2025
DIII & NASO ANNOUNCE NEW ‘LEVEL UP DIII’ PROGRAM
NASO RACINE, WI — (Oct. 30, 2025)
The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) and the Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA) are pleased to announce the launch of a new sports officiating effort aimed at providing pathways for existing high school level officials to move up into the ranks of NCAA Division III officials. The program is titled “Level Up DIII” and is the latest official initiative to launch from the NASO and DIIICA partnership announced earlier this year as funded by NCAA Division III.
Level Up DIII is designed to support high school officials aiming to transition into college officiating, with a focus on opportunities at the Division III level. The program connects existing high school officials with DIII officiating coordinator information, provides valuable resources and tools to get officials “on the radar” and outlines a clear path to help officials grow their skills and take the next step on their officiating journey.
Through the Level Up DIII program, officials are given direction on how to navigate the various pathways toward obtaining a college schedule, noting that each conference and/or geographic area comes with specific requirements or suggested approaches. Significantly, the Level Up DIII website provides interested officials with a searchable map linking to each of the 42 DIII conferences across the Unites States and provides the names and contact information for every conference officiating coordinator in each sport.
That directory of Division III conference officiating coordinators is an invaluable resource for officials looking to move up to the DIII level,” said Jeff Ligney, commissioner of the Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference and member of the DIIICA Officiating Committee. “It’s the first Division III directory of its kind, and the information will be updated on a regular basis.
“We’re very pleased with our partnership with NASO to provide these kinds of resources through their ‘Say Yes to Officiating’ efforts,” Ligney continued. “Level Up DIII is one of several needed programs we’re launching through the partnership with more on the horizon.”
Last month NASO and DIIICA premiered the “Stay In the Game” initiative that provides pathways for DIII athletes to stay connected to sports through officiating. That program pairs athletes with mentors via the NASO GameSavers network, offering guidance, resources, and local opportunities to begin an officiating journey and continue making an impact in the game.
In addition to the national DIII directory, the Level Up DIII provides other resources like a free downloadable guide for interested officials on how to effectively write their officiating resumes.
“This partnership continues to roll along providing necessary resources to existing and potential sports officials,” added Ken Koester, NASO Chief Business Development Officer. “Recruiting officials and providing clear pathways for officials to find success are both integral parts of NASO’s mission. As an education‑based non‑profit with more than 32,000 members, we have a mandate to improve officiating nationwide, and Division III is at the heart of that effort.”
More programs and initiatives will continue to launch over the next months through the DIIICA Officiating Committee, working with NASO staff. They are all designed to enhance the recruitment, training, and support of sports officials in Division III athletics. Through these efforts, the DIIICA reaffirms its commitment to recruiting and developing officials, improving the officiating experience, and fostering respect for those who uphold the integrity of the game.
