Congratulations to Reggie Robles and Bill Sullivan, who will be joining the SGVFOA Board of Directors as Members-at-Large. Also congratulations to James Thomas and Darren Winkley, who will continue to serve as Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively.
CIF Officials Association
The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) made the decision to launch a new statewide registration and eligibility process for all high school sports officials in all sports. For the 2025-2026 season, the registration will be voluntary. However, it will be mandatory at the start of the 2026-2027 season. All officials will be required to register through CIF Central HUB via ArbiterSports. The cost for registering is $29, and it includes insurance and a background check. It should also save the unit quite a bit of money on its insurance, which, in return, could possibly result in a reduction of dues!
If you would like to learn more about the program, please go to https://sgvfoa.com/cif-officials-association.
New Uniform REQUIRED for Varsity Games
This year, the new CIF jersey will be required for all varsity contests. You can still use your old jerseys for lower level games, and it is okay if not everyone on the crew has the same shirt. Please do not wear the new shirts for Pop Warner or Jr. All-American games; they are only for CIF contests.
When purchasing a uniform shirt, please make sure it looks like the photo There are other shirts out there that are supposedly “CIF Approved”, but they are not the correct ones for us. You can find the shirts at Purchase Officials Supplies and at U.S. Official’s Supplies.
2025 CFOA Study Guide and 2024-26 Mechanics
The 2025 CFOA Study Guide is now available on the Central Hub on Arbiter. It will remain open until July 30th.
The 2024-2026 CFOA Mechanics book and a Powerpoint highlighting changes has also been added to our website on the Mechanics page.
Congratulations to Kenny James, Jr.!
Congratulations are in order for Kenny James, Jr. Kenny attended the Tait-Consul-Griffith in Cedar City, Utah, this week. His outstanding performance there resulted in him being hired to work NCAA Division III football as an umpire in the SCIAC! We wish him the best of luck!
Memorial Service for Mark Hamilton
There will be a memorial service for Mark on Saturday, July 19, 2025, 4:00 PM, at The Chapel, 61 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://gofund.me/9cc48017.
SGVFOA Saddened by Loss of Two Former Officials
The San Gabriel Valley Football Officials Association is saddened by the passing of two former members. Mark Hamilton (left) fell from a ladder and suffered a neck injury, resulting in his death on June 17. Robert Plancich (right) evidently passed away in his sleep last month. Both Mark and Robert were long-time football officials and softball umpires and will be missed.
Scott Root, Foothill-Citrus/Big Sky Official
I am sad to announce that fellow official, Scott Root from Foothill-Citrus, passed away this weekend unexpectedly after a very brief illness. “Rooterbus” was a longtime official in Foothill-Citrus and the Big Sky Conference, a teacher in Covina, and a family man; he was beloved by all.
There will be a viewing on Friday, May 16th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Oakdale Mortuary in Glendora. The Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Covina.
Eaton Fires
It goes with out saying that the Eaton Fire has been devastating to the San Gabriel Valley, especially the communities of Altadena and Pasadena. SGVFOA officials Kenny James and Kenny James, Jr., Michael Moore, and Raul Soto are among the thousands of people who have lost everything. Please help us in supporting them by donating to their GoFundMe campaigns.
Kenny James: https://gofund.me/f9abd79d
Michael Moore: https://gofund.me/14bc6a91
Raul Soto: https://gofund.me/4170a22d
2024 Playoffs
The 2024 playoffs list has been posted to our playoffs page. Congratulations to those that made the cut. Remember that being on the list is an honor in and of itself and is not a guarantee of getting a playoff game. Check back weekly to see playoff assignments, and please go out and support our officials!