Make the Call.
Lead the Game.
Lead the Game.
Solving the youth sports officiating shortage by recruiting, training, and empowering high school students to become certified referees.
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 to get certified, step on the field, and take control.
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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Earn competitive hourly pay that surpasses typical high school part-time jobs. Work around your schedule and make great money.
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Stand out to college admissions. Officiating demonstrates authority, conflict resolution, and the ability to perform under pressure.
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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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Learn crucial leadership skills. Manage adults, enforce rules fairly, and develop a commanding presence that translates to any career.
Four steps from sitting in the bleachers to blowing the whistle and running the game.
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Register with Future Officials of America and connect with your faculty sponsor.
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Use the FHSAA Student Program to waive the standard fee and register for just $10.
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Attend our club meetings, study the rulebook, and participate in on-field mechanics clinics.
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Get assigned to local games. Step up, get paid, and lead.
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
Or Join our Members Whatsapp group:
The Cypress Bay High School students who started Future Officials of America to make a difference in youth sports.
Carolina Bahnson
Director of Games Assignments
Class of 2028
Julia Gabante
Treasurer
Class of 2028
Sabrina Bermudez
Director of Soccer
Class of 2028
Mariana Santizo
Social Media Manager
Class of 2029
Helena Salgado
Director of Fundraisings
Class of 2029
Carly Rector
Director of Soccer
Class of 2028
Valentina Demarchi
Social Media Manager
Class of 2029
Paloma Delceggio
Historian
Class of 2028
Lauren Prigmore
Director of Volleyball
Class of 2028
The Cypress Bay High School staff that supports Future Officials of America
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.