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Expert: - 12/2/2007


Question
Can you give me an idea of how much college officials are paid for their work?  I would be curious to know how much difference there is between the major colleges and Division 1AA (FCS)  Thanks in advance...Chris

Answer
Chris
Thanks for the question.  The Game fee varies from conference to conference and level to level.  At the Division 1AA (FCS) level the game fee are as low as $105/game for some Pioneer league, independent and Great West games.  The conferences allow the member schools to assign the officials and and negotiate the game fee.  Other conferences like the Big Sky or Southland conference pay similar to the D-1A (BCS) level-$500-$600 per game plus per diem and travel.  Thus the official could be paid up to $780/game.  Thus the range for the Division 1AA (FCS)level is vast from $105 - $780.

The Division 1A (BCS) level is different with much higher salaries and all conference assign their own officials.  The officials at this level are all paid a game fee, per diem and either given a travel stipend or travel is arranged for them.  The game fees vary here too from a low of $500/game to as much as $980/game.

Many Division 1AA (FCS) conferences do have a supervisor of officials and will pay their officials in the range of $375-$500.  Most Div.1A BCS conferences pay in the range of $675-$800.  So as you can see there is about a $300 game fee difference.

Chris, Thank you for the  kind words and the rating.  It is much appreciated.
Best of luck,
Vic Winnek

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Vic Winnek

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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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