Legal Issues in Officiating -- What You Need to Know

The Officiating Event of the Year!
2026 NASO Summit/Grand Rapids, Michigan

Please Join Us July 26-28 in Montgomery, Alabama
 for 

"Critical Issues in Officiating Risk Management"
followed by
"Legal & Liability Q & A Working Lunch"
and
"A Deeper Dive: Navigating Today's
Critical Liability Issues for Officials"

to be presented at the

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS (NASO)
SPORTS OFFICIATING SUMMIT
July 26-28, 2026
DeVos Place Convention Center
Grand Rapids, Michigan

 Who should attend the NASO Summit?

√ OFFICIALS 
√ ASSOCIATION OFFICERS 
√ ASSIGNERS 
√ COORDINATORS 
√ SUPERVISORS

These programs will provide officials, association officers, and assigners with essential guidance on today's critical legal issues and managing risk at a time when officials' authority — and the rules they enforce — are often challenged and derided by the athletes, and the schools and clubs who benefit most from the safe environment officials provide. When this happens, officials and their associations need to strengthen their resolve to enforce the rules consistently to keep our sports safe and fair for all.

More about the Risk Management Tracks:

Track 1: "Keys to Effective Risk Management: Protecting Yourself & Your Association"

This track provides essential guidance for protecting yourself and your association in today’s increasingly complex legal environment. This guidance, and the sessions that follow, will examine current legal trends, and proven risk management strategies that you can use in your next game, match, or meet. Attendees will gain practical tools to minimize exposure, respond appropriately to incidents, and strengthen policies that safeguard both individuals and organizations. This track equips leaders and working officials alike with the knowledge needed to officiate confidently and responsibly. Real-world scenarios will highlight common pitfalls, insurance considerations, and the implications of court decisions impacting sports officials. Attendees will leave the track armed with best practices for reducing their legal exposure before, during and after the game.

Track 2: "The Legal Forum: Legal & Liability Q & A"

This interactive lunch offers a practical look at the legal realities that come with wearing the stripes. From personal liability and negligence claims to game reports, ejections, social media pitfalls and working under different governing bodies, this session tackles the real questions officials are asking right now. Led by experienced professionals with firsthand knowledge of officiating-related legal issues, participants are encouraged to bring their own scenarios and concerns. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to protect yourself, manage risk and make confident decisions on and off the field.

Now in its 43rd year, the NASO Sports Officiating Summit provides officials and officiating leaders resources and the opportunity to network and share their perspectives and experiences. The Summit program focuses on critical topics impacting all aspects of the officiating industry. Leading sports officials and leaders present and facilitate workshops, breakouts, panels, and discussions centered on a uniting theme.

Track 3: "A Deeper Dive: Navigating Today's Critical Liability Issues"

Sports officiating continues to evolve alongside changing laws, policies, and expectations, making legal awareness an essential part of every official's professional toolkit. This in-depth session examines the most significant legal and liability issues impacting officials today, providing practical guidance for reducing risk while maintaining confidence on the field and court. These programs will provide association officers, officials, and those who supervise their services with essential guidance on today's critical legal issues and managing risk at a time when officials' authority — and the rules they enforce — are often challenged and derided by the athletes, and the schools and clubs who benefit most from the safe environment officials provide. When this happens, officials and their associations need to strengthen their resolve to enforce the rules consistently to keep our sports safe and fair for all involved.

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Presented by: Alan Goldberger, attorney and former three-sport offical, and author of “Sports Officiating: A Legal Guide”; Don Collins, attorney and former Commissioner of Athletics for the California Interscholastic Federation, San Francisco Section; Scott Aronowitz, Big 10 Conference Replay Official and Coordinator Of Football Officials For The Sun Conference; and Jina Doyle, Senior Vice President of American Specialty Insurance, the country’s premiere provider of insurance to the officiating community.

Now in its 44th year, the NASO Sports Officiating Summit provides officials and officiating leaders resources and the opportunity to network and share their perspectives and experiences. The Summit program focuses on topics impacting all aspects of the officiating industry. Leading sports officials and leaders present and facilitate workshops, breakouts, panels, and discussions centered on a uniting theme.

REGISTER TODAY AT
SportsOfficiatingSummit.com

About Al Goldberger: