new official

[Mike Simonds]

Good luck to you.

Read the case book and the rule book side by side. Its very important to not get overwhelmed in the beginning.

I would suggest getting a hold of the illustrated book. Its a simplified version of the rule book with pictures. In the beginning its very important to grasp the Big Picture first and then work back to the little stuff.

If you can try to work one position during your first year and master the mechanics. I don't know how your association does things but I over here we do Pop Warner and that is where the older guys work with the new guys. Then the new guys start doing JV with an experienced crew (they start at LJ first in a 5 man crew) and then after the JV game they stay and go on the chain crew for the varsity game.

It would be good if you can work with a mentor during the year. And keep a journal note-book. Write down stuff and keep working to improve. Mistakes will be made but you will also do lots of good things also. So just enjoy the journey.

Like my mentor told me its all about getting your reps in. The more you do the better you will get (but don't burn yourself out either; rest and reflection are necessary to properly absorb what you learn).