Stay In the Game
Become A Sports Official
Stay in the Game is a partnership between the Division III Commissioners Association and NASO to help DIII athletes stay connected to sports through officiating. The program pairs athletes with mentors via the NASO GameSavers network, offering guidance, resources, and local opportunities to begin an officiating journey and continue making an impact in the game.
Whether you’re a student-athlete ready to explore officiating or someone who knows a great candidate, take the next step below:
The Game Needs You
There’s a national shortage of sports officials, and the need is urgent. Former athletes — especially those from Division III — have the knowledge, drive, and experience to step in and lead the next generation. Officiating is a powerful way to stay connected to the game while making a real impact.
Stay Active, Lead Strong
Officiating offers more than just a paycheck — it sharpens your leadership, communication, and decision-making skills while keeping you at the heart of the action. For former athletes, it’s a natural next step. You’ve trained, competed, and committed to your sport — now you can carry that experience forward. Your time on the field doesn’t have to end.
Guiding Athletes to Stay in the Game
Practical tips for athletic directors and coaches to introduce officiating opportunities to student-athletes.
Step 1:
Identify the Right Athletes
Look for athletes with:
- Leadership qualities
- Strong rules knowledge
- Composure under pressure
- Passion for their sport, even without plans to coach
- Potential — even if they didn’t get much playing time
Step 2:
Start the Conversation
Try these openers:
- “Have you ever thought about officiating after you graduate?”
- “You’d make a great official — you already have the game sense.”
- “Officiating is a great way to stay in the game, make extra income, and keep competing in a new way.”
Step 3:
Connect them To the Program
Always point athletes to SayYesToOfficiating.com/stayinthegame or the QR code in the materials. This ensures they enter the system and are matched with a mentor through the GameSaver program.
Step 4:
Follow Up
A quick follow-up — by email, text, or in person — within a week dramatically increases the chance they’ll take action.
Meet the Action Kit
Promote officiating in your community with ready-to-use flyers, graphics, social posts, and videos — all free, thanks to support from NASO and the Division III Commissioners Association.
Here’s what’s inside the Action Kit and how to put each piece to work: