The Rhode Island Football Official Association (RIFOA) services all levels of youth and high school football in the state of Rhode Island.

The RIFOA is always looking for individuals who want to become a certified football official. Candidates should be at least 18 years old, in good physical condition (physician note required), and enjoy an environment requiring objectivity, alertness, quick thinking and sound decision making. 

Some Reasons to Become a RI Football Official!

Because You have a passion for the Game of Football

If you love the game of football, officiating is the best way to stay involved in the game. The great thing about being an official is that you actually get to be on the field and not on the sidelines.

Great Way to keep moving

Officiating provides a meaningful reason to stay in shape.  and,  gives you the opportunity to get out of the house two or three times a week and participate in an enjoyable and rewarding physical activity.

Be A Positive Role Model

Officiating provides a unique opportunity to positively influence today's youth. An Official is a role model who is charged with enforcing the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship.

Personal Development

Football officiating requires you to make prompt decisions, resolve conflicts, manage stress & pressure and, demands good communications skills. Its a great way to test your mettle.

Make Lifelong Friends

Your fellow officials can become your friends for life. A tremendous bond is developed between officials as they work together for the common good and can only be fully explained after you've experienced it.

Put Some Extra Money in Your Pocket

Football officiating is an investment of your time, energy and desire to give back to the community and the game you love. An investment in officiating will not only impact your personal development, it will also put a few extra bucks in your pocket.

 BECOMING A CERTIFIED RHODE ISLAND FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION MEMBER

Don't know the rules? Don't worry. We an  extensive training program designed to help every candidate succeed on the field and the rule book. Every new official attends classroom sessions and on-field evaluations to acquire the rules knowledge and field mechanics needed to effectively and safely officiate games at all levels.

To become an active member, you'll need to submit an application and registration fee (covers dues and materials) , attend classroom  instruction, complete on-field requirements, and pass a written rule exam.  Once certified, you will join your fellow officials at on-going meetings that will keep you informed of the latest rule changes and interpretations in order to maintain your status as an active member of the RIFOA.

In addition to rules knowledge and field mechanics, officials must be in good physical condition.

New officials are responsible for purchasing their own uniform and equipment which includes:

• Fitted black hat with white piping
• NFHS (National federation of High Schools) approved stripe shirt (long and short)
• NFHS approved black pants
• Black belt
• Black socks
• Polished, black studded field shoes (not football cleats)
• Penalty flags, down indicator, bean bags, information cards, pencil, whistle(s), chain clip, and sports watch with timer
• Approved jacket

 * Listing of uniform and equipment is typical of items required but may not be all inclusive

If you are interested in joining the RIFOA, send an email to RIFOOTBALLOFFICIALASSOC@gmail.com with the following information:
 
Name, Address, email address, telephone contact information and indicate any experience you have in officiating, playing and/or coaching football.