With a remarkable 50-year career as a TSSAA official, Thomas Frierson has established himself as one of the most respected and dedicated officials in Tennessee high school sports. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has officiated in multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, football, softball, and volleyball, and continues to contribute to the world of officiating today by working in softball, football, and volleyball.

His passion for the sport and dedication to excellence is evident in his work as a TSSAA Basketball Supervisor and Assigning Officer (2022-Present), where he oversees more than 1,000 games a season.

He has also taken on the responsibility of training and preparing officials for success, conducting biannual TSSAA Play-Day training sessions and an annual TSSAA Officials Training Camp, where he helps refine the skills of both veteran and rookie officials. His leadership in these areas has made him a trusted and invaluable figure within the officiating community.

He has been named the TSSAA’s A. F. Bridges “Official of the Year” in 2000, 2006, and 2012, recognizing his exceptional work on the field and his commitment to the integrity of high school sports. He has officiated over 1,200 basketball games throughout his career, including numerous appearances at the TSSAA Basketball State Tournament. He was selected to work the TSSAA Basketball State Finals on four occasions, a testament to his ability to handle the pressure and responsibility of officiating the state’s biggest games. Additionally, his work in postseason basketball includes 38 appearances in sectional and substate games.

Mr. Frierson has also served as a TSSAA postseason football official, 5 years of service in postseason softball, and 2 years of service in postseason volleyball, where he has consistently demonstrated his versatility and commitment to officiating across multiple sports.

As a member of multiple officiating associations, including the Columbia/Lawrenceburg Basketball Association, South Central Basketball Association, Columbia Football Association, Central Football Association, Midwest Volleyball Association, and Columbia Softball Association, Mr. Frierson has been an integral part of the officiating network in Tennessee. His broad involvement with these organizations has further solidified his legacy as one of the most influential officials in the state.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2025
Category: Official