Donate to the NIRSA Foundation’s Student Officials Development Fund

In response to the loss of key tournament sponsorships, the NIRSA Foundation established the Student Officials Development Fund (SODF) in 2015. This fund supports the development of student officials through the NIRSA Championship Series’ flag football and basketball tournaments. The SODF ensures that student officials receive the necessary training and resources to excel in their roles.

Since its inception, the SODF has made it possible for student officials to attend a half-day clinic before the NIRSA Championship Series flag football and basketball national tournaments. This clinic provides vital training and evaluation, covering the costs of trainers, lodging, stipends, meals, and on-site transportation.

“For years, NIRSA and the field of campus recreation have positively impacted the development and growth of student sports officials,” says Kevin George, Director of Campus Recreation at Rowan University and member of the NIRSA Foundation Board of Directors. “Through their efforts, many students have continued to pursue officiating to support the recreational, club, scholastic, and intercollegiate sports communities. Some have made a vocation out of officiating.”

The U.S. is currently experiencing a decline in the numbers of qualified and available youth sports officials. To address this situation, the NIRSA Foundation aims to expand its support in two critical areas. First, it hopes to extend the current clinics from a 3-4 hour experience into a full day. This will enhance the educational and evaluation components of the clinics. Second, the Foundation is working with the NIRSA Services Corporation to help fund the development of a national database of NIRSA-trained officials and the creation of online courses, film breakdowns, and more thorough evaluations.

“The funds raised will elevate the training, development, and impact of the referee experience at both regional and national basketball and flag football tournaments,” adds Kevin.

A current Student Officials Development Fund campaign—which will run from September 2024 to February 2025—focuses on supporting burgeoning officials by asking donors to choose between contributing to Team Flag Football and Team Basketball. The flag football vs. basketball SODF challenge aims to raise $10,000 to support the future of student officials. So select your team (flag football or basketball) and donate to the NIRSA Foundation’s SODF campaign today!