Become an IHSA Official – Registration for 2026-27 opens May 1

The IHSA Officials Department is designed to develop and execute effective strategies aimed at growing and developing licensed officials in Illinois, being sensitive to available resources. The IHSA Officials Department will oversee licensing of and initial training for officials and will work to use available platforms to assist officials with their long-term development in the officiating space. To support the efforts of IHSA Administrative Staff members, the IHSA Officials Department will coordinate efforts between staff and officials to provide the most robust training resources possible and assist staff in dealing with officiating matters of a sport-specific nature as needed.

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, all official registrations will be completed through the Arbiter Sports platform. This will be the only way for an individual to license. Arbiter will also be the only platform used for completion of all requirements to officiate, including rules meetings, rule exams, concussion training, etc. To assist officials with accessing the registration portal (which opens May 1, 2026), here is a link to a short tutorial prepared by Arbiter.

The base registration fee for the 2025-26 school year is $75, which includes the fee for a first sport license.

Registration Fee Schedule

• Individuals who register between June 1-July 31: $75 for the first sport and $10 for each additional sport.
• Individuals who register for a fall sport(s) on or after August 1, 2026, will incur a $30 late fee along with the registration/sport fee(s).
• Individuals who register for a winter sport on or after October 1, 2026, will incur a $30 late fee along with the registration/sport fee(s).
• Individuals who register for a spring sport on or after February 1, 2027, will incur a $30 late fee along with the registration/sport fee(s).

Requirements and expectations for IHSA licensed officials can be found in the IHSA Officials Handbook. The current handbook can be found here and will be updated for the 2026-27 school year on or around August 1st.

Individuals with questions can contact the IHSA Officials Department at 309-663-6377.