Make the Call.
Lead the Game.
Make the Call.
Lead the Game.
Embedded Files
Lead the Game.
Solving the youth sports officiating shortage by recruiting, training, and empowering high school students to become certified referees.
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SPORTS LEADERS
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SPORTS LEADERS
Youth sports face a massive national crisis: an aging workforce and a severe shortage of qualified referees. Games are being canceled, and young athletes are paying the price.
Founded by a team of 6 students at Cypress Bay High School, Future Officials of America (FOA) was created to fill the gap. We realized that the perfect candidates were already on the campus: high school students.
By leveraging state-level programs, we make it easy and affordable for students 16 and older to get certified, step on the field, and take control.
WHY OFFICIATE?
WHY OFFICIATE?
Becoming a referee isn't just about calling fouls. It's an elite opportunity for high school students to gain real-world advantages.
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Get Paid Hours
Get Paid Hours
Earn competitive hourly pay that surpasses typical high school part-time jobs. Work around your schedule and make great money.
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Build a Resume
Build a Resume
Stand out to college admissions. Officiating demonstrates authority, conflict resolution, and the ability to perform under pressure.
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Stay in the Game
Stay in the Game
Love sports but not playing on the varsity team? Officiating keeps you right in the middle of the action and connected to the game.
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Develop Life Skills
Develop Life Skills
Learn crucial leadership skills. Manage adults, enforce rules fairly, and develop a commanding presence that translates to any career.
THE GAME PLAN
THE GAME PLAN
Four steps from sitting in the bleachers to blowing the whistle and running the game.
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Join FOA
Join FOA
Register with Future Officials of America and connect with your faculty sponsor.
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Register Officially
Register Officially
Use the FHSAA Student Program to waive the standard fee and register for just $10.
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FOA Training
FOA Training
Attend our club meetings, study the rulebook, and participate in on-field mechanics clinics.
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Make the Call
Make the Call
Get assigned to local games. Step up, get paid, and lead.
READY TO STEP UP?
READY TO STEP UP?
Are you a student at Cypress Bay?
Register to begin your certification process and attend our next training meeting.
Request more info by email to:
info@joinfoa.org
THE FOUNDING TEAM
THE FOUNDING TEAM
The Cypress Bay High School students who started Future Officials of America to make a difference in youth sports.
Victoria Nechuta
Victoria Nechuta
Founder & Co-President
CBHS Class 2029
Virginia Soria
Virginia Soria
Founder & Co-President
CHBS Class 2029
TBD
TBD
Chief of Staff
TBD
TBD
VP of Athletic Operations
TBD
TBD
VP of Legislative Affairs
TBD
TBD
VP of Marketing & Recruitment
TBD
TBD
VP of Finance & Partnerships
BOARD OF ADVISORS
BOARD OF ADVISORS
The Cypress Bay High School staff that supports Future Officials of America
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TBD
TBD
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need prior experience to become a referee?
No prior experience is required! FOA provides all the training, rulebook reviews, and on-field mechanics clinics you need to feel confident blowing the whistle.
How old do I need to be to officiate?
Through the FHSAA Student Officials Program, high school students ages 16 and older can officiate middle school, sub-varsity, and youth league games.
How much does it cost to get certified?
Normally, FHSAA certification is around $65. However, through our school-sponsored program, student registration is discounted to just $10 per sport!
Do I need to buy my own uniform?
Eventually, yes. However, FOA chapters actively fundraise and seek corporate sponsorships to help subsidize the cost of your first whistle, flag, and striped jersey.
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