Brand New Official

[Adam]

Originally Posted by TravisFL

Thankyou all for your comments and words of wisdom. I have 8 hours of training with my association and the state field clinic before the season starts. Fortunately my association has a mentor program and several experienced officials that are willing to assist us newcomers. And thankyou for offering up websites that contain training material, I will be sure to review them.

First of all, welcome to the forum. And welcome to the ride. There will be days you ask yourself why you're doing it. I had a 30+ year football partner asking that question on our way to a game last night (following his game last Friday night).

1. Work with your mentor as much as possible. That means going to his/her games and watching. Sit in on the pregame, the half-time, and the post game. Watch his positioning. Watch his area (what he's watching). Ask him questions about his calls and no-calls when you get a chance. Take notes during the game and during your Q&A.

2. Your first season, try to get some video of one of your games. Ask your girlfriend/brother/sister/cousin to film at least a quarter (depending on how much memory your video has). You don't need to review for calls so much as for your positioning, your presence, and your mechanics.