State associations, local groups, sport-specific requirements, registration steps, background checks, clinics and assigners. For someone new to officiating, the pathway can feel fragmented and overwhelming. That confusion is one of the quiet contributors to the shortage problem, and NASO is taking direct aim at it.
Enter Game Saver.
The NASO Game Saver program is a simple idea with powerful implications: When someone raises their hand and says, “I want to officiate,” there should be a real person ready to help them take the next step. Not an automated reply. Not a generic link list. A human guide.
Game Savers are volunteers from across the country who serve as navigators for prospective officials. Their role is not to recruit for a single association or sport, but to help individuals find the right entry point for their situation, location and interests.
That might mean connecting a college student with a local high school association. It could involve helping a former athlete understand which certification they need for their chosen sport. Or simply explaining, step by step, what happens after someone says “yes” to officiating.
“When someone wants to become an official, it can sometimes be confusing or daunting to navigate the landscape of state and local associations,” Jim Arehart, NASO chief marketing officer, said. “The Game Saver program is about removing those barriers and making sure no one falls through the cracks simply because they did not know who to call next.”
Instead of leaving prospective officials to figure it out on their own, Game Savers stay engaged, answering questions, following up, and helping candidates move forward with clarity and confidence.
Increased Communication, Better Outcomes
One of the early strengths of the Game Saver program has been communication. NASO has emphasized timely follow-up and consistent outreach, ensuring that people who express interest receive a response while their motivation is still high.
Prospective officials who interact with a Game Saver are more likely to complete required steps and report feeling supported throughout the process.
“The difference is the relationship,” Arehart said. “When someone knows there is a real person invested in helping them succeed, they are far more likely to stick with it.”
Giving Back, One Conversation at a Time
Game Savers are not just helping newcomers. They are strengthening the entire officiating ecosystem.
Many volunteers are experienced officials who understand the challenges of getting started because they lived them. By serving as Game Savers, they are giving back in a meaningful way, using their knowledge to create a smoother on-ramp for the next generation.
The role is flexible, impactful, and rooted in service. Volunteers are not expected to have all the answers. They are expected to care, communicate and connect people to the right resources.
How to Get Involved
NASO continues to recruit dedicated volunteers to serve as Game Savers across the country. Officials who are passionate about mentorship, communication, and the future of officiating are encouraged to participate.
If you have ever been asked, “How do I get started?” and wanted a better answer than “it depends,” this is your opportunity to be part of the solution.
To learn more or sign up, visit NASO Game Savers at referee.activehosted.com/f/45.
Because sometimes, saving the game starts before the game ever begins.
Want to make a direct impact on the officiating shortage? Become a Game Saver and help guide new officials to their first assignment. You can also point interested candidates to sayyestoofficiating.com to learn more about getting started.
