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Northwest Conference
“Thank an Official” Campaign

During the school year, the 16 member schools of the Northwest Conference are recognizing the importance of the umpires, referees and officials who manage our athletic contests. During each of our athletic seasons, the Northwest Conference has designated a week to show our appreciation for officials through the “Thank an Official” Campaign. Throughout the NWC, we are recognizing and celebrating our officials.

More than 5,000 officials serve Washington State high schools by doing their best to ensure all contests are fair, safe and fun.

Officials are required to register with the state officials’ association, complete annual rules meetings, and attend yearly training clinics. In addition, they spend countless hours in preparation for and traveling to contests.

High school officiating is an avocation, not a vocation. It is something done in addition to full-time employment. Officials work for the enjoyment of staying involved with the sports they love and for the opportunity to give back to kids, coaches and schools.

Officials are crucial in providing our student participants an opportunity to learn life lessons through education-based athletics. Enforcing the rules of the game fairly and consistently, and holding students and coaches to behavior expectations, are vitally important to successful high school events.

We ask all spectators, athletes, and coaches to be especially appreciative of the officials and the great job they do in serving our kids and programs. Without them there are no games!

More officials are needed in all sports and at all levels. For more information on how you can get involved, go to woa-officials.com for more information on becoming an official.