Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 24, June 14, 2024
Section 127-3-9 - Game Officials9.1. All officials utilized in interscholastic games and contests in West Virginia must be registered with the WVSSAC, except in the case of emergency, § 127-3-9.4 may be invoked. A game officials' registration plan shall be established by the WVSSAC Board of Directors (Board of Directors).9.2. Officials for interscholastic contests shall be agreed upon mutually by the competing schools at least two weeks before the scheduled date of contest. Coaches or other persons connected with competing schools shall not officiate at the contest unless all competing consent.9.3. The host school initiates the selection of game officials. It is highly recommended that the host school contract officials for all interscholastic contests. Contractual agreements are between the school and the official.9.4. The WVSSSAC Executive Director shall be empowered to authorize the use of non-registered officials for athletic contests where registered officials are not available and scheduled athletic contests risk cancellation.9.5. All officials registered with the WVSSAC are subject to and required to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in these rules and the "West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Officials' Handbook", which is revised and published yearly. WVSSAC registered officials are provided the same opportunity for appeal of any decisions as set forth in the rules.9.6. The official shall: 9.6.a. Attend a state WVSSAC rules clinic in the sport for which the official is registered. Failure to comply will result in suspension for that year.9.6.b. Attend four local Officials' Board meetings. Failure to comply will result in suspension for that year.9.6.c. Take Part I and Part II NFHS Rules Examinations in the sports where specified. Failure to take Part I will result in a five point deduction for the purpose of classification at the end of that sport season. Failure to take Part II Exam will result in suspension the following year.9.6.d. Abstain from consuming intoxicating beverages on the day of the assigned contest prior to and during the contest, and after, in the vicinity of the playing area of the contest.9.6.e. Abstain from the use of smokeless or any other forms of tobacco in the vicinity of the playing area of the contest.9.6.f. Abstain from the use of illegal drugs.9.6.g. Be fair, impartial, unbiased, professional, and competent in officiating.9.6.h. Be in and maintain proper physical and mental condition as verified by the physical examination form submitted to the WVSSAC; dress and appearance must be appropriate.9.6.i. Be at the site of the contest in adequate time to care for necessary pre-contest duties or as specified in the NFHS Rules.9.6.j. Maintain self-control under all conditions.9.6.k. Refrain from commenting upon or discussing a team, play, game situation, or fellow official.9.6.l. Conduct the game so as to enlist the cooperation of students, coaches, and spectators in the interest of good sportsmanship.9.6.m. Comply with any WVSSAC rule, regulation, Constitution, or directive, and particularly those regulations pertaining to filing Special Reports and Official Ratings of Schools.9.6.n. Honor all existing officiating contracts with member schools unless a valid reason is presented and accepted by the involved school. Accepting a game involving a higher level of competition is not a valid reason to cancel a contract.9.6.o. Comply with local board rules as set forth in board regulations.9.7. The WVSSAC Executive Director shall have the power to penalize for violations of these rules. Any official penalized under these rules shall have the right to appeal to the Board of Directors. The WVSSAC Executive Director shall inform fully a penalized official of appeal rights.