[JRutledge]

The only requirements are to get a license and get hired by the assignor, AD or Crew Chief.

Usually the a crew chief can put anyone on their crew they like. It is ultimately up to the crew chief to decide who will work for them, but it could cost the crew playoff opportunities (all 5 working together) or with getting assigned particular games.

As long as you have a license with the state, you can officiate any level you like outside of the playoffs in my state. That is the way it is in all sports. No association has a say, just the folks who give out the games or hire the officials to join their crew.

It is not completely unusual in my area/state to have first and second year officials work varsity games. They might not get the games on their own, but they might be picked up by a crew chief or replace someone on a crew for that night.

I worked about 4 varsity games my first year. Two of the games were last minute or unusual circumstances that allowed my crew to get the game. My second year I was on a crew that had all our Friday nights as varsity contests.

Was I perfect during these games, of course not. I was not perfect on the varsity game I worked yesteday afternoon. But I am much more relaxed and knowledgable about the game I am officiating, than I was my first and second year.

Officiating is not only about experience, it is about talent. Some guys are just more talented and deserve more opportunities than guys who have less talent.

Peace