MIAA/NFHS National Officials Appreciation Week for Spring 2025 is April 6-12

The MIAA in partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is promoting its Spring 2025 National Officials Appreciation week from April 6-12. As far as helping with the shortage of officials that we are all facing, recognizing, and appreciating officials may seem like a “little thing” but it goes a long way!

Participation in Sports Officials’ Appreciation week can be as simple or as extravagant as schools want it to be. Schools could get their teams involved or ask other groups to serve as ambassadors to your school and community. Additionally, MIAA staff members will be attending games throughout the state to help support the effort recognizing officials!

Here are some ideas that have worked throughout the country:

• Officials’ appreciation week banners and signage on the fence, wall, etc., surrounding the contest playing area.
• Gift cards/cookies/donuts/other items presented to the crew by both the home and visiting team.
• Photos of the officiating crew with both teams and coaches prior to the start of the game (or at the end, depending on timing).
• Read a PSA at the start of the game, thanking the crew for working the contest.
• Student escorts of the crew onto the field/court/pitch.
• “Thank you” cards, signed by the team and coaching staff.
• Special appreciation signage in the officials’ locker room.
• Recorded “thank you” messages from student-athletes and coaches to officials, posted on social media.

If your school is able to celebrate the week and push it out on social media, please try to post the initiative on social media and to tag the MIAA and NFHS on the following social media platforms:

• X: @MIAA033 or @NFHS_Org
• Facebook: @NFHS1920
• Instagram: @nfhs_org