INITIAL CERTIFICATION
Working around student-athletes at all levels of football is exceptionally gratifying. Officiating football is also a great way to stay in shape, be a positive role model for student-athletes, retain your competitive edge, and earn additional income, all while developing lifelong friendships with other Officials who share your passion for the game.
The Los Padres Football Officials Association (LPFOA), as a unit member of the California Football Officials Association (CFOA), provides a standard training program for both New and Returning Officials. Prior Officiating experience is beneficial, but not a prerequisite for Certification. Our Training Program will prepare you for an enjoyable and successful Officiating career.
Participants will be required to attend ten (10) Training Classes which meet Tuesday nights over a twelve (12) week period from mid-July through mid-October. Training includes Classroom as well as On-Field instruction. Starting in your first Training Class and going up to your first high school game in August, you will have many opportunities for On-Field Training. Veteran Officials will be your instructors for both Classroom and On-Field Training Classes.
First Year Officials require twenty-two (22) hours of instruction to meet California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Certification standards.
2026 Los Padres Football Officials Association – New Officials Training Class Schedule
All Times Pacific Local Time
For Italicized Locations, Click For Google Maps
Day
Date
Notes
Location
Hours
Thursday - 6:30 PM
July 9th, 2026
Unit Meeting - Introductions & New Rules
Nipomo HS
1.5
Tuesday - 6:30 PM
July 14th, 2026
1st and 2nd Year Only
Nipomo HS
1.5
Tuesday - 6:30 PM
July 21st, 2026
Unit Meeting - Flank Instruction
Nipomo HS
1.5
Tuesday - 6:30 PM
July 28th, 2026
Unit Meeting - Umpire Instruction
Virtual/Zoom
1.5
Tuesday - 6:30 PM
August 4th 2026
Unit Meeting - Referee Instruction
Arroyo Grande HS
Tuesday - 6:30 PM
August 1th, 2025
Unit Meeting- Back Judge Instruction & First Year Breakout
Virtual/Zoom
1.5
Thursday/Friday - Time TBD
August 13th/14th,2026
1st & 2nd Year Scrimmages and JV/Varsity Scrimmages
TBD
1.5
Tuesday - 6:30 PM
August 18th,2025
1st and 2nd Year Only
Nipomo HS
1.5
Thursday/Friday
August 20th/21st, 2026
HS 0 Week Season Start
Various
Tuesday - 6:30 PM
August 25th, 2026
Unit Meeting
Nipomo HS
1.5
Tuesday - 6:30 PM
September 14th, 2026
Unit Meeting - Nominations
Virtual
1.5
Monday - 6:30 PM
October 12th, 2026
Unit Meeting - Unit Elections
Nipomo HS
1.5
Sunday 12:00 PM
November 1st, 2026
Year End BBQ
TBD
Monday - 6:30 PM
July 13th, 2026
Introductions & New Rules
Virtual/Zoom
1.5
Monday - 6:30 PM
July 27th, 2026
Game Management & Communication
Virtual/Zoom
1.5
Monday - 6:30 PM
August 10th, 2026
Mechanics & Positioning
Virtual/Zoom
1.5
Flag Football Meetings
Date
Notes
Location
Hours
Monday - 6:30 PM
September 7th, 2026
Fouls, Advantage/Disadvantage & Consistency
Virftual/Zoom
1.5
In Person
Monday - 6:30 PM
September 28th, 2026
Advanced Situations & Film Review
Virftual/Zoom
1.5