Western Ohio Track Officials Association, Inc.
Officials Needed!!
Ohio is approaching a crisis in high school and junior high school athletics as a shortage of officials in nearly all if not all sports continues to worsen. We ask that if you have now or have had an interest in participating in what we view as a very rewarding activity, please consider sports officiating. In track and field, more options are available to apply for and receive materials and then test in order to be certified. At that point, you will be able to begin officiating as soon as you feel ready. Local meetings, shadowing and mentoring programs are available to assist you in becoming comfortable with the duties of officiating track and field and cross country. See "Member Support" for additional information as well as links to the OHSAA website.
Officiating Opportunities
The best source of information for guidance in becoming an official may be found on the OHSAA Website under “Officiating” on the far right of the tool bar; (a link to that site can also be found at the bottom of each page of our website). Click on "Officiating" and a pull down menu will appear; click on “Become an Official” and directives on the process will be displayed. Please note that there is a processing fee of $65 for each sport. Cross country is included with track and field so there is only one fee for both sports. The application period is now available year round along with the on-line testing. So, a candidate may apply at any time and become an official once all requirements are met with the final one being the on-line test.
Once you have passed your test (80%), you are expected to begin attending local meetings (4 meetings per year to maintain certification). Additionally, the WOTOA provides financial support for new members to offset some of the initial costs for uniforms and other materials. We also make available mentoring and shadowing opportunities for all WOTOA members throughout the two seasons.
Questions may be sent to our email account: westernohiotrackofficials@gmail.com
Member Support
Our goal in attracting new officials is to expand our reach to area schools. In addition, we want to provide support to individuals new to officiating that will encourage them to remain in the field for many years. To assist in this, our efforts are two-fold; we provide mentoring and shadowing opportunities to new officials which allow them to work directly with an experienced official in any aspect of the sport. Also, financial support in the amount of $75 is made available to each new official to offset some of the costs that are incurred as an official begins working meets.
​
2021 Elite Meet
2023 ELITE MEET
Tentative date for 2023 is Sat 7Jan23. A definite date will be provided by Fall 22. Class and student schedules are currently in flux at ONU; a decision will be made as to the date when these issues become clearer.