On May 18, 2018, officers from Bay Metro Officials Association, Midland Athletic Officials Association and the Saginaw Officials Associations formally met to discuss a merger. The purpose of the merger was to provide better training/education to their memberships, make assigning easier for their school members, recruitment and retention of members and cost savings to the members.
Soon after, a decision was made to also invite the Greater Mid-Michigan Officials Association to join in the merger which they accepted.
On October 14, 2018, a meeting was held with the memberships from the four associations. Mark Uyl, Executive Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), was in attendance and outlined the benefits of the merger.
A structure to operate a new association along with the appointment of the board of directors was adopted by the four associations and implemented until a constitution and bylaws could be developed.
On June 5, 2022, the Tri-City Officials Association held its first annual meeting, election of officers and adoption of its constitution.