In red is my response to some of your scrimmage experiences. Below is some other general comments I have.
1. It's a lot easier to officiate watching on TV than actually being on the field.
Yes, but use watch TV games from a officiating standpoint. See if you agree with their calls and think of the penalty enforcement before they say it. Even for NFL games, think about it as if it was an NF game.
2. Trying to remember all the responsibilities I've got at a certain officiating position is actually harder than knowing the rules themselves.
This is why it is CRITICAL you have a solid presnap routine.
3. I noticed that no matter where I was(wing or ump) I was watching the ball >50% of the time, which is something I shouldn't be doing.
Experience helps most with this, but a presnap routine which reminds you of what to watch for is important. Also remember that you must watch other things when the ball is not in your area for the safety of the players.
4. When I was in the ump position I forgot where the ball was on the original spot a few times because of #2 above.
Have a second "down indicator." One for the down and one for the ball position.
5. Couple times on the wing I was late on the whistle because I was fumbling for it on my chest. That was at the beginning, after that I kept it in my mouth the whole time.
DON'T keep it in your mouth. A little late is a lot better than a little early!! One of my wings uses to long lanyards clipped together so it is down almost to his belt. He then can run with it in his hand and run with normal arm movement.
6. I'm in pretty good shape, but it needs to be better. (On a 1st D and 10 from the O's 15, they ran quick in and the WR caught the ball and started running down the field breaking tackles...I was sprinting right behind him for 60 yards until he was tackled on the other sideline from me around the D's 20 or so. I was so proud of myself for keeping up and getting the spot even though it was on the other sideline. Then I saw the flag...at the line of scrimmage...for holding. All that work for nothing. It took me a couple plays to get back to normal breathing after that.)
Nothing you can do there. They will always be faster than you. Especially varsity HS and college players and you will always be sucking air after a 60 yard sprint. You did a great job of hustling and getting the spot even though it came back.
7. I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Ouch.
8. It was a lot of fun and I'm excited for the next one.
Glad you're excited! Welcome aboard!
Here are a few other things to think about.
Buy the Redding Study Guide
https://thatsitideas.com/doublesdist...onlineform.htm cuz it is awesome. Read it, highlight it, and work as many games as you can.
Go to a clinic or two if you can and any on field stuff at a clinic is a bonus.
This board, the NF board,
http://www.nfhs.org/scriptcontent/va...?ubb=forum;f=9, and refstripes
http://www.refstripes.com/forum/index.php?board=3.0, are great sites that focuses on NF FB. You can learn from reading, looking in the rulebook for answers, posting, and asking your own questions.
A mentor is a great way to go if you have someone who is good and will work with you. Talk to him about things as often as he will let you, via email or phone.
Start watching games and thinking of what the signals and enforcements for fouls that you see happen are before the official comes on and does the signal and enforces the penalty.
HAVE FUN AND NEVER STOP LEARNING OR STUDYING!!! GREAT TO HAVE YOU ABOARD!!
Grant's site has a ton of good stuff.
http://home.comcast.net/~minnmo/football.htm