|
Poosh,
Welcome!
A couple of thoughts to consider. Check to see if your association has someone that's designated to work with new officials. If so, get in contact with them and ask them what you can do to prepare for the season and what the training plan includes. This will vary by association.
Also, during your first year, availability is second only to proficiency. Make yourself available to your assignor whenever he needs you and you will have more games than you ever expected, especially when he's in a pinch. More importantly, you gain the reputation of being wide open to take assignments and will get the 1st call.
Along with this, having a wife and 2 kids is a balancing act. I can't tell you how many officials gripe about having to go home to their wives and "face the music" after taking an assignment. Deal with this up-front. Come to an agreement on your schedule (for the 1st year, it's pretty much any assignment you can get) and buy lots of flowers when she doesn't see you from Thursday to Sunday. Seriously, it's a team effort and home is more important than any game. Don't neglect it. The two of you need to agree on your level of participation.
You'll probably start on the wings (officials on the sidelines on the line of scrimmage). If you don't get Varsity assignments at first, go to a game and watch the veterans work. Sometimes you if you ask the R, you can get on the sidelines during the game and shadow the Head Linesman. This is invaluable. Also, contacting the Referee will show your interest and help with the political process of your association.
Hope this helps.
|