new official

umpduck11 · #1 (**permalink**) Sat Jun 11, 2005, 10:29pm

I will be starting out doing football for the first time
this season,after several years of doing strictly baseball.
It will be several days before I can get my hands on a
rule book,and in the meantime I'd like to get started
studying the rules.Is there anywhere online that anyone
would recommend?
Also,any tips for a first year football official
would be appreciated.

MJT · #2 (**permalink**) Sun Jun 12, 2005, 12:08pm

Email me and I'll send you a bunch of stuff I have that you can look at. [email protected]

chiefgil · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Jun 15, 2005, 09:51pm

Know the rules. But, if you're not in position to make the call...

cowbyfan1 · #4 (**permalink**) Sat Jun 25, 2005, 02:28am

get hooked up with a crew and follow them around on Friday nights and watch them work. Ask questions. After a couple weeks go with another crew even. Don't hook up with a crew doing small school stuff. Go with one doing the biggest schools in your area. They are usually the better crews.

ljudge · #5 (**permalink**) Sat Jun 25, 2005, 04:50am

I agree very much with cowbyfan1. Don't only attend those games but try to make the pre-game as well. If your organization looks for chain crews sign up early and often for those assignments. You get a front-row seat of the action and a ground-level view of what the officials see and how they call the game. As a rook I stood behind one of our organizations best Linesman. I didn't even work the chains. The referee asked me if I was a cadet and said work the clip if I wanted to. More than likely you'll be brought in as a wing any way and there's no other way to get acclimated (other than actually working) than being right there on top of the action.

Texoma_LJ · #6 (**permalink**) Sat Jun 25, 2005, 01:36pm

I agree with chiefgil.. know the rules and learn your mechanics.

Probably the most imortant thing I have learned from this forum in my short career, is to learn rule #2 inside and out. This one section of the rule book is the foundation of most all others. In MHO its almost like the "ten commandments" of the rule book.

Bob M. · #7 (**permalink**) Mon Jun 27, 2005, 09:02am

REPLY: umpduck...What state are you working in? If it's Massachussetts or Texas, you'll be learning NCAA rules; otherwise, you'll be learning Federation rules.

waltjp · #8 (**permalink**) Tue Jun 28, 2005, 09:28pm

Alabama, hence the Bear Bryant quote.

Hey Bob, do you know where I can look at the rosters for Thurday's game?

Walt

Bob Lyle · #9 (**permalink**) Wed Jun 29, 2005, 01:32pm

Study the definitions. Just like baseball, they are the key to understanding the rules

Bob M. · #10 (**permalink**) Wed Jun 29, 2005, 02:08pm

Quote:

Originally posted by waltjp
Alabama, hence the Bear Bryant quote.

Hey Bob, do you know where I can look at the rosters for Thurday's game?

Walt

REPLY: Don't know Walt. I know they have a pretty elaborate program at the game with pictures of all the players, etc., but I don't know where we can find out who's playing prior to that. I'm ready...I've been hydrating myself all week to fend off heat cramps...and brushing up on my seven-man mechanics!