Frequently Asked Questions

---

We are a local association of high school, middle school, and youth football officials serving 11 counties in Northern Kentucky, committed to officiating excellence.  

Our mission is to provide trained, qualified officials to high school and youth football games, promote integrity and sportsmanship, support officials’ development, and serve the local football community. 

Founded in 1967,  the NKOA has a long history of serving high school football in Northern Kentucky.  

Our officials serve games in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, Pendleton, Bracken, Carroll, Owen, Trimble, and Henry counties in NKY.  

Anyone 14 years and older who loves football and is committed to fairness and sportsmanship can join—no prior experience is needed (training provided). 

Prospective officials complete an online registration with both the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and the NKOA.  After paying required state and local association fees and passing an open-book test on high school football rules, members are licensed to officiate football games.  

Yes — the first year NKOA membership fee is $30, years 2 through 24 is $65, and $0 for members with 25 or more years of experience.  In addition to NKOA membership dues, the KHSAA assesses dues at the state level which vary based on age and sport.

Yes — in addition to NKOA membership, officials must obtain a Kentucky state officiating license.  Visit www.khsaa.org/officials for additional information.

Yes! If you complete the registration process and attend training sessions, you will be assigned games in your first season.  

A complete uniform (shirt, hat, shoes, flags, etc.) typically costs $100–$200 initially — often recouped after a few games. 

 Yes — officials are expected to wear the standard officiating uniform required at high school games (black & white striped shirt, hat, pants/shorts, and accessories). 

Game fees vary depending on level and number of officials assigned to the contest.  For the 2025 season, youth and middle school game fees were $50-60 per official, freshman and JV contests were $55-65 per official, and varsity contests were $95 per official (five-man) or $75 per official (seven-man).  

Training includes meetings, study sessions, and on-field experience to help new and veteran officials improve their skills and rule knowledge. 

Yes — NKOA has training meetings and study sessions throughout the year leading up to and during the season. 

Our officials are assigned to high school varsity, junior varsity, middle school, and many youth football games in Northern Kentucky.  

For high-school and some middle school contests, assignments are coordinated through an assigning secretary.  Each youth league also has their own respective assigning secretaries.  Assigning secretaries utilize the Arbiter Sports platform to ascertain availability and assign games at their discretion.  

Officials enforce rules impartially, ensure fair play, maintain safety, and uphold sportsmanship — essential components of high school athletics. 

 Yes — visitors can contact the association for general questions or concerns relating to officiating standards, membership, or game procedures.  However, the NKOA will not respond to inquiries or questions regarding a specific game official, a specific contest, or criticism of officials.  Any such inquiries or questions should be directed to the athletic director (for school contests) or league directors (for youth contests).

Complete the NKOA Registration Form to get started.

Please reach us at nkoafootball67@gmail.com if you have additional questions.