[Jim S]

Working a chain gang would be good. If you can't join the loccal association find on of the crew chiefs who will let you tag along with the crew. Go to the games with them, sit in on the pre-game. Sideline during the game. After the game. May not get to go to the very after game....
Take a notepad with you to write down anything you want to ask about later.
Do this even if you get in and start working junior games.