If you're looking to become a high school football official in Texas, you need a strong local association to train, mentor, and assign you to games. These five TASO-affiliated chapters are the top choices across the state, each offering structured
Why Texas High School Football Officials Associations Matter
Texas high school football is a big deal, and behind every Friday night game is a crew of trained officials. Local TASO-affiliated associations are the backbone of this system, recruiting, training, and assigning officials for sub-varsity and varsity games. These non-profit, member-driven organizations ensure games are officiated with integrity and consistency. Whether you're a former player looking to stay involved or a newcomer wanting to earn extra income, joining a local chapter is the first step. Each association offers its own training schedule, game assignment process, and community culture, so choosing the right one can make or break your officiating career.
How We Ranked These Associations
We evaluated each association based on five key factors: size and game volume, quality of training programs, reputation and playoff assignments, community and mentorship culture, and geographic accessibility for officials. We prioritized chapters that offer structured rookie training, clear paths to varsity games, and a strong track record of developing officials who work UIL playoff games. Local focus and member support also played a role, especially for smaller chapters like STXFOA that serve specific regions.
Here's a quick look at the top five Texas high school football officials associations, ranked from largest to most specialized for your region.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Dallas Football Officials Association (DFOA) | Officials seeking the largest chapter with the most game assignments |
| Houston TASO Football | Officials in the Houston metro area who want a large, well-organized chapter |
| Fort Worth Football Officials (FWFO) | Officials who value mentorship and a structured training path |
| South Texas Football Officials Association (STXFOA) | Officials in South Texas who want a local, community-focused chapter |
| San Antonio Football Officials (SA TASO Football) | Officials near San Antonio who want a chapter with state championship experience |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Associations
#1 Dallas Football Officials Association (DFOA)
A screenshot of the Dallas Football Officials Association website.
The Dallas Football Officials Association is one of the largest TASO chapters in Texas, with a robust board and committee structure that ensures top-notch training and game assignments. They host annual rules clinics and a golf tournament fundraiser that supports scholarship programs. DFOA officials regularly work UIL playoff games, and the association's size means you'll have plenty of opportunities to officiate at both junior high and varsity levels. If you're in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this is the go-to chapter for serious officials.
#2 Houston TASO Football
A screenshot of the Houston TASO Football website.
Houston TASO Football serves the greater Houston area and is one of the most active chapters in the state. They offer comprehensive training programs, including classroom and on-field mechanics clinics, and they have a dedicated scholarship fund for members. With Houston's massive school district footprint, you'll get exposure to high-level sub-varsity and varsity games. The chapter also emphasizes integrity and professionalism, making it a solid choice for new and experienced officials alike.
#3 Fort Worth Football Officials (FWFO)
A screenshot of the Fort Worth Football Officials website.
Fort Worth Football Officials boasts over 500 members and provides officials for junior high and high school games across North Central Texas. They offer regional rules clinics and a structured training program that helps you progress from rookie to veteran official. FWFO is known for its strong mentorship culture, pairing new officials with experienced crew chiefs. If you're in the Fort Worth area and want a supportive community with plenty of game opportunities, this chapter delivers.
#4 South Texas Football Officials Association (STXFOA)
A screenshot of the South Texas Football Officials Association website.
The South Texas Football Officials Association is the premier officiating chapter for Corpus Christi and the surrounding South Texas region. They provide services for sub-varsity and varsity games, with a focus on youth, coaches, and fans of the game. STXFOA offers membership, training, and vendor information, making it easy for new officials to get started. While smaller than the big metro chapters, this association gives you direct access to game assignments and a tight-knit community dedicated to the integrity of football.
#5 San Antonio Football Officials (SA TASO Football)
A screenshot of the San Antonio Football Officials website.
San Antonio TASO Football is the closest major metro chapter to Corpus Christi, serving the Alamo City and surrounding areas. They host the Alamo City Rules Clinic and have placed crews in UIL State Championship Finals, proving their high standard of officiating. The chapter provides training for both sub-varsity and varsity games, and their proximity to South Texas makes them a great option if you're willing to travel. SA TASO is a well-established chapter with a strong reputation across the state.
How to Choose the Right Officials Association for You
Start by considering your location. If you live in or near a major metro like Dallas, Houston, or Fort Worth, those large chapters offer the most game assignments and training resources. But if you're in South Texas, STXFOA gives you a local community with direct access to Corpus Christi games. Next, think about your goals: do you want to work playoff games quickly? Then a chapter with a strong UIL track record like San Antonio or Dallas is ideal. Finally, visit each association's website, attend a meeting, and talk to current members. The best fit is one where you feel supported and can grow as an official.
Automate Your Officiating Journey
Once you join an association, you can streamline your season by using tools like Arbiter or DragonFly for game assignments and availability. Set up automated reminders for training clinics and rules meetings. Many chapters also offer online rulebooks and video libraries, so you can study mechanics on your own time. For STXFOA, check their vendor page for gear and equipment deals. Automating your schedule and learning materials frees you up to focus on what matters: making the right calls on the field.
Your Next Step in Texas Football Officiating
No matter which association you choose, the key is to get involved early and stay committed. Texas high school football needs dedicated officials, and these five chapters are the best entry points. For those in South Texas, STXFOA offers a welcoming home base with a focus on community and game-day excellence. For officials in larger metros, DFOA, HTASO, FWFO, and SA TASO provide scale and opportunity. Pick the one that fits your location and goals, attend their training, and start your journey to the Friday night lights.