Welcome to The SouthwestERN Athletic Officials association
EVENT CALENDAR: Stay up to date on the latest SAOA important dates here.
The Latest from SAOA
An Update from SAOA’s Football VP
Officials, First SAOA Meeting will be next Wednesday (9/18/24) at 6:30 PM at Triad HS in the Library. I hope to have the first training tape out by tonight. Observers Program: The initial observer’s program has kicked off. There are five observers across the...
2024 Week 2 Football Newsletter
Officials,Overall, it was a good week #1. Sam advised me there were 27 ejections which is down from last year. The two main reasons for disqualifications were Hate Speech and fighting. Our game management obviously improved as we...
2024 Week 1 Football Newsletter
Officials, Week 1 is tomorrow. Newer officials go back to the last years training tapes (in Hudl) and review that information. If you don't have access to Hudl please let me know. We removed members who haven't paid their dues and we could have...
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.
Join + Renew
If you’re new to SAOA or a veteran, we’re making it easy to keep your membership up to date. SAOA has many benefits for its members, sign up now!
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.