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