LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and its Board of Directors has approved its Officiating Strategic Plan, providing clearer direction, accountability, and measurable outcomes to guide its efforts to recruit, educate, and retain high-quality officials across all sports.
 
The Conference held an Officiating Summit in December of 2025, bringing together officiating coordinators, current PSAC officials, high school officials and PIAA staff, coaches, and administrators to collaborate and create an Operating Plan in it’s three goal areas: Recruitment, Education and Training and Retention.
 
“We all know officials are not always the most loved part of the competition, but we all need to recognize that without officials, we would not have said competitions," said Ashley Grimm, Chairperson of the PSAC's Officiating Committee and Associate Director of Athletics at Shippensburg University. "It is on us as a conference to help expand and foster the officials and the officials’ pool. Through recruiting efforts, additional education and training opportunities, and various ways to retain quality officials, we hope to elevate the officiating community not only within the PSAC, but across all levels of sport."
 
The PSAC is committed to consistency and fairness across all PSAC contests, including respect, safety, and professionalism for all officials. The Recruitment focus will be on two fronts, both expanding and strengthening the pool of officials entering the PSAC as well as the vocation itself. The objective of the Education goal area is to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction and evaluation is available for officials at all experience levels. The Retention area will improve official satisfaction, recognition, and long-term engagement within the PSAC, including adequate pay, positive game environments, and reasonable professional expectations.
 
“In intercollegiate athletics, we have all discussed improving officiating at all levels, but no one is taking action,” said Steve Murray, PSAC Commissioner. “By bringing all our constituents together, the PSAC has created a plan to help. We will work with our campuses and high school association to set entry-level officials up for success, and then concentrate on our own training and development processes.  I believe what we have put together is unique in the NCAA and I hope others follow suit.”
 
To access the entire PSAC Officiating Strategic Plan, click here.
 
For more information on how to become an official, visit the NCAA’s “Say Yes to Officiating” resources.