New Official Looking for Advice

[WyMike]

Ditto what michaelpr says, really concentrate on one aspect of your officiating. I had a basketball "mentor" teach me this. When we would work together, though not often enough, he'd ask me "What are you going to work on this game?"

We'd choose one area and concentrate (emphasize) that particular mechanic.

I'm ordinarily a wingman but did start working BJ on our first V game. As BJ I concentrated on my key (TE), fist signal for 11 man count on B, and made a point to take note of the ineligible receivers.

As a HL/LJ forward progress is a big one to work on. Mechanically stay parallel to the play until you reach the forward progress point then cut straight in at a 90 degree to make your spot. Hand signal the down/doublestakes to your crew. If in a 4-man crew (LJ),choose a scrimmage kick and work the bean bag and "first touching".

There isn't an official around, new guy or veteran, which couldn't benefit from doing this each and every game regardless of the game level.

Be athletic, hustle, get there, make your call, listen to the coach a bit, smile, nod, and act as if there is nowhere else you'd rather be right now! It'll pay tenfold for you.

WM