The Southeastern Sports Officials Association would like to wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Now that all fall sports have concluded, we would like to say thank you to all Fall Sports (Football / Volleyball / Men's Soccer) Officials. We appreciate everything that you do for our organization and the student-athletes in our area!

The 2023 NCHSAA Football State Championships will be held this Friday, December 8th and Saturday, December 9th at Kenan Stadium on the campus of the University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and also at Carter-Finley Stadium on the Campus of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. The game schedule is as follows:

Friday, December 8

7:00 p.m. – 3A Championship | Hickory vs. Seventy-First (Kenan Stadium/UNC)

Saturday, December 9

Noon – 1A State Championship | Mount Airy vs. Tarboro at (Kenan Stadium/UNC)
3:00 p.m. – 2A State Championship | Reidsville vs. Clinton at NCSU
7:00 p.m. – 4A State Championship | Weddington vs. Hoggard at NCSU

For those unable to attend the State championships in person, they will also be broadcast live on the NFHS Network and available on-demand following the contests. (requires a subscription)

Officials, the 2023 NFHS Winter exam period for Basketball and Wrestling closes on Sunday, December 3rd at 11:59PM. Please don't wait until the last minute to take your exam. In the past there have been some issues and you don't want that to cause you to not be able to submit your exam. Failure to submit your exam on time makes you ineligible to receive assignments per NCHSAA guidelines to make sure to get it done ASAP!

There is a link to the Dragonfly Max Exam site in the navigation at the top of this page for your convenience.

If you are interested in officiating Baseball, Softball, Men's/Women's Lacrosse, or Women's Soccer for the 2024 sports season, the Spring sports season is quickly approaching! If you have any questions before you register, please do not hesitate to contact the Regional Supervisor Of Officials for the sport(s) you are interested in officiating.

The Southeastern Sports Officials Association would like to wish you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

The 2023-24 NCHSAA Volleyball Men's Soccer State Championships will be held this Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 18th at MacPherson Stadium in Brown Summitt, NC. The game schedule is as follows:

Friday, November 17
7:00 p.m. – 4A Championship | Apex Friendship vs. South Mecklenburg

Saturday, November 18
11:00 a.m. – 3A Championship | First Flight vs. Hickory
2:30 p.m. – 1A Championship | Hobbton vs. Gray Stone Day
6:00 p.m. – 2A Championship | Franklin Academy vs. Community School of Davidson

For those unable to attend the State championships in person, they will also be broadcast live on the NFHS Network and available on-demand following the contests. (requires a subscription)

Thank you to all of our military, past and present who serve our great country!

The 2023 NCHSAA Volleyball State Championships will be held this Saturday, November 4th, 2023. The championships will take place at Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of North Carolina State University. The game schedule is as follows:

12:00 pm – 3A Championship | Orange vs. King’s Mountain
2:30 pm – 2A Championship | Camden County vs. Brevard
5:00 pm – 1A Championship | Falls Lake vs. Polk County
7:30 pm – 4A Championship | Middle Creek vs. Cox Mill

For those unable to attend the State championships in person, they will also be broadcast live on the NFHS Network and available on-demand following the contests. (requires a subscription)

The 2023-24 NCHSAA State Basketball Clinic for the Southeastern Association will be held at Southview High School on Monday, October 16, 2023. The state clinic will start promptly at 6:30pm. If you are interested in officiating high school basketball for the upcoming season, please make plans to attend this important clinic!

Officials, it's that time again! I'm talking about fall sports exams! If you are a Basketball or Wrestling official, the winter sports exams are available NOW! Exams will be available on the DragonFly Max website from Sunday, October 8, 2023 - Sunday, December 3, 2023 according to the NCHSAA website.

There is a link to the Dragonfly Max Exam site in the navigation at the top of this page for your convenience.

The September 2023 edition of The NFHS Voice is entitled: "Officials Are People Too. They Deserve To Be Treated With Respect"

The video is 2 mins and 19 seconds long and can be viewed at:
http://www.nfhs.org/articles/high-school-officials-are-people-they-deserve-to-be-treated-with-respect/

1-8-6:  Permits electronic information to be transmitted to the dugout from anywhere outside of live ball area.
Rationale: The rule change reflects current technology and still requires that electronic devices used for coaching purposes may only be used in the dugout butdoes not stipulate where the video is recorded or how it is transmitted.

3-2-3:  Beginning January 1, 2027, uniforms may only bear a single manufacturer's logo, school name, school logo, mascot and/or the participant's name. Advertisements, messages, team slogans, etc., will no longer be permitted.
Rationale: Consistent language has been established for NFHS sports that describe what information is permitted on the uniform. A player’s name, school name, school nickname, school mascot and/or the school logo may be placed on the uniform.

3-2-5: Removes the color restriction for headbands and ribbons.
Rationale: Adds consistency amongst headwear requirements for other NFHS sports.

3-2-7: Defines where a wristband with a playbook/playcard may be worn. If worn by the pitcher, the wristband with a playbook/playcard must be worn on the non-pitching wrist or arm.
Rationale: Clarifies where this equipment can be worn. This change will prohibit wristbands from being worn on the belt. It remains legal for players to keep the wristband with a playbook/playcard in their back pocket.

4-2-7, 10-2-3e, h: The umpire may call (end) a game if playing conditions in or around the facility become unacceptable to safely continue the game.
Rationale: Provides rule justification when an umpire ends a contest due to unacceptable playing conditions to continue play in addition to weather.  

6-1-2c, 2-47: The pitcher may now have both feet off the ground at the same time as long as both feet remain within the 24-inch width of the pitching plate and the pitcher does not replant the pivot foot. A definition for a replant was added.
Rationale: The rule change permits both feet to disengage from the playing surface while delivering a pitch. The addition of Rule 2-47 defines that a replant of the pivot foot occurs when the pitcher pushes off the playing surface from anywhere other than the pitcher’s plate prior to the act of delivering the pitch.

6-2-2: Pitchers can only use dirt, powdered rosin or comparable drying agents that are listed on the USA Softball’s certified equipment webpage to dry the hand.
Rationale: Clarifies the difference between tape and other non-approved substances on the pitching hand or fingers versus the use of approved substances under the supervision and control of the umpire.

If you are interested in officiating high school Basketball or Wrestling for the 2023-24 sports season, the Winter sports seasons are quickly approaching! If you have any questions before you register, please do not hesitate to contact the Regional Supervisor Of Officials for the sport(s) you are interested in officiating.

Hurricane Idalia may be visiting our area late Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Hopefully all of you are taking the steps necessary to stay safe during the storm. Officials it is very important that you be alert to your email and the DragonFly app when and if cancelations start coming in. If a game is rescheduled or canceled, you should receive an alert thru the DragonFly app as well as an email stating those changes.

If you have any questions, please contact your Regional Supervisor.

1-6-2 — Distinguishes the field player crosse from the goalkeeper crosse specifications into a separate article.

1-9-1 — Specifies that certain pieces of equipment shall be worn as the manufacturer intended and shall be specifically designed for lacrosse. Additionally, clarifies that the jersey numbers shall contrast from the body of the uniform and be of a single solid color.

1-9-3 — Deleted, as it is more clearly defined in

4-24-7. 2-2 — Allows for multiple captains to be designated before the start of the contest.

2-7-2 — Deletes language around the responsibilities of the CBO in counting crosses. This also clarifies that the CBO should be counting the number of long crosses on the field without the need for a coach request.

2-8-1 — Deletes language around the CBO responsibilities under Timekeeper.

3-3 — Adds “get it in,” which is used during play but not specified.

4-3-3 — Defines what is considered an illegal body check during the faceoff and eliminates “immediately.”

4-3-2, 4-6-3 — Reduces the number of instances that rely on alternate possession.

4-9-2, 4-9-3 — Appropriately moves language from 4-9-2 into 4-9-3.

4-22-1 — Illegal Procedure is the more appropriate designation.

4-24-11 — Specifies that a player must leave the field if their helmet comes off during play and cannot return until the next dead ball after play continues.

5-4-2 — Gives an additional option in penalizing contact to the head/neck area that is deemed to be indirect.

5-6 — Eliminates unnecessary language around gloves. The altering of gloves in relation to the palms/fingers is not as the manufacturer intended and thus does not need clarifying language.

6-1 — Clarifies language around a penalty against a team that does not have possession of the ball.

6-6-4 — Adds language on conduct fouls to a more appropriate spot in the book.

Officials, the 2023 NFHS Fall exam period for Football, Volleyball, and Men's Soccer closes on Sunday, August 13th at 11:59PM. Please don't wait until the last minute to take your exam. In the past there have been some issues and you don't want that to cause you to not be able to submit your exam. Failure to submit your exam on time makes you ineligible to receive assignments per NCHSAA guidelines to make sure to get it done ASAP!

There is a link to the Dragonfly Max Exam site in the navigation at the top of this page for your convenience.

The 2023 NCHSAA State Football Clinic and SSOA Football All Officials Clinic will be held Monday, July 31st, 2023 at South View High School, The address is 4184 Elk Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348. The clinic will start promptly at 6:30pm. Please bring pen and paper.

Officials that have not already paid fees will have the opportunity to pay their booking fees as well as SSOA membership fees for 2023-24. ($20)

Anyone interested in officiating football for the upcoming season should plan to attend the meeting.

Officials, it's that time again! I'm talking about fall sports exams! If you are a Football, Volleyball, or Men's Soccer official, the fall sports exams are available NOW! Exams will be available on the DragonFly Max website from Sunday, July 23, 2023 - Sunday, August 13, 2023 according to the NCHSAA website.

There is a link to the Dragonfly Max Exam site in the navigation at the top of this page for your convenience.

The 2023-24 NCHSAA State Volleyball Clinic was held last night at Fayetteville Academy. Billy McDowell was the recipient of the 2023-24 NCHSAA Distinguished Service Awerd for the Southeastern Association. Billy is pictured below receiving his award alongside Volleyball Regional Supervisor Of Officials, Bill Henderson.. Congrats Billy!

Source; NFHS

ARTICLE LINK: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/helmet-regulations-equipment-clarifications-lead-high-school-boys-lacrosse-rules-changes/

View all the NFHS 2024 Boys Lacrosse resources on our site HERE

1-6-1 (NEW) SECTION 6 PLAYER COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT:
ART. 1 . . . Any wristband with defensive shifts/offensive plays/pitching choices or game directions attached shall be considered non-electronic equipment and is permitted as long as it is a single, solid color. For pitchers, it may not contain the colors white, gray or be distracting. It does not have to match the color of the uniform or the sleeves worn underneath the uniform. It shall only be worn on a player(s) wrist or forearm and pitchers shall wear it on their non-pitching arm.
PENALTY: The umpire shall issue a team warning to coach of the team involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with the head coach.

Rationale: Clarification. With the increase in popularity of these style of communication systems, confusion has been realized when the players wear them other than on their arm. This change will prohibit these types of products from being worn other places.

1-6-2 (NEW) SECTION 6 PLAYER COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
ART. 2 . . . One-way electronic communication devices are permissible from the dugout to the catcher while the team is on defense for the purpose of calling pitches. When using the electronic communication device, the coach cannot be outside the dugout/bench area.
PENALTY: The umpire shall issue a team warning to coach of the team involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with the head coach.

Rationale: This rule allows for a team to utilize an electronic device for the purpose of calling pitches from the dugout. The device would only be able to be one-way, meaning the player cannot use an electronic device to respond or communicate back to the coach. Various technologies, earpiece, electronic band or a smart watch could be used giving teams several options at varying costs. No other player would be able to wear or use this device nor would the coach be able to communicate with any other player using electronic communication.

3-2-5 (NEW) SECTION 2 COACHING
ART. 5 . . . A coach may use a one-way electronic communication device to communicate to the catcher for the purpose of calling pitches. Coaches may not use electronic communication device(s) to communicate with any other team member while on defense or any team member while on offense. When using the electronic communication device, the coach cannot be outside the dugout/bench area.
PENALTY: The umpire shall issue a team warning to coach of the team involved and the next offender(s) of that team will be ejected along with the head coach.

Rationale: Allows for the coach to communicate with the catcher using an electronic communication device for the purpose of calling pitches.

10-2-3h SECTION 2 UMPIRE-IN-CHIEF
h. Forfeit the game for prescribed infractions by spectators, coaches, players or team/bench personnel.

Rationale: Umpires have jurisdiction over the confines of the field, players, coaches and team/bench personnel. If there are issues with spectators, it is the responsibility of game management to deal with spectators and to ensure that the facility is safe for all involved.

Suggested Speed-Up Rules After Put Outs #3
Rules 1 and 2 remain the same.
#3 Following the final out in any inning, the ball shall be given to the nearest umpire. The plate umpire shall give the ball to the catcher. The base umpire shall place the ball on the pitcher's plate.

Rationale: This is a NFHS Softball rule book mechanic that needs to be deleted from the NFHS Baseball rule book.

The 2023 NCHSAA State Volleyball Clinic and SSOA Volleyball All Officials Clinic will be held THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT at Fayetteville Academy at 6:00pm. The address is 3200 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303. The clinic will start promptly at 6:00pm. Please bring pen and paper. The agenda can be found in the Volleyball section under "Clinics and Scrimmages"

In addition, officials that have not already paid fees will have the opportunity to pay their booking fees ($100 for returning officials, $75 for new officials) as well as SSOA membership fees for 2023-24. ($20)

Anyone interested in officiating volleyball for the upcoming season should plan to attend the meeting.

Source; NFHS

2-4-5: Requires that stick check requests be made before the official’s hand is in contact with both centers’ sticks for the draw.

Rationale: Clarifies when a stick check request may be made and eliminates potential interruption of administration of the draw.

2-6-1: Requires goalkeeper’s thigh padding to be shorts or pants manufactured with integrated protective padding.

Rationale: Clarifies the requirements of thigh padding for the protection of goalkeepers.

2-7-1: Reorganizes tooth and mouth protector rules, aligns them with other NFHS sport rules, and eliminates restrictions related to color and graphics.

Rationale: Creates consistency and follows NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee’s recommendation for tooth and mouth protector guidelines.

2-7-4 NOTE, 2-9-5: Allows field players to wear compression shirts that meet the NOCSAE ND200 lacrossestandard under the uniform and does not require these shirts to meet the color requirements of visible undergarments.

Rationale: Allows field players to wear padding intended to protect against commotio cordis.

2-9-4e (NEW): Establishes that only school related or player identifying names (school’s name, nickname, logo, mascot and/or team member’s name) will be allowed on the team jersey above the uniform number beginning in 2027.

Rationale: Creates consistency in uniform rules among other NFHS sport rules.

4-1-1: Changes the duration of play for a game from two 50-minute halves to four 12-minute quarters.

Rationale: Allows coaches to provide instruction more frequently and aligns with NFHS Boys Lacrosse.

4-2-2 EXCEPTION: Establishes that an official’s time-out shall not be called when there is a 10-goal differential when the following occur: offside foul, inadvertent whistle, or alternate possession.

Rationale: Allows the clock to run in these situations when the 10-goal rule is in effect.

4-2-3: Allows coaches to coach their players during an injury time-out.

Rationale: Allows coaches to address their players during an injury time-out and eliminates the need for officials to monitor coach/player interactions for potential coaching during this time.

5-4-1: Eliminates the requirement of players awarded a free position outside of the critical scoring area to come to a stop and settled stance when self-starting.

Rationale: Improves the flow of play and reduces a potential advantage created when the defense has time to set up while the attack player must stop for the free position. 

5-4-5, 10-1j: Eliminates the false start penalty when a player self-starts when it is not an option outside the critical scoring area and allows officials to reset play without a penalty.

Rationale: Eliminates assessment of a major foul for self-starting outside the critical scoring area when it is not an option.

10-1y – Three Seconds PENALTIES: Clarifies free position locations for three-second violations and requires a free position to be awarded at the closest dot for a three-second violation when the spot of the ball is outside the critical scoring area and below the goal line extended.

Rationale: Adds clarity and consistency to the rules for three-second violations.

Source; NFHS

ARTICLE LINK: http://www.nfhs.org/articles/quarters-adjusted-free-position-protocols-lead-2024-high-school-girls-lacrosse-rules-changes/

View all the NFHS 2024 Girls Lacrosse resources on our site HERE

Source; NFHS

ARTICLE LINK: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/changes-in-pitching-delivery-requirements-approved-in-high-school-softball/

View all the NFHS 2024 Softball resources on our site HERE

Source; NFHS

ARTICLE LINK: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/electronic-communication-devices-from-dugout-to-catchers-to-be-permitted-in-high-school-baseball/

View all the NFHS 2024 Baseball resources on our site HERE

Have a safe and happy Fourth Of July from the SSOA!

Take the Referee Magazine Volleyball Rules Challenge! It's a good way to sharpen your rules knowledge as you prepare for exams in a couple of weeks!

RULES CHALLENGE LINK: https://play.therulesr.com/quizzes/569

Take the Referee Magazine Football Rules Challenge! It's a good way to sharpen your rules knowledge as you prepare for exams in a couple of weeks!

RULES CHALLENGE LINK: https://play.therulesr.com/quizzes/568

ATTENTION NEW AND RETURNING OFFICIALS:

Membership is NOW OPEN for 2023-24! Whether you are a new official that wants to join our organization or a returning official needing to renew your membership, please head on over to the JOIN SSOA/RENEW page now!

Membership in SSOA is just $20 and your membership runs from July 1st through June 30th of each year. If you have been a member of SSOA for 20 years or more, you are considered a lifetime member and your members fees are waived. However you still need to fill out the registration form for record keeping purposes.

SSOA membership fees are separate from the assigning fees that you pay to your Regional Supervisor.

If you are interested in officiating Football, Volleyball, or Men's Soccer for the 2023 sports season, the Spring sports seasons are quickly approaching! If you have any questions before you register, please do not hesitate to contact the Regional Supervisor Of Officials for the sport(s) you are interested in officiating.

The 2022-23 Women's Soccer State Championships are this weekend June 2nd and 3rd. Come on out and see some great soccer matches or you can watch all of the contests on the NFHS Network.

NFHS Network LINK: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/associations/nchsaa

The 2023 Baseball and Softball State Championships are this weekend June 2nd and 3rd. Come on out and see some great baseball and softball matches or you can watch all of the contests on the NFHS Network.

NFHS Network LINK: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/associations/nchsaa

We take this time to honor those who have served both past and present on this Memorial Day

Source; NFHS

ARTICLE LINK: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/free-throw-procedures-and-foul-administration-amended-in-2023-24-high-school-basketball-rules-changes/

View all the NFHS 2023-24 Basketball resources on our site HERE

The 2023 Lacrosse State Championships are this weekend May 19th and May 20th. Come on out and see some great Lacrosse matches or you can watch all of the contests on the NFHS Network.

NFHS Network LINK: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/associations/nchsaa

Registration is NOW OPEN for the NCHSAA 2023-24 Sports Seasons! Fall sports (Football, Volleyball, and Men's Soccer) are up first! Those seasons are quickly approaching! Make sure to sign up early to ensure that you have your rule books prior to the state clinics and the NFHS Exams which begin around mid July. Be sure to check the specific sports section for all the dates pertaining to your sports season!

NCHSAA LINK: http://www.nchsaa.org/officials

Source; NFHS

1-4-3 SECTION 4 REPRESENTATION:
ART. 3 . . . No wrestler shall represent the school in more than one weight class in any meet or wrestle in more than five six matches (championship or consolation), excluding forfeits in any one day of competition. Exception: No wrestler shall wrestle in more than six matches (championship or consolation), excluding forfeits in any one day of a tournament conducted by the state high school association for qualification to the state high school championships or the championships themselves.
Rationale: With the rule change to allow six matches in post-season events after experiments were conducted by state associations last year, and there was no reported increase of injuries. Allowing six matches during the regular season events is a normal progression and will be monitored throughout the season.

1-4-4 SECTION 4 REPRESENTATION:
ART. 4 . . . No contestant shall wrestle in two consecutive matches with less than a 45-minute 30-minute rest between matches. The conclusion time of each match shall be recorded.
Rationale: The sentiment is that the recovery time of 30-minutes is adequate rest between matches and is of the opinion that since there is no peer-reviewed data to suggest any additional risk for using a 30-minute rest/recovery time versus a 45-minute rest/recovery time. This is a reasonable rule modification.

1-4-7 (NEW) SECTION 4 REPRESENTATION:
ART. 7 . . . No contestant shall wrestle in more than 10 matches in a two-consecutive day period.
Rationale: The rule to allow 6 matches in a day was more for meet management on one-day tournaments and is not to allow more matches in a season.

3-1-1 SECTION 1 REFEREE:
ART. 1 . . . The referee’s uniform consists of a short-sleeved knit shirt, with alternating black and white 1-inch stripes; or gray with black pinstripes, or an event provided shirt common to all referees at that event, full-length black trousers, black belt (if trousers have belt loops), black socks and black wrestling/gym shoes without colored highlights. Shoes with white or gray trim are allowed. The referee shall be neatly attired and have other accessories, including a colored disk, a black lanyard and black whistle, red and green armbands, and a kit to conduct the random draw. The red armband shall be worn on the left wrist and the green armband on the right wrist.
Rationale: Allowing the referee's shoes to have trim gives them more options and opportunity to find more comfortable shoes and does not hinder the appearance of the official.

4-1-1a, 4-1-1b SECTION 1 WRESTLERS’ UNIFORM:
ART. 1 . . . A legal uniform consists of:
a. a one-piece singlet cut no lower in the back or front than the level of the armpits and under the arms no lower than one-half the distance between the armpit and belt line. A suitable undergarment, which completely covers the buttocks and groin area, shall be worn under a one-piece singlet. Any other undergarment worn under the one-piece singlet which extends beyond the inseam shall be tight-fitting and shall not extend below the knee. The one-piece singlet may be worn with full-length form-fitted tights with stirrups. The one-piece singlet shall be school-issued.

NOTE: Female contestants wearing a one-piece singlet shall wear a sports bra that completely covers their breasts and minimizes the risk of exposure. Compression shirts worn underneath a one-piece singlet are permitted but not required for female contestants unless needed to ensure complete coverage.
Rationale: The tights worn by wrestlers today are compressed and form-fitting reaching just above the ankles. These tights do not ride up the wrestler's leg causing a disadvantage to the opponent. By removing the stirrups requirement wrestlers will not have to use tape at the ankles or wear long socks to hide the lack of stirrups while wearing full-length tights.

b. compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling shall have a minimum 4-inch inseam that shall not extend below the knee; shorts designed for wrestling shall have an elastic waistband and a drawstring that is not exposed. Compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling shall not have exposed drawstrings, belt loops, zippers, snaps, button or pockets. A suitable undergarment, which completely covers the buttocks and groin area shall be worn under shorts designed for wrestling and compression shorts. Shorts designed for wrestling may be worn over the singlet. Compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling may be worn with a form-fitted compression shirt. Compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling shall be school-issued. Compression shorts or shorts designed for wrestling may be worn with full-length form-fitted tights.

c. Remains the same.
Rationale: For consistency, either uniform style is available for full-length tight-fitting tights usage.

4-2-1 SECTION 2 WRESTLERS’ APPEARANCE AND HEALTH:
ART. 1 . . . Facial hair is permissible. Trimmed to a length so that the skin is visible for skin checks is allowed. Facial hair that does not allow for skin a check to be performed, as determined by the referee or a designated, on-site appropriate health care professional overseeing the skin checks, shall be immediately trimmed to within the guidelines. A wrestler may not compete until the facial hair is trimmed and the skin check is completed. Hair control devices and other adornments in the hair that are securely fastened and do not present an increased risk to the wrestler or the opponent are allowed. A wrestler's hair may be contained in a legal hair cover. The legal hair cover, if worn, shall be attached to the ear guards. A bandanna is not considered a legal hair cover. The legal hair cover must be of a solid material and be nonabrasive. The wrestler opting to wear a legal hair cover must wear it to the weigh-in procedure and be checked for grooming with it on. The legal hair cover must be removed prior to the wrestler stepping on the scale to be weighed. If a referee is not present at weigh-ins, the hair cover must be checked by the meet referee upon arrival at the site.

Wrestlers that do not meet the requirement shall wear a face mask. All legal hair covers and face masks will be considered as special equipment.
Rationale: It is important to be cognizant about skin disease and keeping all involved safe. If there are any questionable areas on or around the face, we would inquire with the wrestler about a physician’s note or get input from the on-site approved health-care professional (AHCP) if one is present. If there is no on-site AHCP and no note, then we would deny the wrestler the opportunity to compete. The length of the facial hair does not have any influence on the referee’s decision.

5-13, 10-2-4 and 10-2-5 SECTIONS 13 and 2 FORFEIT/MEDICAL FORFEIT:
It shall be considered a forfeit when the opponent, for any reason fails to appear for a match. In order to receive a forfeit the wrestler shall be dressed in a legal wrestling uniform and appear on the mat. It shall be considered a medical forfeit when the opponent fails to appear for a match due to injury or illness that occurred during the tournament. This determination will be made by the Tournament Director.
Rationale: The term medical forfeit will better describe that the forfeit was due to injury or illness that occurred during the tournament. A medical forfeit would not count against the wrestler's record.

SECTION 2 ENTRIES
ART. 4 . . . In case of injury or illness after verification of entries, the tournament director, in consultation with the designated, on-site meet, appropriate health-care professional(s) and the coach of the injured or ill contestant, shall determine the contestant's ability to continue. Extenuating circumstances concerning the injury or illness as it relates to default, or forfeit or medical forfeit for scoring purposes, shall be considered by the tournament director.
Rationale: By using a medical forfeit, it will clearly define that the wrestler was not able to report to the match due to injury or illness. Like regular forfeits the wrestler would not take a loss on their record.

ART. 5 . . . A forfeit shall eliminate a contestant from further competition in a tournament, except when the forfeit is deemed a medical forfeit because of an injury or illness which occurred during the tournament.
Rationale: There is confusion when choosing an injury default versus a forfeit in tournament situations. Rule 5-7 defines a default when one of the competitors is unable to continue wrestling for any reason. Rule 5-13 defines a forfeit when the opponent, for any reason, fails to appear for a match. Using medical forfeit versus an injury default will better define when a wrestler shows a loss on their record. A default counts as a loss a forfeit does not.

5-15-2a SECTION 15 INBOUNDS:
Change: a. When down on the mat, the usual points of support are:

1. the knee(s)
2. the side of the thigh
3. the buttocks
4. the hand(s)
5. the head
6. foot/feet

Rationale: Feet are regularly supporting the wrestler’s weight during the match while on the mat. We allow a wrestler’s feet to be considered supporting points while in a near-fall situation. By adding it to the list of usual supporting points on the mat it will create more clarity and consistency for the wrestlers, coaches and officials. No higher rates of injury will occur with this addition.

6-5-2 SECTION 5 END-OF-MATCH PROCEDURE:
ART. 2 . . . The wrestlers shall shake hands and the referee shall declare the winner by raising the winning wrestler’s hand or raise the color wristband of the winning wrestler on their (referee’s) arm or have the winning wrestler raise their own arm. wrestler's hand.
Rationale: Wrestling remains the only sport where it is required for the official to touch the student athlete as part of the post match/game procedure. There truly is no need for adult officials to contact the student athletes unless the health and safety of the athlete is in jeopardy. During the pandemic we adopted a number of protocols to help avoid the transmission of the disease, one of those was to no longer raise the hand of the wrestler, rather raise the color wristband of the wrestler who won, this was very successful and widely liked among officials. This is the end of match procedure would still indicate the winner and alleviate the requirement of the official from touching the athlete.

Source; NFHS

ARTICLE LINK: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/changes-in-high-school-wrestling-rules-include-allowance-of-six-matches-in-one-day-of-competition/

View all the NFHS 2023-24 Wrestling resources on our site HERE

Source; NFHS

ARTICLE LINK: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/fouls-and-misconduct-clarifications-headline-high-school-soccer-rules-changes-for-2023-24/

View all the NFHS 2023-24 Soccer resources on our site HERE

Source; NASO

The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), through special funding representing Referee.com, is excited to conduct the most comprehensive officiating study ever attempted. This anonymous survey is collecting more data than has ever been accessible before regarding sportsmanship, recruitment and retention, compensation, controversial issues in officiating, and a wide variety of topics highly valuable to the industry.

The last time an officiating survey of this magnitude was accomplished was in 2017 when more than 17,000 sports officials from all levels and all sports made their voices heard. For this new study to be successful, it absolutely must have the participation of as many dedicated officials and officiating administrators like you as possible.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

• Your participation will allow YOUR VOICE to count toward positive changes in the officiating industry.

• Results will be unveiled at the Sports Officiating Summit 2023 in Riverside, Calif., July 30-Aug. 1. After that, the data will be published and shared for everyone in the officiating industry to use.

• Results will give greater vision to all levels of the industry and positively impact national, state and local officiating associations.

The study requires a commitment, just like your officiating. It is comprehensive and may take 30-40 minutes of your time. BUT it does not all have to be completed in one session. As long as you’re using the same computer or tablet, you can start, stop and come back to it as many times as needed until you have finished. If you only have 5-10 minutes at a time, that is no problem.

The deadline to complete the survey is March 15, 2023.

The bottom line is that YOUR input is vital to the success of this effort. Click the banner above to take the survey. Thank you.

Spring Sports Exams are quickly coming to a close! The Deadline is TOMORROW, February 20, 2023 at 11:59pm!!! Exams are available on the DragonFly Max website. If you are having trouble finding your exam, See the SSOA "Resource" page for information on how to access your exams.

Officials, it's that time again! I'm talking about Spring sports exams! If you are a Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, or Women's Soccer official, the Spring sports exams will be available on the DragonFly Max website from Sunday, February 5, 2023 - Monday, February 20, 2023 according to the NCHSAA website.

There is a link to the Dragonfly Max Exam site at the top of each sports section for your convenience.

Source; NFHS

ARTICLE LINK: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/coaching-protocols-and-jewelry-allowances-highlight-2023-24-volleyball-rules-changes/

View all the NFHS 2023-24 Volleyball resources on our site HERE

Source; NFHS

ARTICLE LINK: https://www.fhs.org/articles/changes-in-basic-spot-for-penalty-enforcement-headline-2023-high-school-football-rules-changes/

View all the NFHS 2023 Football resources on our site HERE

Source: BladenOnline

Jones, who played football and baseball at Clarkton High School in the mid-1980’s, has been a NCHSAA football, basketball, and softball official for 23 years. For the past 30 years Jones has served as the District 9 Umpire-in-Chief for Dixie Youth Baseball.

The Knox award reads, “Presented in recognition of devoted service and involvement with young student athletes of our state. Your years of service and dedication are recognized and deeply appreciated. The lives you have touched during your career are a tribute to the positive influence of high school athletics.”

Daniels, the Regional Supervisor for the Southeastern Sports Officials Association’s football, basketball and softball officials, praised Jones commitment through the years and his willingness to come back and help with basketball the last two seasons when there has been a shortage of officials.

The award is named for Dick Knox who served as Supervisor Of Officials and Deputy Executive Director for the NCHSAA. Knox is in the NCHSAA Hall of Fame.

Have you seen the Feb 2023 issue of Referee Magazine? SSOA official Constance Thomas is on the cover! Constance is a high school and collegiate (JUCO, D-II, D-III) basketball official. She has officiated the NCHSAA Basketball State Championships in 2020 and 2022. Congratulations Constance!

The 2022-23 Referee Magazine Basketball Quiz is available on their website. It consists of twenty (20) questions that are multiple choice. Once you click the quick interactive link, it will give you the option to enter your name and email address to receive a 20 question PDF quiz in your email! https://www.referee.com/high-school-basketball-officials-quiz/

We would like to wish all of you a safe and happy 2023 from SSOA!