Officials
Welcome To The High School Officiating Experience!! On behalf of the Arizona Interscholastic Association, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the high school officiating experience. Your commitment and dedication to Arizona High School sports is deeply appreciated by the member schools we serve. Thank you for being a vital part of the student athlete's educational experience.
Gary Whelchel
State Commissioner of Officials
Philosophy:
It is imperative that our officials follow the rules and regulations set forth by the National Federation of State High School Associations and uniform ourselves according to the guidelines presented in the publications as dedicated, sanctioned sports officials to the high school sports experience; furthermore, that we conduct ourselves professionally as we lend support to our partners in education to achieve success as it relates to the student athlete's overall educational experience.
Officials Code of Ethics:
Schools have entrusted officials to assist them in the educational development of their youth through athletics. The proper operation of such a process requires that officials be independent, impartial, and responsible to the people they serve.
In recognition of these expectations, it shall be the responsibility of an official to follow the directions provided in the following Official's Code of Ethics. Violation of the Code of Ethics will be a violation of AIA Bylaws and may result in a sanction of the offending party.
An official shall:
- Place the welfare of the individual athlete above all other considerations.
- Maintain confidence and control from start of an assignment to finish.
- Devote time, thought and study to the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to carry out these rules so that one may render effective and creditable service in a fair an unbiased manner.
- Work with fellow officials and the State Association in a spirit of harmony and cooperation in spite of differences of opinion that may arise during debate of points or rules at issue.
- Resist every temptation and outside pressure to use one's position as an official to benefit oneself.
- Under all circumstances avoid promoting the special interest of any person or group of persons other than the athletes we serve.
- Constantly uphold the honor and dignity of the avocation in all personal conduct and relations with the student athletes, coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, colleagues, and the public and to be a worthy example to the athletes under one's jurisdiction.
- Be prepared both physically and mentally, dress according to expectations, and maintain a proper appearance that is befitting the importance of the contest.
- Remember and recognize that it is important to honor contracts regardless of possible inconvenience or financial loss.
- Not make statements to the news media critical of any school administrator, school, team, coach, player, other game official or the AIA.
- Not smoke or use any form of tobacco on or in the vicinity of the playing area, nor drink any alcoholic beverages or use any drugs on the day of the contest.
- Carry a responsibility to act in a manner becoming to a professional person. The conduct of any official influences the attitudes of the public toward the profession in general as well as toward the official in particular.
AIA RECOGNIZES
AIA PARTNERS
