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Connect with a local board
New officials begin through a local board. Your board will explain local training, meeting expectations, and how assignments work in your area.
Become an Official
Get certified to officiate high school soccer.
NYSCOS supports the statewide certification structure for high school soccer officials in New York. Start by finding the local board that serves your area, then send a short inquiry.
Get started
Find your board, then send an inquiry.
Hover a pin for the board name. Shaded areas are NYSPHSAA sections; pins are approximate centers — not official territory lines.
Hover a pin to see the board name · click to select it for your inquiry
28 local boards · shaded regions = NYSPHSAA sections
Inquiry
Send your info — we'll route you.
Include your city or county so NYSCOS can connect you with the right local board.
How the process works
Certification details can vary by local board, but the general path is consistent statewide.
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Complete instruction
Training covers rules, mechanics, professionalism, game administration, and the standards expected of high school soccer officials.
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Take the rules exam
Certification includes the annual NYSCOS rules exam. Direct current exam questions to the 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President through the Contact page.
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Work games and keep improving
After certification, officials continue learning through local board support, rules updates, and field experience.
What officials are paid
Game fees are set by your section, not by NYSCOS, and they vary by section and by level. Travel is handled differently too — some sections pay mileage, some pay a flat appearance fee, and some pay neither. Your local board will tell you the current rate for your area before you take your first assignment.
Assignments come through your board or your section, not from individual schools. You accept or decline each game, so how much you work is your call.