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Expert: - 10/25/2008


Question
Vic, i know that I am sort of young to be asking this question (14 years old in 9th grade), but I have issues that concern making it as a pro football player. My high school does not have football, what should i do? I get really high grades in school, and I am a dedicated worker, and will do anything that it takes in order to become a professional football player. Can you tell me what my next steps should be?

Answer
I would suggest going to a high school with a football team or sign up for a club team.  Keep doing well in the class room.  Your grades will be the key to getting into college and will help you get a position on a college team.  You will need to work hard in the weight room to get strong and develop you muscle mass.  No need for supplements, you will naturally develop as you mature.  Make sure you eat well and make sure you run for speed, quickness and endurance.  The above you must do at least 3-5 times a week through out the year.

You should also study film of games [any game at any level].  Read keys and learn the mechanics of your position.

Practice the fundamentals of your position and learn while in practice - don't just go through the motions.  I recommend going to a football camp in the summer as well.  These will help you get closer to your goal.

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Vic Winnek

Expertise

Will Answer all queries RE: Rules of Football - NCAA & Federation; Officiating; Instruction on Football; Mechanics & application of rules; Setting up Instructional programs and clinics for: Officials, coaches and media; Liability Issues (Legal & Insurance questions)arising from coaching, playing, refereeing, product liability. Serve as an Consultant and Expert Witness in Football Related Matters in Tort and Contract (Standard of Care for: officials, coaches, players, assignors, BOD; Player, equipment, field & stadium Safety; Fee issues, independant contractor workers compensation. History of the College football game -its evolution. MY PURPOSE IS TO INFORM & EDUCATE FANS, MEDIA, THOSE INTERESTED IN FOOTBALL ABOUT: THE RULES, THEIR APPLICATION, PHILOSOPHIES; OFFICIATING; LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVING FOOTBALL. I WILL NOT RESPOND TO BASHING OF TEAMS, COACHES OR OFFICIALS. I will not dignify rude or disparaging comments with a response, nor entertain questions that use profanity or questions that suggest Football officials are corupt, such an insinuation is ridiculous and ludicrous.

Experience

24 years officiating High School & College football, NCAA Referee, Umpire, Back Judge & Line Judge 2 years Arena Football-substitution official Instructor of NCAA & Federation Officials, Played prep and college football; coached High School football; Athletic trainer; 23 years of instruction in Officiating Football

Organizations
Past President of Calif. Football Officials Assoc; Western Collegiate Football Officials Assoc.; CFOA-Long Beach Unit Board of Directors CFOA-South Bay Unit & Long Beach Unit, Pres. Executive Council of Calif. Football Officials Assoc.; CIF Presidents' Council on Officiating; Chairman Ethics Committee

Publications
Referee Magazine; California Football Officials Assoc. Instructor's Guide; NACC Div. 1-AA football officials' clinic; CFOA instrutional materials; Articles written: Line of Scrimmage mechanics, Forward Progress, Side Line Warnings, 2006 NCAA New Timing Rules; various instructional materials, UWLA Law Review

Education/Credentials
BA USC 1987
JD UWLA School of Law 1996
3 Years Reno Football Officials Clinic
4 Years UCLA Football Officials Camp Big 12 Mini Clinic NFL Grass Roots Clinic Aloha Clinic, Honolulu, HI West Coast Alliance Clinic

Awards and Honors
NCAA Div. 1 FCS & Div. III, 9 post season Bowl Games, play-offs, CIF Div. 1,2,3,5,8,9,10,12 Final, 10 years CIF Semi-finals, 19 years of CIF play-offs, California State High School Football Div. 1 Championship, Southern California Jr. College Championship, NCAA Div. III Semi-Final

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