Regular season requirements for officials
The DFOA works in conjunction with CFOA and CHSAA to maintain a basic set of eligibility requirements to officiate high school football in Denver. The requirements vary slightly by the level of the contest. To officiate Freshman and 8th grade, or sometimes called “C” level games, you must:
- Be a registered official with CHSAA;
- Must have current, and valid, background check on file with CHSAA;
- DFOA certification is NOT required, however, if not DFOA certified, you may NOT work the Referee position. You can work the umpire or wing positions.
Junior Varsity assignments have the same requirements as above but DOES require DFOA Certification. Uncertified officials cannot work JV assignments regardless of position. Varsity contests have additional requirements outlined below.
Requirements for varsity game assignments
- At least 18 years of age and in good health;
- Registered official with CHSAA and CFOA;
- Must have current, and valid, background check on file with CHSAA;
- Be a certified official with DFOA and a member in good standing with current dues;
- Have attended a Colorado Master Clinic during the current season or have taken the Master Clinic online during the current season provided the Master Clinic was attended in person the previous year;
- Comply with the requirements established by the CFOA Constitution and policies established by the CFOA Board of Directors;
- Agree to utilize the mechanics in the CFOA Officials Mechanics Manual;
- Have attained at least five DFOA local area meeting credits for the previous season. If at least 5 DFOA local area meeting credits were not obtained during the previous season, official will not be eligible for Varsity games during the current season;
- Have worked at least three sub-varsity games during the previous season. If at least three sub-varsity games were not worked during the previous season, the official will not be eligible for Varsity games during the current season;
- 2nd and 3rd year officials may get a Varsity assignment in an emergency situation but should not expect one until their 4th year provided they have demonstrated skills to officiate at the Varsity level.
- TESTING: Must have passed a total of two exams, without collaboration and achieve a score of 85% or greater. The CFOA Mechanics Test and either (1) CFOA Veteran Rules Exam -or- (2) the CFOA Playoff Exam.