The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) will be launching an online platform for high school officials, effective with the 2020-21 school year.
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The NFHS Center for Officials Services, with its technology platform created by DragonFly Athletics of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, will offer a variety of services for officials, including registration, assessment, assignments and payments. In addition, NFHS Officials Association members will be able to access NFHS rules exams, NFHS digital rules books and case books, insurance information, video content and sport-specific officiating courses on the NFHS Learning Center.
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In time, it is anticipated that the NFHS Center for Officials Services database would include all registered officials in NFHS member state associations. As a result, this new technology would assist the NFHS as it continues to recruit new officials through its #BecomeAnOfficial program as well as ongoing efforts to retain individuals who officiate high school contests.
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“We are excited about providing this tremendous service for high school officials across the country,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “In those states that use the NFHS platform, officials will be able to obtain everything they need in one location – from registering, making payments and receiving assignments and assessments, to educational material such as rules publications, rules exams and video content provided through NFHS Officials Association membership. The technological expertise offered by DragonFly will provide a streamlined process for officials to participate, and for state associations and the NFHS to share officiating data.”
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DragonFly currently works with administrators nationwide to manage athletics and activities programs at the high school level. Its all-inclusive platform provides features for registration, medical care, scheduling, communications and payments. DragonFly developed the video exchange technology used by NCAA Division I schools for game day preparation.
“Under Dr. Karissa Niehoff’s leadership, we’ve seen a strong focus on technology and data analysis to improve high school sports and activities,” said Kirk Miller, chief executive officer of DragonFly. “We’re thrilled to be a part of her vision. Not only will this new service provide a first-class digital experience for officials, it will also help the NFHS have the information it needs to make strategic decisions for the future of officiating.”
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The NFHS Center for Officials Services is expected to launch sometime in May 2020 in time for the upcoming 2020-21 school year.