I have been a high school official for 8 years and have ambition to reach the next level. Can I get some guidance from the veterans on how to break into this level. I appreciate any input that can be given.

One of ths first things you need to do is find all officials in your high school association that are officiating at the level you in wish to apply. Talk to him and find out who, where and when.

Next, if the college official has a rules study group that meets, start attending and participating.

Apply and make all the scrimmages you can, keep in contact with the supervisor about where the scrimmages are and if you can attend, the more you make the more he sees you.

Also have all college officials, especially in the conference you are applying, recommend you.

DON'T set your sights too high, start at the D2, D3 or NAIA level and work up. Experience at these levels plays a big part in getting a foot in the door of a D1AA or D1 conference and the contacts you make will be immeasurable.

Others will have more hints but this is a start.

Good Luck.

Be able to travel a lot and jump through a lot of "hoops"--
the fast track seems to be to have a "mentor" or two !
Working college also takes up a lot of time. Unlike high
school where you only need to go to the game about 1.5
hours before kick-off and leave after you've showered
and changed; college games will take up the weekend.
A guy down here wanting to work in the SEC got called
to work a spring game in South Carolina-- no travel
fee or motel fee and a whopping $50 for working.
If you really want the limelight--- go for it !!