NFHS Officials Code of Ethics

August 26, 2025 | OFFICIALS

Officials at an interscholastic athletic event are participants in the educational development of high school students. As such, they must exercise a high level of self-discipline, independence and responsibility. The purpose of this Code is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all interscholastic officials.

• Officials shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner.

• Officials shall work with each other and their state associations in a constructive and cooperative manner.

• Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, colleagues, and the public. This includes, but is not limited to, positive verbal and nonverbal communication with coaches, bench personnel and players.

• Officials shall not use any form of alcohol or tobacco, or be under the influence (i.e., impaired by) a controlled or illicit substance(s), beginning with arrival at the competition site until departure following the completion of the contest.

• Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall comport themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession.

• Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all contractual obligations.

• Officials shall remain mindful that their conduct influences the respect that student-athletes, coaches and the public hold for the profession.

• Officials shall, while enforcing the rules of play, remain aware of the inherent risk of injury that competition poses to student-athletes. Where appropriate, officials shall inform event management of conditions or situations that appear unreasonably hazardous.

• Officials shall take reasonable steps to educate themselves in the recognition of emergency conditions that might arise during the course of competition.

• Officials shall maintain an ethical approach while participating in forums, chat rooms and all forms of social media.