faq

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE 2025 SUMMIT BEING HELD?

The 2025 Sports Officiating Summit will be held July 27-29 in Montgomery, Ala., at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center.

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND THE SUMMIT?

The annual Sports Officiating Summit is the only gathering of its kind in the world. Nowhere else in the world of officiating will you find such a wide variety of sports and competition levels represented. The Summit is an intense two-and-a-half day event focusing on the topics and issues that are most relevant to the people immersed in the officiating industry.

WHO TYPICALLY ATTENDS THE SUMMIT?

Because the event focuses on high-level officiating topics, it draws the leaders in the officiating industry, such as state association directors, local association or chapter board members, assigners, supervisors, commissioners and coordinators. But the Summit and the program are specifically designed for anyone who cares deeply about officiating and wants to be a part of the discussions that shape our industry. The majority of attendees are working officials. Most hold leadership positions in their local area or are veterans who have influence. Many are newer or mid-career officials strongly interested in becoming leaders.

HOW IS THE SUMMIT DIFFERENT THAN OTHER CAMPS & CLINICS?

Most traditional officiating camps and clinics focus on rules & mechanics and include some combination of classroom and onfield/oncourt training. The Summit is different because it is the only national gathering of its kind that exclusively focuses on high-level leadership topics in the officiating industry. Additionally, the Summit features social and networking opportunities to interact and build relationships with the best and brightest in a wide variety of sports and competition levels.

WHAT TYPE OF TOPICS ARE FEATURED AT THE SUMMIT?

Every year, the Summit’s educational program features a particular theme and many of the educational sessions focus on an aspect of that theme. Discussion typically centers on high-level topics, focusing on challenges and solutions pertaining to sports officiating programs among all levels and sports.

ARE THERE SOCIAL EVENTS AT THE SUMMIT?

Yes! The Summit features a variety of opportunities every year to make new contacts, meet new people and re-connect with colleagues, friends and acquaintances. A few of the mainstay events include our Opening Reception where attendees can mingle with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, the Officiating Industry Luncheon and the annual Celebrate Officiating Gala, featuring the presentation of officiating’s highest honor, the Gold Whistle Award.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS?

The Summit program will be developed over the course of the next several months and is usually announced in March.

WHO ORGANIZES, HOSTS AND PRESENTS THE SUMMIT?

The Summit is presented annually by the National Association of Sports Officials in cooperation with the National Federation of State High School Associations. Additionally, the Summit moves each year to a different location in the U.S. and is co-presented by an organization in that state. In 2025 the Summit is co-presented by the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

WHAT IS OFFICIATE ALABAMA DAY?

Officiate Alabama Day is a one-day event held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center one day before the Summit begins. The event is sponsored by the Alabama High School Athletic Association in partnership with the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). Additionally, 100 attendees of Officiate Alabama Day are receiving scholarships to attend the 2025 Sports Officiating Summit the following two and a half days.

DO I HAVE TO BE AN NASO MEMBER TO REGISTER FOR THE SUMMIT?

No, but it will save you some money if you are. It’s easy to join NASO when you register for the Summit. The special Summit rate is $99, which is less than the difference in registration price between an NASO member attendee and a non-NASO member attendee. Join NASO Now!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ATTEND?

Registration opens on March 1, 2025. We have early bird discounts available for those who register before May 15, There are group discounts available when you register three or more attendees. And discounts are available for members of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). Check back after March 1 for more info.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Registration opens March 1, 2025. You will be able to register directly from this website, www.SportsOfficiatingSummit.com.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ‘ATTENDEE’ REGISTRATION AND A ‘GUEST’ REGISTRATION?

An attendee registration fee is the total package and includes admission to the entire educational program and all the luncheons and social events, including:

  • Full access to all Educational Sessions for all three days of the Summit
  • Unlimited entry into the Exhibit Hall for all three days of the Summit
  • The Opening Ceremony & Opening Reception
  • The Officiating Industry Luncheon
  • The Working Lunch Breakouts
  • The Celebrate Officiating Gala

A guest registration fee is available to a spouse, significant other or friend in a non-related industry. Guest registrations include an invitation to the following social events:

  • The Opening Ceremony & Opening Reception
  • The Celebrate Officiating Gala
HOW DOES GROUP REGISTRATION WORK?

Group registration provides a deep discount when three or more individuals register at the same time with one form of payment (credit card or check). The option is ideal for members of the same local officials’ association, chapter or board who are attending together. Please contact us at summitinfo@naso.org to request a group discount code.

MAY I PURCHASE A TICKET FOR THE CELEBRATE OFFICIATING GALA ONLY?

Yes, you may purchase a ticket for the Gala only for a reduced price of $100. 

WHAT IS THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE HOST HOTEL?

The Summit host hotel is:

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center
201 Tallapoosa Street
Montgomery, Ala., 36104
 
IS THE HOTEL INCLUDED WITH SUMMIT REGISTRATION?

No, hotel rooms must be reserved and booked separately.  The host hotel  for the 2025 Summit is the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center.

Summit attendees will receive an exclusive rate of $169.00 per night, plus taxes (higher rates apply for upgraded rooms). The hotel link for NASO members to receive the exclusive price will be active on March 1, 2025.

 

HOW DO I MAKE A HOTEL RESERVATION?

Summit attendees will receive an exclusive rate of $169.00 per night, plus taxes (higher rates apply for upgraded rooms). The hotel link for NASO members to receive the exclusive price will be active on March 1, 2025.

WHAT IS THE BEST OPTION FOR GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL?

Please see the Hotel & Travel page for more information.

WHAT IS THE SUMMIT CANCELLATION POLICY?

No refunds will be made after July 15.  Prior to July 15, a full refund will be made less a $50 Administrative Fee from the total refund amount. Attendee substitutions may also be made prior to July 15.  All requests for cancellation must be received in writing via letter, email or fax. Please see full details in the Terms, Conditions and Policies.