Expert: Vic Winnek - 1/2/2008

Question
What do you recommend to do to start training to be a Football Referee in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area.  Any schools, camps, contacts would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Kevin:

The California Football Officials Association and the Southern California Collegiate Football Officialls Association offers some great reasons to become an official.  I understand you are thinking about getting involved as an official during the off-season so you can start next year.  Here are a few reasons to start officiating and some contact information:


Because You Love the Game of Football
If you love football, officiating is the best way to stay involved in the game. The great thing about being an official is that you actually get to be on the field and not on the sidelines.


Great Way to Stay in Shape
Officiating provides a meaningful reason to stay in shape. As we get older, many adults find it more difficult to find the time to exercise. Officiating gives you the opportunity to get out of the house two or three times a week and participate in an enjoyable and rewarding physical activity.


Be A Positive Role Model
Officiating provides a unique opportunity to positively influence young people. The official is a role model who is charged with enforcing the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship.


For the Competitor in You
Officiating appeals strongly to the competitive spirit that all of us possess. The successful official is a fierce competitor who enjoys the opportunity to work with teammates toward a common goal of officiating a good game.


Personal Development
Football officiating requires you to make instantaneous decisions, resolve conflicts, and deal with stress and pressure. It demands good communications skills.


Make Lifelong Friends
Your fellow officials can become your friends for life. A tremendous bond is developed between officials as they work together for the common good and can only be fully explained after you've experienced it.


For the Money
Football officiating is not an extremely lucrative hobby, but then again, you will see a positive cash flow. Unlike other hobbies, the time spent at officiating will put some money in your pockets.
For more information on why or how to become an official

Long Beach Contact
KEN AY
e-mail: ayball1@aol.com
MEETING DATES
July 18
August 29
September 5, 12, 19,26
October 10, 17
All meetings at Bellflower High School
15301 South McNab
Bellflower, 90706
Meetings start at 7:00 p.m.

Los Angeles
SECRETARY-DAVID PALMER
P.O. Box 6682 Westlake Village, 91359
805-446-2771
david.palmer@,lausd.net
MEETING DATES
July 19
August 30
September 6,20
October 4, 18
November 15
All meetings at Dorsey High School
3537 Farmdale Avenue
Los Angeles, 90016
Meetings start at 6:30 p.m.

Here are some websites:

www.SCCFOA.org

CFOA
California Football Officials Association
www.cfoa.us


I hope this helps.
Best of luck,

Vic Winnek
NCAA Football Official