Big Bend Football Officials Association ©

Welcome to the Big Bend Football Officials recruiting page. Please take the time to read through our frequently asked questions before you send an email to us. If your question is not answered we will be happy to answer it for you. Located under the FAQ are some links that you may want to check out.

There are three areas that you will have to spend money in. The first is membership fees for the FHSAA. You must register with the FHSAA for every sport you would like to officiate ($34 for 1st sport, $27 for each additional). Please note that should you choose to register with the FHSAA via paper instead of the online system, it will cost you an extra $10!

The second is membership fees for the BBFOA. These you may pay up front or you may have them deducted out of your first check. Membership fees are $40 for new members and $30 for returning members.

The last is uniforms. Most stores that carry official's equipment will sell a starter package that will range anywhere from $120 to $170. The official uniform has the following components: "Zebra" shirt (with collar and a pocket) - $27, Black " coaching" shorts - $22, Belt - $14, Knickers - $37, Hat - $12, Flag - $6.50, Bean bag - $5, Chain clip - $8.50, Score card / Pencil - $5: Individual Total $137. All prices that I have listed is the price for new equipment. We have had several officials retire or buy new gear and are selling their old gear for cheaper prices!

FHSAA - $32 +
BBFOA - $40 +
Uniform - $137 =

$209

Do not let money be a factor for whether you want to come out or not. There are always many people willing to help you out!

The BBFOA has officials that have called in the NFL, College... all the way down to brand new officials. These experienced officials are always happy to assist you in any way possible. The BBFOA conducts several study sessions before the test, at least one on-the-field clinic, and several practice games prior to the start of the season. All rule books will be provided to you via your $32 registration fee to the FHSAA.

With the exception of city league and some middle school football, games called by Big Bend Football Association are sanctioned through the Florida High School Activities Association. The FHSAA mandates that each official must at least attempt the exam (100 questions). There are certain scores that must be made to call certain levels of high school football. Please refer to the question "How many levels of football will I be able to officiate".

The BBFOA utilizes a lock out sheet to determine when an official is available to work. You are given a sheet listing all possible dates for games. All you do is cross out the dates you do not want to work and you will not be scheduled for the days you do not want to work.

Varsity - $60 + $ 5 per diem = $65
JV - $45 + $ 5 per diem = $50
Middle School - $40 + $ 5 per diem = $45
City League - $30
Clock - $26 + $ 5 per diem = $31
People who drive to out-of-town games are also allocated travel funds depending on which location they go to.

The biggest considerations for scheduling are FHSAA test score, experience, and availability. The only games that scheduling restrictions apply to are varsity level games. Everyone may officiate at any level below varsity. There are several factors that are weighed when determining what games to schedule you for:

FHSAA Rank - Used in determining playoff eligibility. To call playoffs you must be a rank 2 official. Each official is ranked based on how many varsity level games he/she has called up to the current season, previous year's test score, and how many years experience they have officiated in the selected sport.

FHSAA Test Score - Each official must score a 75 or better on the test to officiate varsity level games. Each official must score an 80 or higher to officiate in the playoffs.

Experience - The only way you can learn the game of football is by being on the field. Do not let this get in your way if you are new! Many of our first year officials last year got to be on the field for 2-3 varsity level games and countless JV, Middle School, and City League games!

For regular season games, the BBFOA serves all of Leon county, but also officiates games in Aucilla, Perry, Quincy, and sometimes (rarely) Niceville.