The prospective football official will receive a minimum of 25 hours of instruction on the playing rules and mechanics (where to stand, signals and where to look) of the sport. Class sessions will be dedicated to the relationship of the OHSAA and officials, how to deal with emotionally charged situations, how to get games, where to purchase uniforms and equipment, where to find a local officials/umpires association and all related information to provide each prospective official/umpire with an opportunity for success. The goal of each instructor is to provide every student with enough knowledge and proficiency to be successful at the entry level in sports officiating.

It is expected that each student be proficient in reading and writing. Officials may have to run and be engaged in strenuous physical activity, therefore you should be ambulatory and have the necessary level of physical fitness required for that sport. You are expected to attend every class. You will be required to pay an instructional fee. At the conclusion of classes and prior to your first game assignment you will be expected to purchase your own equipment and uniform. You will be required to be proficient in mechanics. You will also be required to receive at least 75% on two written, final exams: one on rules and one on mechanics.