Scholarship announced to honor legendary IHSAA Official

James Robinson Pathway to Officiating Scholarship awarding in Spring 2025

The REPORTER

In honor of the late James “Robby” Robinson, the Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc. (IHSAA) and IHSAA Foundation proudly announce the new James Robinson Pathway to Officiating Post-Secondary/Training Scholarship.

With thanks to James’ family, friends, coworkers, and support from fellow officials from Indiana and across the country, a new scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded in perpetuity to honor and continue James’ legacy.

Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, one student-athlete from an IHSAA member school will be selected who is involved in their school and their community’s athletics in multiple positions and best exemplifies the passion for fair competition in which James lived his life.

“James was the epitome of what education-based athletics can teach, and he implemented those teachings on a daily basis,” says IHSAA Foundation, President Chris Kaufman. “Having known James when I competed as a student-athlete in high school and college, I always admired his officiating contributions in helping the youth of the community.  James’ involvement as a coach, as an official, as a mentor, and supporter of young officials made our communities better.  This scholarship is a way in which we can celebrate those who exemplify and practice this already in their communities.”

Students interested in applying for this scholarship should visit the scholarship’s webpage for criteria and additional information.  Each student-athlete must be nominated by their school’s principal or athletic director, to be initiated on IHSAA’s membership portal (http://www.myihsaa.net).  Recipients of the James Robinson Memorial Post-Secondary Scholarship will be recognized and celebrated at the IHSAA Foundation’s Impact Awards.

James Robinson was a beloved member of his community, serving as a youth basketball and baseball coach in addition to his numerous officiating responsibilities.  Through his 30+ years of officiating experience, James covered all levels of sport.  Teaching the importance of fairness and the benefits of athletics from the youth level through high school athletics into collegiate roles with the Big Ten Conference, Mid-American Conference through the Collegiate Officiating Consortium, and at the professional level as an NFL Game Day Assistant.  James was an eight-time IHSAA State Finals official in three sports and served as a mentor to countless young officials.