Become a High School Referee

Temporary Status -Temporary Status is given after successfully completing an unsupervised (open-book) exam. - Contact the Iowa High School Athletic Union for a copy of the NFHS Rule Book and an exam. You must recieve 75% or higher on the exam in order to be certified. Temporary Certification is good for a three (3) year period only, and the exam must be taken prior to each season.

Approved Status -Approved Status is given after recieving a score of 70% or greater on a closed-book, supervised examination.  Contact the IHSAA or your local association for examination dates and locations.  You do not need to have temporary certification prior to achieving approved status, though many referees choose that route to become familiar with the high school rules differences before attempting the closed-book exam.

In Iowa, you must also cross-certify with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union if you intend to work girls high school matches.  Most local referee assignors will require that you certify in both in order to receive high school matches.  Once you have received temporary or approved status with the IHSAA, you may contact the IGHSAU to become certified with their organization.