Officials in Virginia are independent contractors. Most athletics officiating in Virginia is “association based,” meaning that most contracts for athletic officiating services are between a school/district or region and a local officials association. Officials associations elect or hire individuals to work directly with the schools, assigning member officials to scheduled contests. Given this situation, prospective officials must affiliate with a recognized officials association to work in VHSL contests.

Though officials are independent contractors, the VHSL or local associations may establish qualifying criteria.

For more information on the VHSL’s officiating program click on the link below.