NJSIAA Winter Officials Appreciation Week 2025
Monday, January 27th, through Sunday, February 2nd
NJSIAA will designate the week of Monday, January 27th, through Sunday, February 2nd, as the Winter Officials Appreciation Week. NJSIAA is aware of the increasing shortage of officials across all sports in both NJ as well as the entire country and are concerned with the long-term implications this trend will have on high school sports for future student-athletes. So, to acknowledge, recognize and celebrate the efforts of the nearly 7,000 NJSIAA registered officials, NJSIAA will designate one week per season to show their gratitude for these men and women. The Spring sports officials will be recognized May 5th through 11th, 2025.
During Officials Appreciation Week, we are challenging all captains to designate one game during each week to give thanks to those officials working that game.
Some suggestions to show their teams appreciation are:
- Officials’ appreciation week banners and signage on the fence, wall, etc., surrounding the contest playing area.
- Goodie bags presented to the crew by both the home and visiting team.
- Photos of the officiating crew with both teams and coaches before or after the game.
- Providing refreshments such as water or snacks, or a free meal from the concession stand.
- Presenting officials with a certificate of appreciation from the school.
- Written “Thank you” cards, signed by the team and coaching staff.
- 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.
- Special appreciation signage in the officials’ locker room.
- Recorded “thank you” messages from student-athletes and coaches to officials, posted on social media.
Teams and schools are also asked to share their appreciation efforts on social media by posting pictures and related content using the hashtags:
#ThankYouOfficials and #OfficialsAppreciationWeek
Please also tag NJSIAA:
Facebook: @NJSIAA
Instagram: @njsiaa1918
X/Twitter: @NJSIAA
