What is the DMOA?

Becoming Better Officials

New officials learning from veteran officials, sharing experience – always looking to improve.

As a DMOA member, you’ll have the opportunity to meet regularly during the football and/or basketball season to learn from fellow officials. Our regular meetings are held at an area high school, usually on Wednesday night. We encourage you to attend in person, but many events are also available online via Zoom. Leading into each football and basketball season we’ll also have on-field or on-court learning opportunities.

We also meet annually for a social event, formerly a steak fry and now a BBQ catered at The Iowa Hall of Pride. Come to learn from prominent speakers, recognize your fellow officials who’ve achieved playoff games or even advanced to college and pro ranks. Swap stories with a few of the retired officials who came before you and paved the way.

Origins of DMOA

The Des Moines Officials Association began in 1958 when a few local officials met with their peers to discuss their game experiences and ways to find new football officials. Yes, penalty flags were red in those days. Basketball officials were incorporated into this association in 1975. Bodge Bowles was our first president, along with Vic Young at secretary and Earl Shostrum as vice president. A full list of past officers is found in our members section.