New High School Official

[bjudge]

I agree with everything that has been said so far on this thread. The only things I would add are:

1. Find a Mentor. If you find a good Mentor, learn everything you can from him.
2. Open your ears, not your mouth.
3. Dont be afraid to ask dumb questions. We all have them from time to time. I have watched or played football most of my life and I thought I knew the game before I started officiating. However, when I started officiating, I realized I didnt know as much as I thought I did about the game.
4. Learn advantage/disadvantage. If you see a holding, PI (pass interference) and etc. Think to yourself before you call a penalty, did the player gain an advantage by committing the foul, or was the player that was fouled disadvantaged by that foul. Unless it is a safety issue, if you say no to those questions, you probably shouldnt throw a flag.
5. If it is a safety issue, always throw a flag if you see the foul. ie face mask, clipping, and etc.
6. REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN. WHEN THE GAME IS NO LONGER FUN...QUIT.


[Edited by bjudge on Jul 22nd, 2005 at 02:17 AM]