CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA) is excited to announce a series of strategic initiatives designed to enhance the recruitment, training, and support of sports officials in Division III athletics. These efforts, in partnership with the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), will focus on addressing critical challenges such as recruitment shortages, behavioral issues, and the need for ongoing education and development of officials. The partnership is made possible by funding from NCAA Division III.
Over the next six months, the DIIICA Officiating Committee will launch the "Say Yes to Officiating" campaign, featuring engaging 30- and 60-second promotional videos customized for each conference. These videos will be showcased on livestreams, scoreboards, and social media to attract new officials while increasing visibility for the profession. Additionally, establishing and utilizing programs that will connect aspiring officials with experienced mentors, leveraging personal connections to guide recruits through the process of becoming registered officials. Social media content will also be developed to educate parents and fans about the rules of the game, fostering a more respectful environment for officials.
“We are thrilled to work with the DIIICA, the DIII conferences and the DIII officials,” said NASO President Bill Topp. “The DIII level means much to us, as many here on staff officiate at that level in various sports. We believe in the mission that DIII represents. Officials and officiating leaders need support, and we will help provide it. We know from first-hand experience that the DIII level is impactful for all participants, including officials. We are excited to get started and we thank the DIIICA and the NCAA for the opportunity.”
NASO, based in Racine, Wis., is a not-for-profit educational organization and is the world’s largest organization for sports officials at every level and all sports. More than 30,000 sports officials from around the world belong to NASO.
"We are excited to begin our partnership with NASO and with these new initiatives, we’re not only addressing the immediate challenges of recruitment and retention but also building a strong foundation for the future of officiating,” said DIIICA President and SCIAC Commissioner Jenn Dubow. “By investing in education, mentorship, and community engagement, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting officials and elevating the overall experience for everyone involved in Division III athletics."
In the next nine months, the DIIICA will strengthen partnerships with organizations like NIRSA and NFHS to explore opportunities within the officiating space. Efforts will include recruiting and retention of new officials and recognition of veteran officials for their continued dedication to the profession. Collaboration with NASO, NCAA, and RefQuest will focus on developing targeted training and educational resources to ensure officials are well-prepared for their roles.
Looking ahead to the one-year mark, the DIIICA plans to launch DIII-exclusive digital newsletters that celebrate officiating milestones, share educational content, and highlight the critical role officials play in sports. Coordinators of Officials meetings will be organized across team sports to share best practices and recruitment strategies, while the Officiating Tree program will establish clear development pathways for aspiring officials.
Over the next 18 months, the DIIICA will address region-specific officiating shortages and tackle behavioral issues in sports such as men’s soccer, ice hockey, and lacrosse. These efforts aim to create a sustainable and supportive officiating culture across all Division III sports.
Through these initiatives, the DIIICA reaffirms its commitment to recruiting and developing officials, improving the officiating experience, and fostering respect for those who uphold the integrity of the game.
