Expert: Vic Winnek - 2/7/2008

Question
Do you have any advice on how I would get started on training as a football referee? I reside in the New Orleans Area and have always been passionate about football, college and pro, but I've always thought it was too complicated of a field to get into. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

Answer
FOLLOW -UP
PETER, I JUST RECEIVED WORD THIS MORNING FROM ANOTHER CONTACT THAT THE PERSON TO CONTACT TO HELP GET YOU STARTED OFFICIATING FOOTBALL IN THE NEW ORLEANS AREA IS CHARLES MYERS:  HIS CONTACT INFORMATION IS BELOW
Charles W. Myers
1204 Focis St.
Metairie, LA 70005                  
RES:   504/835-6148
FAX:   504/832-1564
CELL: 504/813-2667

PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ALL START OUT WORKING HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL [AT THE FRESHMAN, SOPH. AND JV LEVELS THEN VARSITY] AS WE MOVE UP TO THE COLLEGE RANKS AND HIGHER.  YOU WILL START LEARNING THE RULES RIGHT OFF THE BAT AND EVOLVE INTO A STUDENT OF THE GAME.  THE COMPLICATIONS YOU PRECEIVE WILL WORK THEMSELVES OUT INTO STRAIGHT FORWARD PLAY SITUATIONS.  REMEMBER, WITH RULES KNOWLEDE YOU NEED TO APPLY COMMON SENSE AND YOU WILL FIND BY DOING THIS THE COMPLICATIONS WILL WORK THEMSELVES OUT OF THE PLAY.

Peter
This is a follow up:

I just receieved some contact information for you.  Please contact one of the following to get started in officiating in your area.  They will meet in August at Brother Martin H.S. Cafeteria

GREATER NEW ORLEANS        
Assign. Secretary: Charles W. Myers
1204 Focis St.
Metairie, LA 70005                  
RES:   504/835-6148
FAX:   504/832-1564
CELL: 504/813-2667

ALEXANDRIA      
Assign. Secretary: Buddy Gingras
417 Azalea Ln.               
Pineville, LA  71360
BUS: 318/561-0050
RES: 318/445-5030
CELL: 318/792-2710
FAX: 318/561-2833
Email:  budthref@aol.com

BATON ROUGE     
Assign. Secretary: Francis Furrate
12554 Sherbrook Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70815-6648  
RES:  225/272-8009                
FAX:  225/272-5478

HAMMOND
Assign. Secretary: Jimmy Williams
P O Box 832                             
Amite, LA 70422                      
BUS:   985/878-1317
RES:   985/748-7618
FAX:   985/748-4760
CELL:   985/517-4477
Email:  jwilliamsrph@yahoo.com  

LAFAYETTE
Assign. Secretary: Dan Blum
P. O. Box 52848                       
Lafayette, LA  70505                
BUS:   337/981-7300       
RES:   337/984-6817
FAX:   337/984-2166
CELL: 337/280-8605
Email:djb@andrus.com


LAKE CHARLES
Assign. Secretary: Ralph Wright
159 Beauregard
Sulphur,  LA  70663
BUS:  337/478-5122
RES:  337/625-9400
CELL PHONE:  337/532-3974
FAX:   337/478-1173
Email:rbjw73@aol.com

MONROE (NORTHEAST)
Assign. Secretary: Tom Powers                   
108 Monteleon Circle     
West Monroe,  LA  71291
RES:   318/396-6563
CELL: 318/348-4587
FAX:   318/396-5551
Email: tpowersref69@yahoo.com

SHREVEPORT
Assign. Secretary: Mike Thibodeaux
P O Box 72333      
Bossier City, LA 71172                   
RES:   318/746-7050
FAX:   318/752-4683
CELL: 318/458-0091
Email: tib777@aol.com


THIBODAUX (SOUTH CENTRAL)
Assign. Secretary: June Aucoin, Jr.
317 Brule Rd.        
Labadieville, LA  70372
BUS:  985/387-2281
RES:   985/526-8525
FAX:   985/447-6179                   
CELL: 985/637-9637
Email:  june043@aol.com

DIRECTOR OF OFFICIALS
Mac Chauvin, LHSAA Asst. Commissioner
8075 Jefferson Hwy.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
BUS: 225/925-0100 or 925-0104
RES: 225/293-1544
FAX: 225/925-5801
CELL: 225/978-7705


Here is a Website for you to go to for further info.
http://www.lhsaa.org/sports/football/FootballRulesClinics.htm

Best of luck,

Vic Winnek
NCAA Football Official


Peter,
Thanks for the question.
There is a shortage of football officials all over the country. We need good officials and I welcome you to the ranks.

If you think you might be interested in becoming a football official, which it appears you are, please read over the following information.  Don't wait until the season to start learning the rules the local officials association will start meetings in July or August.  Contact the  association contact person in April or May and follow up with them if they forget about you.  Ask when the first meeting is and where it is so you can attend.  I am not sure where Oakdale is, but I think one  of these associations will cover the area.  If you have any problems, please contact me and I will try to make some calls for you.  I started officiating high school football 21 years ago, currently working college football and it is the most wonderful thing to do in the Fall.  It has become a passion and has created many great memories and friendships.  Don't get discouraged, we need good officials and good officials who will give back to the game and officiating.   I think you have what it takes and what we are looking for in a new official.  

I do not have the telephone number or contact information for the officiating association in your area.  However, please call or e-mail the :
Phone: 262/632-5448   E-mail: naso@naso.org I recommend you e-mail General questions to: cservice@naso.org they usually have all the local associations' contact info at their finger tips.

Also you may get the direction you need at:  Louisiana High School Athletic Assn.
http://www.lhsaa.org


here is the National Sports Officials Assoc. info:

National Association of Sports Officials
2017 Lathrop Ave.
Racine, WI 53405
Phone: 262/632-5448
Fax: 262/632-5460
E-mail: naso@naso.org
There's a link with information to the various organizations.
http://www.naso.org/BeOfficial/

Why would you want to be a football official?

To be involved with the game of football.
To be a positive role model to children and young adults.
You will build relationships like no others and make lifelong friends.
You will be able to make a little extra money.
To meet the challenge of officiating. As an official, you have to deal with stress and pressure and make split-second decisions.


Are you qualified and able?
Officiating is a very demanding avocation.

Are you physically fit? Football officiating is very physically demanding. You are constantly moving and work outside in the elements. It can be very hot, very cold, or raining.
Are you emotionally fit?
Do you take criticism well?
Can you stay calm under pressure?
Can you commit time to officiating? During the season, many times you will need to be off work before 5:00. You will also need to dedicate time to studying the rules both during the season and during the off-season to fully understand them.


How do you get started?
So, you've thought about it and you're ready to get stared.

Find your local association. Click on your state below to get the contact information.
Get in touch with officials in your area. Much of officiating is about networking. The more people you know, the easier it is to get started and established.
Find an older or experienced official to be your mentor. A wealth of knowledge can be gained by visiting with an official who has been through the ranks. A good mentor can teach you the ins and outs of officiating and help you improve much faster than an official without a good mentor.
If you don't know any officials in your area, go to a game and ask the crew working the game for some contact information. If you are unable to do this, ask an administrator at your local high school.
You will need all the proper equipment. Some local associations compile equipment for new officials. Check with them first. If this isn't an option, check with Honig's Whistle Stop (official's supplies). This link will take you to the football starter package. You can expect to spend $150 - $200 to get started.
If you would like more information, click here and post your questions on the discussion board. There are many officials there ready and willing to help you get started in officiating.


What NOT to expect as a beginning official.

Don't expect to receive a full schedule your first year. Some states require an official to work on a chain crew for a year or two before stepping on the field as an official.
Don't expect to work in the highest classification your first year. Most officials start at the lower levels and work their way up. Some conferences in Arkansas require all officials to be of the highest division to work their games.
First year officials aren't eligible to work playoff games. The amount of experience varies by state and/or association. This typically ranges from 4-10 years and/or a certain number of varsity games before an official is eligible to work a playoff game.
Don't expect to get rich as a football official. The average pay for a junior varsity game $25-$65 and the average for a senior varsity game is $45-$80. It is very commonly quoted that "you don't do it for the money."


What do other officials think?
"The opportunity to stand on the sideline before a game and hear the National Anthem still gives me goose bumps. To be a part of the great game of Football and work with tremendous people will always be a thrill. We are the integrity of the game which brings with it huge responsibility." Walt Coleman, NFL Referee

"Football officiating is a terrific avocation; it combines doing something that is hard and tremendous fun at the same time, and most importantly, it leads to life-long relationships among folks who are "in the arena" every week together." Rogers Redding, former Southwest Conference and Southeastern Conference referee and current Southeastern Conference Supervisor of Officials. Mr. Redding is also the author of "Referee's Study Guide to the NCAA Football Rules."

Over the years the one question I am always asked is how do I get to the Division 1 level. First and foremost you had better be the best official you can be at the level you are currently working - that means you involve yourself with your local association - attend meetings, clinics, work all of the games that your work and family schedule will allow. I have highlighted that last part because that is extremely important - officiating has to be third on the list after family and work. If the three can co-exist - great! If not, remember the order of importance.

The following is from the NASO website www.NASO.org

You’ve thought about becoming a football official and need a place to get started.

Find out about the local officials associations in your area. An officiating association is a group of officials who meet periodically to discuss rules, mechanics and philosophy. They are a great way for new officials to learn from veteran officials.

Attend a game in your area and ask the officials what association they belong to and whom to contact for information. The association will be a valuable pool of resources for training, obtaining games and getting to know the officiating community.

Attend association meetings. At those meetings, some held before the season starts, you can ask questions about rules, mechanics and positioning. Those sessions will be a foundation to get you started properly.


You will be constantly on your feet. A wide vision of the playing field is a must. Quick reactions and speed are advantages. As the players’ ages increase and the competitive levels increase, the physical demands will also increase.  

Expect lectures, demonstration and exercises on the basic rules at local association meetings.

• Polished, black athletic shoes, preferably cleated.
• Striped socks.
• White knickers and a black belt.
• Collared striped shirt, both short and long sleeves.
• A fitted black hat with white piping.
• Officiating tools: flags, down indicator, beanbag, information cards, pencil, whistle, lanyard, chain clip, sports watch with timer, signal card, ball pressure tester.
• Estimated cost: $225. Veteran officials sometimes have "hand—me—downs" that help new officials get started.


Talk with officials at a game, contact the athletic department of a local high school or contact your local recreation department. They will be able to give you the name of the state governing body for high school athletics. You will be expected to complete a registration form for affiliation with a national, statewide or local association. Often there will be a fee that must be paid with this registration which goes toward additional officiating training and insurance. Often, with your state association fee, you will be provided rulebooks and other materials. The fees range from $10—$95.



Game fees vary widely based on the players’ age group, competitive level and the state you officiate in. You can expect the range of $10 for youth games to $75 for competitive high school varsity games.  

Ask a respected veteran official to be your mentor. That mentor will help answer your questions and provide crucial support. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about situations and rules. The more you talk about officiating, the more you will learn about it.  

Additional requirements are a written test with a minimum passing score, payment of fees for the coming season and association meeting attendance.

Climbing the ladder: Here’s the path for starting and continuing your officiating career:

*The youth level: Many officials start at that level. Contact your local recreation department leaders. Your local association should also help you make contacts to get games. Pop Warner league offers youth games in many cities.

For information, contact:

Pop Warner Football
586 Middletown Blvd., Suite C-100
Langhorne, PA 19047
215/752-2691
www.popwarner.com
www.pwlsreg@aol.com

*Upgrading to high school: After working some games, you may feel you have the skills and confidence to work higher level competition. Contact your state association for registration information.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is the nation’s governing body for high school athletics. Contact the NFHS for rulebooks, rule changes and information on your state association.

NFHS
P.O. Box 690
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317/972-6900

In most cases, state associations can put you in contact with a local officials association. NASO has more than 4,000 local officials associations in our database. Local officials associations assign games, many times offers mentoring programs and assist in training. You may Contact Us for a local association near you.

High school athletic directors, association assigners and other officials will help you get games. Attend local officiating camps and clinics. They are focused on helping umpires learn and improve.

*Upgrading to college: College football is a highly competitive level of play. Officials with one year of youth league experience would most likely not be a candidate even though there isn’t a designated number of years of experience to reach the college ranks. Obtaining a conference schedule and advancement within a conference is based on the league or conference. When first trying to enter a particular college conference, talk with officials who are currently in the conference. They can give you valuable information such as the conference commissioner and umpiring camps to attend. College athletic directors or sports information directors can also be helpful. Click here for a NCAA college conference directory .

You may start your career in the NAIA, work an NCAA Division III conference, advance to a Division II schedule, then on to a smaller Division I conference and culminate with a major Division I schedule. Attending officiating camps is an important tool to improve your officiating. Not only can you learn from experienced officials, you can be seen by those who assign games at that particular level, most often conference commissioners or officiating supervisors.

The collegiate national governing bodies:

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6222
317-917-6222
http://www.ncaa.org/

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
23500 W. 105th Street
P.O. Box 1325
Olathe, KS 66051-1325
913/791-0044
http://www.naia.org


*Professional league: Though you don’t have to have top—level experience to become a professional official, some experience is required. For example, it would be impossible for a person with one year of high school experience to be a serious candidate for the NFL. An NFL candidate must have at least 10 years of experience with five of them at a collegiate varsity or minor professional level. For the NFL, candidates are interviewed by clinical psychologists to determine levels of intelligence and ability to handle extremely stressful situations. The NFL’s security department also conducts thorough checks into the candidate’s personal background. Finally the candidate is interviewed by a panel from the NFL officiating department and is given a rules examination.

The professional bodies for football are:

National Football League (NFL)
280 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10017
212/450-2000
http://www.nfl.com

Arena Football League and Arena 2 Football League
280 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10017
212/450-2000
http://www.arenafootball.com/index.html


I hope this information helps,
Best of luck.
Vic Winnek
NCAA Football Official