Interested in Becoming a Football Official ?
Prospective new officials often have concerns and questions.  Below are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions we hear.  If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us.

What does it mean to be a member of TASO - Football - San Antonio?

I'm interested in officiating football. How do I join? We typically have one meeting in May and you can come there to join. You can also notify us of your interest in joining by emailing Brad Marcum at brad_marcum@yahoo.com

Do I need prior experience as a football official? Prior experience is good but is NOT required.  We conduct a thorough training program for new officials at no cost to you.

What time commitment must I  make to officiate football? Minimal preseason training meetings and regular membership meetings (1 per week during the season).  Actual weekday games (non-Varsity ) typically kick off around 4:30pm. Saturday games typically kickoff around 9am.  Subvarsity games are played Monday through Saturday, so some officials are needed each day although nobody is required to work games every day. You can work as much or as little, depending on your desire and availability.

Where do we do it?
    a. Central and south Texas
   b. Del Rio to San Marcos…Victoria to Kerrville…Carrizo Springs to Cuero
 
How do you join?
    a. New member dues are $45..Payable by early-August
   b. Complete TASO New Member application…due by early-August
 
What kind of training do we offer?
    a. Combination of classroom and on-field
   b. Work with experienced officials
 
What can you expect for the upcoming season?
    a. A lot of FUN…a lot of Work!!
   b. Mandatory Monday night training from early-Aug through early-November
   c. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday nights, and Saturday mornings for middle school, freshman, and junior varsity games on field
        i. Not expected to work every night
        ii. Are expected to work at least two sites a week
        iii. Are expected to travel to the areas outside the immediate San Antonio area
   d. Expect no on-field varsity game for at least the first two years

How do you progress in the chapter?
    a. Earn points for games worked, education opportunities, exams
   b. Chapter is divided into 5 divisions…amount of experience points determines the division
 
What are the costs involved?
    a. $45 for state and local dues… payable in early-Aug
   b. Approx $100-$200 for equipment…
 
What does it pay?
    a. Game fee:  $32 - $37 per game (sub-varsity) You can work multiple games in one day.
   b. Mileage:  There is some mileage reimbursement ($12 minimum with driver being reimbursed at 58.5 cents per mile)
 

How do I get paid? At each game site you will be required to complete a paysheet and turn in to the administrator at that site.  Each school district processes those sheets and sends a check directly to you. 

Is my officiating income taxable? As an independent contractor, each official is responsible for the reporting of the income, typically on a schedule C of their IRS tax return.  Most all of your expenses are also reportable and they will reduce the amount of actual income taxable by IRS.


Important dates to remember
    a. Alamo City On Field Clinic – San Antonio – 21-22 May 10 and the State Meeting – Arlington, TX - 16-18 Jul 10. These clinics are not mandatory but recommended. You will earn education points for attendance.

   b. 30-31 Jul 10 is the date for the new member bootcamp to be held at Blossom Athletic Center. We’ll meet Friday evening and Saturday morning (into the early afternoon) This meeting is CRITICAL to your success. Please mark the dates now.

   c. Early August (date TBD) is when we begin new member training in conjunction with our regularly scheduled Chapter meetings on Monday nights.

How do I receive pre-season scrimmage assignments?
Prior to the beginning of the regular season there are typically pre-season scrimmages that  you can sign up for. This is a great opportunity to practice officiating skills before the real games begin.

How do I receive game assignments? The Chapter as a schedule coordinator for each day of the week.  You will receive a list of available games and be permitted to sign up for any of those that are available.  You will also receive periodic emails advising a new opportunities as they become available.

How do I get into the members only section of the website? Once you sign up as a member of the Chapter, you will be given the  username and password to access all the member only information.