NFHS Fall Sports Officials Appreciation Week  – October 4-10, 2026!

We are in the first season of the 2026-27 school year, and we are excited for the opportunity to recognize the men and women officiating fall sports across the country. We are asking for the involvement of all member state associations in this week of gratitude and appreciation for the guardians of fair play this fall.  

Participation in officials’ appreciation weeks can be as simple or as extravagant as state associations and/or schools want it to be.  Many schools will not only get their teams involved in the fun but will ask student groups on campus to get involved.  It is a great community project for school student councils, spirit groups or other groups that serve as ambassadors to your school and community.  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.

These are just some examples of what schools can do – the possibilities are endless! From this, we recommend that schools of any of these events/recognitions and send them to their state associations to post on social media (or schools can post on their own social media).  Tag the NFHS in any of these posts:

Facebook: @NFHS1920

Instagram: @nfhs_org

Twitter/X: @NFHS_Org

If you are celebrating officials’ appreciation week at a different time, or have already celebrated it, please send us any examples of what schools did or are doing in your state and we’ll post them on social media, too! 

Thank you in advance for your participation in NFHS Fall Sports Officials Appreciation Week!  

CONTACT
Dana Marie Pappas, CAA
dpappas@nfhs.org
Director of Officiating Services, NFHS