TOPEKA, Kan. - With a never-ending pursuit of quality experiences for Kansas track and field students, KSHSAA announces the registered track and field officials initiative. 
 
Previously, the KSHSAA registered track and field starters.  With the addition of registered officials, there are two different roles in which an individual may be registered in track and field.  The registration process is the same for both starters and officials. 
 
KSHSAA registered track and field officials will be assigned to each regional, or as many as possible.  The role of the registered official at regionals will be to ensure NFHS track and field rules are upheld, and the meet is officiated by a trained individual. 
 
Nothing changes for KSHSAA registered starters in this process.
 
In order to become a registered official and/or a registered starter, individuals must attend the online KSHSAA/NFHS track and field rules meeting as well as pass the NFHS rules test.  An individual may register in one or both categories.
 
The cost to register to be a starter and/or official is $65.  If registered as both a starter and official, the cost is $65 total.  The cost covers the 2026 T&F season and the 2026 cross country season.  To register, individuals must have an account at arbiter sports.  The registration process is currently open and closes March 18^th.  The online rules meeting and KSHSAA Track & Field rules test opens February 1^st with a deadline of March 18^th.

Both requirements must be completed prior to the deadline for an opportunity to be postseason eligible. Officials do not have to live in the state of Kansas to be registered with the KSHSAA.
 
After the rules test and rules meeting closes, each registrant who completes both steps will be emailed a google form to indicate if they are registering as a starter only, official only or starter and official. 
 
As has been the case in the past, the KSHSAA intends to have registered starters work the regional and state track and field meets.