Skip to main content

North Carolina high school sports officials to receive five-percent pay increase

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby: Lawrence Fernandez12 hours agolawandfern

North Carolina high school sports officials will receive a five-percent pay increase (rounded to the nearest dollar) starting in the 2026-27 season.

In a report by High School OT, Union Pines athletic director Andy McCormick proposed the pay increase during the winter meeting of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. They pushed through with the increase to help schools budget for officials’ payments for next year. The NCHSAA board unanimously approved the proposal via a 19-0 vote.

A related article revealed that North Carolina high school football officials receive $104 for every regular season game officiated and $110 for first and second-round playoff games. The approved increase will bump the rates to $110 for regular season games and $116 for postseason matches.

However, the increase is nowhere near the proposed $160 for regular season football games, $170 for first and second-round playoff matches, and $180 for third-round games. The officials asked for those rates because flag football officials could earn $150 for three games, approximately the same length of a full-contact football game.

Meanwhile, North Carolina high school volleyball officials earn $59 for every best-of-three-set games and $65 for best-of-five matches.

Other matters tackled during the NCHSAA winter meeting are the sanctioning of flag football competitions and the implementation of the shot clock in high school basketball. For the latter, the state will undergo a one-year experimental period in 2026-27 before deciding on implementing it full time.

How to Follow North Carolina High School Football

For North Carolina high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Tarheel State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across North Carolina.