NOTE: Wearing of the American flag is option for officials. however, if worn, the KSHSAA strongly recommends that the American flag be placed on the right sleeve. In accordance with flag etiquette, a "reverse field" or "right" flag must be used. The stars should lead the bars when the flag is worn correctly.

The KSHSAA Officials Department oversees the licensing and testing of the Kansas High School officials. Officials are licensed in: baseball, basketball, football, girls' gymnastics, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling. Officials are required to pay registration fees, attend a KSHSAA rules meeting and take a written rules test each year in each sport in which they are licensed. Although not licensed officials, starters for track and field are required to be registered with the KSHSAA, must attend a KSHSAA rules meeting and take a track & field rules test.

Officials who are licensed through the KSHSAA are eligible to apply for post season officiating. KSHSAA contests that use licensed officials are: baseball, girls' and boys' basketball, football, girls' gymnastics, girls' and boys' soccer, softball, girls' volleyball, and wrestling. Registered track & field starters may also apply to officiate for KSHSAA post season track & field meets.

Over the years, the KSHSAA has registered and licensed over 10,000 officials. Approximately 4,000-5,000 officials are active each year, many in more than one sport. The officials registered with the KSHSAA are among thousands across America honored each year on National Officials' Day, which is held in October during National High School Activities Week.

The KSHSAA is looking for men and women who want to return something to their school and community by becoming a licensed athletic official. Candidates should be in good physical condition and be able to make decisions on their feet and stick to them.

To become an official, you'll need to fill out an application. Applications are available from the KSHSAA office or new for the 2007-08 school year is the ability for officials to register online with a credit card (Visa or Mastercard). If you are a brand new official and would like to register online, please click here or you may print out and mail a registration card (not for Reciprocity Agreement). Officials that have registered with the KSHSAA in the past, please login and complete the registration process. Once the application and registration fees are received, applicants will receive their rule book(s) to use for the open-book rules test.

In addition, applicants must attend an annual Rules Meeting (click for schedule) to learn the latest rule changes and interpretations. [Click for Area Supervisors Meetings Schedule.] Click for additional announcements of officials meetings and/or clinics.

If you'd like to get an application, please e-mail us with your name and address. An application will be mailed to you as soon as we receive the request. Or, call or write the KSHSAA Officials Department at 785/273-5329, PO Box 495, Topeka, KS 66601-0495