The Road to Become a College Official

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by CDurham

1) Is getting seen just a matter of being at the right game where a college evaluater is present or booking agent?

Yes and no. You could get an opportunity if you are seen by the right person. But that opportunity is likely going to result in going to a camp and then being evaluated from there. We are right or wrong in the age of camps. Almost no one gets hired just off the street or working some Junior High Game somewhere and then getting a lower level college opportunity. That might have been the case 15 or 20 years ago, but not so much anymore if ever.

Originally Posted by CDurham

2) Is it solely just going out and participating in open gyms or college camps where college officials are present?

Nope, you will have to likely attend a camp. Which means you will have to get some money together and make a commitment one weekend or several weekends to be seen at a camp. There are many all over the country, but now even the lower level college conferences have ties to other levels. So you will have to attend a camp and take your chances. And it might mean going to a D1 style camp where you will have to pay $300-$500 just for a camp fee. And it might mean you will have to go across state lines to do so as well. Most college conferences cross multiple states and to work in those conferences they are not just going to be in your back yard.

And most of what others have said addresses the issue but there is much more to it. I would suggest you find a mentor that works college ball and like someone else said decide which side you want to officiate. Men's and Women's basketball is very different and has different expectations and mechanics. You will likely have to be familiar with them or you will not work get hired. But understand much of what I am saying is general, the more you deal with people in your area there might be more requirements that none of us here can easily answer.

Most of all college officiating is very competitive. Most of the time those that attend camps can officiate their behinds off and you have to be better than those to even get a shot. It is a big financial commitment as well as a big time commitment. You have to have the right job and the right family life. This is not an easy thing to do or to achieve. Do not want to discourage you, but you need to be prepared for what you want to embark.

Peace

[Scrapper1]

Here's a couple of thoughts, for what they're worth.

There may be a vast difference in the process depending on what level of ball you're aiming at. Here in New England, there is generally no camp requirement to begin working D3 NCAA ball. You would likely need to attend a one-day try-out, but not a traditional multi-day, stay overnight, type of camp.

If you just want to get your feet wet with some Junior College or Community College ball, you might not even need to do that.

I think someone already mentioned it, but for me, the best advice is simply to find an NCAA official who you feel comfortable with and ask.

If your long term goal is make a Division 1 roster, then the sooner you start on the camp circuit, the better. As everyone has made clear, that is simply how the process works right now. You must go to camp (probably 2 or 3 times), perform consistently well and keep your nose clean.

But since you're just starting out on the NCAA path, I would simply ask a fellow official how to apply to your local college association; or, if you know the name of the association, contact its secretary directly and ask about the process.

[tref]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

Here in New England, there is generally no camp requirement to begin working D3 NCAA ball. You would likely need to attend a one-day try-out, but not a traditional multi-day, stay overnight, type of camp.

If you just want to get your feet wet with some Junior College or Community College ball, you might not even need to do that.

Must be nice!

[Judtech]

Originally Posted by tref

Must be nice!

That's why the Big East is such a horrible league!!

[GoodwillRef]

You may have to go to camps again and again even after you have been hired to work. I am in my 5th year working NCAAW D1 and I have been to my supervisors camp every year after being hired in D1 (7 years total)! You must be willing to take very pointed feedback from clinicians, this is nothing less than a job interview.

If you choose the women's side make sure you go in with the right attitude and not with the attitude that it is a step down from the mens side or it is a stepping stone to mens college ball, it is not!

[doubleringer]

If you are brand new, here is what I would say. Work hard being the best official you can be at the level you work. Don't get in too much of a hurry to climb the chain. Go to camp, listen, don't say, "yes, but". Stay in shape, wear the uniform well. Treat everyone you run across with respect. Work on being a good partner. Find a good mentor, hopefully someone who has made it to the level you want to make. I would also say that early on, it isn't as much of a big deal to make a decision on men's and women's. Learn about both before you make a decision. Personally, I was all gung ho about the men's side in my early years, but I've changed my perspective and am extremely happy working women's. It just suits me more as an official. There's my $.02.

[GoodwillRef]

Originally Posted by doubleringer

If you are brand new, here is what I would say. Work hard being the best official you can be at the level you work. Don't get in too much of a hurry to climb the chain. Go to camp, listen, don't say, "yes, but". Stay in shape, wear the uniform well. Treat everyone you run across with respect. Work on being a good partner. Find a good mentor, hopefully someone who has made it to the level you want to make. I would also say that early on, it isn't as much of a big deal to make a decision on men's and women's. Learn about both before you make a decision. Personally, I was all gung ho about the men's side in my early years, but I've changed my perspective and am extremely happy working women's. It just suits me more as an official. There's my $.02.

I agree with most of what you said, but you will have to decide men’s or women’s early since these are different camps with different mechanics and philosophies. So many officials who don't even work good varsity schedule want to work college games. The lessons you learn on your way up the ladder will benefit you when you reach the top rungs. I was in my 10th year of varsity ball before I went to a college camp. I see so many people that get hired to early and they are done within 3 years.

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by tref

Must be nice!

Used to be nicer. When I got hired for my local association, there wasn't even a try-out. I filled out an application and had to get recommendations from 3 then-current NCAA officials. I got accepted on my first try, too. Must have gotten the right people to do the recommendations.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

When I got hired for my local association, there wasn't even a try-out. I filled out an application and had to get recommendations from 3 then-current NCAA officials. I got accepted on my first try, too. Must have gotten the right people to do the recommendations.

Could have been an Equal Opportunity hire. They mighta been a little short on their quota that week.

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Could have been an Equal Opportunity hire. They mighta been a little short on their quota that week.

I'm going to assume that comment went over his head.

(Ahh...just like old times.)

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

I'm going to assume that comment went over his head.

(Ahh...just like old times.)

Yup, we're back to playing that old board game "Dump On The Dwarf".