Welcome to The SouthwestERN Athletic Officials association
EVENT CALENDAR: Stay up to date on the latest SAOA important dates here.
The Latest from SAOA
Congratulations to our SAOA State Finals Officials
The SAOA and its members want to acknowledge members Kevin Toennies and Dave Sands on their 2023 IHSA girls basketball State Final assignments, and Jason Rhodes and Jim Kowzan on their 2023 IHSA boys basketball State Final assignments. Congratulations on this...
Final In-Season Basketball Meeting February 19th, 2023
The SAOA will be hosting our last in-person basketball meeting on February 19th, 2023 at BoogiesRestaurant, 2082 Vadalabene Dr, Maryville, IL 62062 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.Food will be provided as well as a 50/50 drawing and attendance prizes. Honorary Members, current...
NFHS Football Rules Change Update
Check out the latest rules information from the NHFS: https://www.nfhs.org/articles/changes-in-basic-spot-for-penalty-enforcement-headline-2023-high-school-football-rules-changes/
About SAOA
The MISSION of the SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION is the enhancement of the knowledge and skills of its members in the sports designated by the active membership to assure a higher level of excellence and participation in officiating; those sports designated by the membership are football, basketball, and any other sport(s) determined by the membership. In order to fulfill the purposes outlined, coordinate and provide activities both within and outside the ASSOCIATION that encourage extensive communication and participation in a variety of professional experiences.
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Calendar & Events
Don’t miss a deadline! Stay in the know with our calendar of events highlighting meeting dates, clinics, licensing periods, officials conferences and more.
Curious about SAOA?
Joining an officials association has many great benefits. From mentoring to development and networking to access to assignors and athletic directors.
Want to Join SAOA?
The Southwestern Athletic Officials Association (SAOA) has been in existence for over 40 years. The exact date the association formed is not known, but our files have records of rosters and minutes from the early 1960s. Our membership consists of men and women in the southwestern Illinois area that are licensed IHSA football and basketball officials. These members officiate amateur games and contests primarily at the high school and junior high school levels.
The SAOA is proud of the fact that over the years, many of it members have officiated at the IHSA State Finals in both football and basketball. In fact, some of our members have officiated IHSA State Finals in multiple sports. In addition, a large percentage of our members have advanced to officiate at the collegiate level in both sports as well.