Page 71 - 2022-23 By-Laws

Rule 14 - Officials

A. Yes, member Schools must use the IHSAA Contract For Contest Official form when
hiring Officials. (rule 11-2)
Q. 14-9 How many licensed Officials are recommended to be hired for Varsity Season
Contests?
A. The number of Officials for a Season Contest may be addressed by the playing
rules of the sport (which controls); however the IHSAA would recommend that the
number of officials for Varsity Contests is:
Cross Country – 1 Basketball – 3 Baseball – 2
Volleyball – 2 Swimming – 1 Wrestling – 1
Soccer – 3 Gymnastics – 2 Softball – 2
Football – 5 Track and Field – 1
Regardless of the level of competition, IHSAA licensed Officials must be used for
all Season Contests conducted in Indiana, whether it is a Varsity Contest, a junior
varsity Contest or a freshman Contest.
Q. 14-10 May a student member of a School team officiate a Non-School contest, i.e., an
independent or club game?
A. Yes. While a high school student may not become a licensed IHSAA Official (rule
14-8), and therefore cannot officiate a Contest involving a member School in an
IHSAA Recognized Sport, the IHSAA rules do not prohibit a high school student
from officiating Non-School contests.
Q. 14-11 If it is recommended that a Season Contest have more than One (1) Official (e.g.,
baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, soccer, softball or volleyball), and only
One (1) IHSAA licensed Official shows up, what procedure should the Schools
follow?
A. The Contest may be conducted provided the participating Schools and the Official
who did show up, agree to conduct the Contest with the One (1) IHSAA licensed
Official.
Q. 14-12 When a Season Contest requires only One (1) Official (e.g., track and field,
swimming, cross country, wrestling) and the One (1) IHSAA licensed Official fails
to show up, what procedure should the Schools follow?
A. The Contest shall not be held unless a licensed Official can be found. (rule 14-1)
Q. 14-13 If an Official fails to attend a junior varsity Season Contest in wrestling, can a willing
and knowledgeable parent or fan step in for the missing Official?
A. No. Only an IHSAA licensed Official may officiate a Season Contest which requires
an Official. However, if the parent or fan is an IHSAA licensed Official in wrestling,
then that parent or fan can step in and officiate the Contest. (rule 14-1)
Q. 14-14 Can a high school student qualify for and then officiate a Season Contest involving
a member School.
A. No. A high school student may not become an IHSAA licensed Official, and therefore
cannot officiate any Contest in an IHSAA Recognized Sport involving a member
School. (rule 14-8)
Q. 14-15 Is a Registered Official qualified to officiate Contest involving member Schools in
all IHSAA Recognized Sports?
A. No. A Registered Official is qualified to officiate Contests involving member Schools
only in the IHSAA Recognized Sports in which the Registered Official is licensed.
Q. 14-16 Is there an IHSAA regulation regarding a licensed Officials playing in a Non-School
Contest with or against a student from a member Schools?
A. No. While a high school student is not eligible to be an IHSAA license Official, the
IHSAA does not prohibit a student from playing with or against an IHSAA licensed
Official in a Non-School Contest. (rule 14-8)
Challenges To and Criticism of Officials Decisions
Q. 14-17 What is the policy of the IHSAA regarding protesting or appealing a Contest decision
by a Contest Official?
A. The decisions of Contest Officials are considered final and binding and are not
subject to appeal or waiver. (rules 9-5, 16-2, 17-8.1)
Q. 14-18 Does the IHSAA have a rule that prohibits School personnel from publicly criticizing
officials?
60