Existing law describes the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) as a voluntary organization that consists of school and school-related personnel with responsibility for administering interscholastic athletic activities in secondary schools, and sets forth the Legislature’s intent regarding the CIF’s implementation of certain policies. Existing law requires the CIF, on or before January 1, 2023, and on or before January 1 every 7 years thereafter, to report to the appropriate policy committees of the Legislature and the Governor on its evaluation and accountability activities undertaken pursuant to specified provisions. Existing law requires the report to include the goals and objectives of the CIF with regard to, and the status of, among other things, the quality of coaching and officiating, as provided.

This bill would require the CIF to annually verify the eligibility of its officials to officiate CIF contests by requiring those officials to annually register through a platform, as provided. The bill would require the platform to consist of (1) a statewide and standardized background screening, (2) a record of rules tests, online training modules, sport-specific annual certification, and continuing education requirements, and (3) a record of liability insurance coverage. The bill would require the CIF to ensure that its participating member schools, school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools can access the platform to verify the eligibility of an official, as specified.