[SWFLguy]

Old joke is that a Referee is only as good as his Umpire. But seriously the responses here all seem to point to the fact that the Umpire needs to be very strong and has a unique opportunity to keep the game (line of scrimmage) under control. I've had huge games where I was hoarse from using my voice so much. Be quick to talk to players when they are doing something that their coaches do not want them to do, and equally as quick to compliment them when they do something right. Oh yeah-- you are like a bullfighter out there. Learn to keep from getting hurt. I did it for 40 seasons and only once got knocked on my can--blindsided. Good runners quick to the hole will use you as a blocker. Keep everything in front of you and have fun.