online at americanspecialty.com/arbiter-certificate.

      ·          Any Accident Medical claims should be reported to Health Special Risk, Inc., 8400 Belleview Drive, Suite 150, Plano,

      ·          TX, 75024 (claims@hsri.com). Policy Number: 11SPR0941203.

      ·          Any General Liability claims should be reported to American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services, Inc., 7609 W.

      ·          Jefferson Blvd., Suite 150, Fort Wayne, IN, 46804 (claims@americanspecialty.com). Policy Number:

      ·          SBCGL1494005.

      ·          For Directors & Officers questions and claims, visit amerspec.com/arbiter.

      ·          For general questions regarding the Arbiter Officials Association Insurance Program, please contact American

      ·          Specialty at 800-245-2744 or Susanne Watson at swatson@americanspecialty.com.

       

      General Liability Insurance

      ·          General Aggregate Limit Per Official:                                                $ 5,000,000

      ·          Products-Completed Operations Aggregate Limit:                              $5,000,000

      ·          Each Occurrence Limit:                                                                   $1,000,000

      ·          Personal and Advertising Injury Limit:                                              $1,000,000

      ·          Damage to Premises Rented to You:                                                $1,000,000

      ·          Sexual Abuse & Molestation – Each Occurrence:                                $1,000,000

      ·          Sexual Abuse & Molestation – Aggregate:                                         $2,000,000

      ·          Participant Legal Liability:                                                                    Included

      ·          Crisis Management – Each Event/Aggregate:                                          $50,000

      ·          Deductible:                                                                                         $0 (zero)

       

      Excess Accident Medical

      ·          Maximum Benefit                                                          -                      $50,000

      ·          Corridor Deductible                                                       -                      $250

      ·          Accidental Death and Dismemberment Maximum Benefit  -                      $10,000

      ·          Heart & Circulatory Malfunction Maximum Benefit             -                      $10,000

      ·          Physical Therapy – per Visit                                           -                      Up to $50 Per Day

      ·          Physical Therapy– Maximum per Injury                           -                      40 days, Limited to One Treatment Per

      ·          Durable Medical Equipment – Maximum per Injury -  Day Up to $1,000 per Covered Accident

      ·          Out-Patient Prescriptions – Maximum per Injury           -                      Up to $1,000 per Covered 

      ·          Benefit Period                                                                                     Accident 52 Weeks

      ·          Loss Incurral Period                                                    -                       90 Days

      ·                                                                                          -                        No Sup-Limit

      ·          Treatment by a Physician                                            -                      Within 26 hours

       

      Covered Activities: Insured officials are covered for injury resulting from an accident which occurs directly from:

      ·          Individual travel for all insured officials traveling to and from officiating activities.

      ·          Coverage shall apply while the insured official is engaging in officiating activities for sports/activities that are recognized by the high school state association and that follow the sports guidelines of an accredited sport sanctioning organization or governing body. Officiating activities include assigning, chain crew and attending or operating officiating camps, clinics or meetings. Covered activities do not include officiating at the professional or semi‐professional level.

      ·          All insurance carriers are “A Rated” by A.M Best

       

       

    • Should be Empty: