South Texas Football Officials Association

It may seem like a daunting process to get started, but it's really more simple than you would think. Below is a simple step-by-step guide to getting started.

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The first step is to get registered with the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO). TASO is an independent organization, providing support, resources and training for Texas high school sports officials. To register go to www.taso.org and click APPLY under the NEW APPLICANTS tab. Dues for first year officials are currently $50. Apply to TASO first as TASO will run a background check as part of the application process.

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The second step is applying to the local chapter. You will need to fill out the chapter application form which can be found under our more tab, or by clicking here. Once filled it out, we will receive your application and reach out for any further questions. The local chapter dues for first-year officials are $10 and can be paid via PayPal through the link on our homepage. Along with reduced dues, the chapter will provide first-year members with instructions on the purchase of the uniform through the STFOA reimbursement program. The uniforms can be purchased through a vendor at out STFOA annual rules clinic.

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We have regularly scheduled meetings throughout both the off-season and during the Texas High School football season. Meeting times and locations are posted on our South Texas Football Officials Association website calendar and Facebook page.

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While you are doing all of this, it's a good idea that you get started on strengthening your knowledge of the rules and mechanics. Texas is the only state that uses NCAA rules (with some UIL exceptions). You can download a copy of the  NCAA RULES AND INTERPRETATION on our RULES/MECHANICS page as well as the UIL EXCEPTIONS to the rules and the TASO approved MECHANICS manuals. These mechanics manuals are our playbook. They explain where each official will line up, what they will be watching (keys), and how to move to cover the play. The 3-person mechanics manual is a starting point, as many of the sub-varsity games you cover through the week will have 3 officials. Junior Varity games will often have 4 officials, and Varsity games will usually have 7 officials. 

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Now it's time to get a uniform together. The TASO approved uniform must be worn when officiating in any game(s) assigned by the STFOA. Along with reduces dues, the chapter will provide first-year members with instructions on the purchase of the uniform through the STFOA reimbursement program. The uniforms can be purchased through a vendor at our STFOA annual rules clinic. There are vendors that you can order directly from. A page with links to their websites can be found on our front page or by clicking here.

Vendors will have package deals set up to help you get started. A list of what you will need follows:

• Shirt

  • Black & White 2 1/4" stripes short sleeve (w/ TASO logo, white border USA flag on left sleeve and the Texas state logo on right sleeve) (NO Position Letter)

• Pants

  • Variety games will wear full length black pants with the 1 1/4" white stripe.

  • JV and Middle School games, black shorts with a 1 1/4" white stripe.

• Belt

  • Black

• Shoes

  • Predominately black with black laces (shoes typically not included in package deal)

• Socks

  • Black

• Hat

  • Brooklyn style solid black cap with narrow white piping. There should be no emblem or numbers other than a small manufacturer's logo visible.

• Chain crew officials for Varsity games will wear full length black pants with white stripe with a plain white polo shirt with NO logos.​​

• Accessories

  • Gold penalty flag; white or black bean bag, whistle (Fox 40) with lanyard and down indicator.

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Finally, before the season, you will be required to attend our STFOA annual rules clinic. Everyone that wishes to officiate during the season is required to attend. The date of the clinic will be posted on our webpage as soon as it is available. All you will have left to do after that is to take the TASO rules test. This test is required to be taken and passed 80% in order to be eligible to officiate regular season varsity games as a field official.

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And that's it, you'll be ready to go. Once the season starts you will be assigned games by the Chapter Assigning Secretary via our assigning software www.reftown.com. On RefTown, you can designate dates or times you are available or not. You will need to accept your assignment and then arrive at the game 20-30 minutes before the start time posted. If you are assigned to a chain crew or clock for varsity games, please arrive at least 45 minutes before kickoff so that you can have time to talk with the officiating crew. You will complete a paysheet at the game site which is submitted to the school district for payment.