Join DFOA

Introduction

The Dallas Chapter of TASO is the largest chapter of football officials in the state of Texas.  With over 550 members, we officiate football throughout the metroplex.

Our chapter is a sub-chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO), which is the governing body over most high school and junior high school sports officials in the state of Texas.  They work directly with the University Interscholastic League (UIL), governing body of the public schools in Texas and private schools as well.

Every year, before the season, we make agreements with local schools and districts to provide football officials for their varsity and sub-varsity football games.

We then assign officials to work these games.  The schools then pay the official directly for his/her services.  In 2000 we had over 9,100 officiating game assignments.

Meetings

New member training sessions are now underway. They will be held in conjunction with our regular chapter meetings, which start in August and continue through the early part of November.  

These meetings will be from 6:30 PM to 8:00PM.

Chapter members are required to attend at least 60% of these regular meetings.  These meetings are designed for your benefit and are an invaluable source of education and training for officials at all levels.

Game Assignments

New officials initially gain experience working sub-varsity games.  In addition, chain crew assignments on Friday nights provide valuable insight into officiating.  With these efforts, you will learn the basic rules and officiating mechanics.  Experience takes time and effort.

Sub-varsity games are assigned by satellite secretaries.  These men coordinate the sub-varsity games in different areas of the metroplex.  You will contact these men to schedule games.  Many of the games are booked during the summer but there are always games available.

Don't be afraid to contact them again and again because changes often occur by the hour, once the season starts.  Most sub-varsity games are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (Start times range from 4 to 5:30 PM) and Saturday mornings (Start usually 9:30 AM).

In addition, the majority of the time you will be working 2 games each time.  You will be asked to work games in a variety of areas of town.  This gets you good exposure to more officials and coaches.  Granted it is not as convenient, but will help your career in the long run.

Pee Wee games are not directly associated with our chapter, but are typically assigned by members of our chapter who work with the various leagues.  These games provide a great training ground for new officials.

Equipment

Uniforms can be purchased several places in the metroplex and through various mail-order suppliers.  Expect to spend a minimum of $175.00 for a complete uniform (with solid black cleats).

Rankings

Members are ranked based on points accrued by working games. There are 5 divisions with 5 being where new members start and 1 being the top division. It will usually take at least 2 years to move up to division 4 depending on how many games you work.

There are several ways to earn points, including the score on your rules test, educational clinic attendance, including the State Rules Meeting, and contest units for games worked in the previous year.

Dues and Game Fees

To join the state organization (TASO) and our chapter (DFOA); you will be required to pay $25.00 for the 2005 season. 

These dues cover the necessary administrative and operating costs of the various organizations, rulebooks, and your ticket for the chapter banquet held in November.  With your dues, you will get a 2005 NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations book, a 2005 Mechanics Manual, and a 2005 DFOA directory of officials and schools.

Subvarsity game fees are determined by the UIL.  Most schools will have you fill out a pay sheet and will then mail you a check within 2-3 weeks.  Some schools pay cash.  Sub-varsity game fees range from $25-$40 per game.  Varsity games range from $60-$180.

Application Form

Open up the application form in Adobe Acrobat (pdf). Fill it out and forward it to Mark Paxton at mark_pxtn@hotmail.com. You may also give Mark a call on his cell phone (214-686-9126) if you have any questions.