Join DFOA

Introduction

The Dallas Chapter of TASO is one of the largest chapters of football officials in the state of Texas. With over 700 members, we officiate football throughout the metroplex.

We are a chapter of the Texas Association of Sport 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, as well as TAPPS, the governing body of the private schools.

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 2009 we had over 11,200 officiating game assignments.

Meetings

New member training sessions are taught each season. They are held in conjunction with regular chapter meetings, which start in July and continue through the early part of November.

These meetings are scheduled from 6:30 PM to 8:00PM on Monday evenings.

Chapter members are required to attend at least 60% of these regular meetings. The meetings are designed for the benefit of the officials and are an invaluable source of education and training 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, new officials 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. Sub-varsity games are scheduled Monday through Thursday evenings (Start times range from 4 to 5:30 PM).

In addition, the majority of the time you will be working 2 games at each assignment. You will be asked to work games in a variety of areas of town. This gets you good exposure to more officials and coaches.

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 at chapter meetings as well as several places in the metroplex and through various mail-order suppliers. Expect to spend approximately $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 $75.00 for your first 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 the current NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations book, a current Mechanics Manual, and a current 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 $30-$45 per game. Varsity games range from $65-$180.

Application Form

Open up the application form in Adobe Acrobat (pdf). Fill it out and send it with a check made out to DFOA for $75 and mail to DFOA, 2005 Fairmeadow, Richardson, TX 75080. You can contact Mark Paxton, the recruiting chairman, at mark_pxtn@hotmail.com. You may also give Mark a call on his cell phone (214-686-9126) if you have any questions.