IL SR0156

Athletic Officials Association (AOA) was established in 1917 as the first sports officials association in the United States, working with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).

AOA serves over 400 officials across Northeastern Illinois with divisions in football, basketball, baseball, and softball, governed by all-volunteer IHSA officials and umpires.

AOA provides educational opportunities including rules training, instructional meetings, professionalism training, and observer programs to advance officials' careers and promote sportsmanship.

AOA annually recognizes contributions to sports official education through the Abe Glick Award and Hall-of-Fame inductions.

Senate recognizes the Athletic Officials Association on May 20, 2017 as "AOA Day" in Illinois to honor its 100th anniversary and contributions to high school sports.