NFHS and DragonFly Announce "Center for Officials Services"
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and DragonFly Athletics announced today a partnership to provide digital solutions for high school officials through the NFHS Center for Officials Services. Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, contest officials and activity judges in NFHS-member state associations will use DragonFly’s platform for registration, assessment, assignments and payments.
In addition, NFHS Officials Association members will be able to access NFHS rules exams, digital rules books and case books, insurance information and video content. In time, it is anticipated that the NFHS Center for Officials Services database would include all registered officials in NFHS member state associations. As a result, this new technology would assist the NFHS as it continues to recruit new officials through its #BecomeAnOfficial program as well as ongoing efforts to retain individuals who officiate high school contests.
“We are excited about providing this tremendous service for high school officials across the country,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “In those states that use the NFHS platform, officials will be able to obtain everything they need in one location. The technological expertise offered by DragonFly will provide a streamlined process for officials to participate, and for state associations and the NFHS to share officiating data.”
DragonFly currently works with thousands of administrators nationwide to manage athletics and activities at the school level. Its all-inclusive platform for schools, DragonFly MAX, provides features for registration, medical care, scheduling, communications and payments. DragonFly also developed DragonFly STORM; the video exchange technology used by NCAA Division I football programs, the College Football Playoff Committee, ESPN, and other media partners. The new NFHS Center for Officials Services builds on DragonFly’s success and is the latest in a suite of tools that deliver simplicity, precision and cutting-edge technology.
“Under Dr. Karissa Niehoff’s leadership, we’ve seen a strong focus on technology and data analysis to improve high school sports and activities,” said Kirk Miller, CEO of DragonFly. “We’re thrilled to be a part of her vision. Not only will we provide a first-class digital experience for officials, we will also help the NFHS have the information they need to make strategic decisions for the future of officiating.”
DragonFly’s officiating platform provides a streamlined process for officials to participate and for state associations and the NFHS to share officiating data. DragonFly's technology helps eliminate many barriers to participation, such as difficult paperwork and rules education that keep people off the field.
“We’re committed to high school sports because they give young people the tools to succeed in life; but that doesn’t happen without officials,” said Miller. “Our technologies will help current officials stay on the field while ushering in the next generation.”
The NFHS Center for Officials Services will launch in May 2020. Interested state associations should contact DragonFly Athletics for more information on how to get started today.