Next step in my progression as an official.

[ljudge]

I attended a clinic this year attended by some "all star" officials. There were officials from NFL, Big East, etc. including Mike Pieira and Art McNally. Art was the (I believe) very first supervisor of officials for the NFL. He spoke to us for one hour about the importance of film study and how it helps the NFL officials get better. And, they're the best on the planet!

You DO have film available to you. At least you should. If you work varsity contests (which you say you do), then get your hands on the film. If you get assigned local TV games just use your VCR. But for those other varsity games that don't get that much attention they're still being filmed by the schools. I have called AD's after my games and asked that if I sent in a blank VHS tape and paid for the postage could they get their A/V departments to duplicate the tape for me. No one has ever told me no. There was one isolated case where I sent the tape and they never sent it back. But, the point is if you make the effort to get film you will obtain it. Once you have film then a senior member to critique it for you. Believe me they will take the request as a compliment of their judgement and would gladly give advice. My president just watched a game I worked and gave me an excellent critique. Believe me, there's no better way to learn than from seeing yourself on film. Just make the effort and get it in your hands.

Good Luck.

[waltjp]

Hey Joe,

Did you get any films from that clinic? Mr Camp promised me some and I've seen him a few times since the Liberty Bell but so far, zilch!

[waltjp]

Hey Big,

Where are you located? Most guys here are very helpful. There are some films available too. Find someone you're comfortable with and ask questions. Most people will be happy to share what they know.

And as Joe said, there are clinics available. If you're lucky you'll get to meet some of the folks that frequent this place.

[MJT]

When you watch NCAA or NFL games and see a penalty. Think like you are the referee and say what the penalty is, the distance, and the enforcement spot if it was a HS game. This will keep you busy thru January. Good stuff from the guys above also.

[bossman72]

Try and get some on-field coaching. You can look at rule books and case books until you're blue in the face, but until you see it happen in real life, you don't have the best understanding of a rule.

[ljudge]

Originally Posted by waltjp

Hey Joe,

Did you get any films from that clinic? Mr Camp promised me some and I've seen him a few times since the Liberty Bell but so far, zilch!

I haven't seen anything. I also recall them telling us they would be sending a DVD of the breakouts. I know someone was filming but like I said I haven't heard anything. My mentor has reached out to me and we're supposed to have a "film session" sometime this season as a small group but that's it.

BTW - good luck in getting a playoff assignment. Let me know if they send you to our district for the semi's or final round.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by ljudge

BTW - good luck in getting a playoff assignment. Let me know if they send you to our district for the semi's or final round.

Of course we're always hopeful but we've made a couple of changes on the crew for this season. Our collective inexperience may work against us. Let me know where you end up.

[ref18]

Attend Pre-Games, and then have fun with the crew

This year I think I attended around 7 or 8 college pre-games and then went drinking with the crew and supervisor after the game.



you'll learn more at the bar than you will watching the game

[Forksref]

Originally Posted by ref18

Attend Pre-Games, and then have fun with the crew

This year I think I attended around 7 or 8 college pre-games and then went drinking with the crew and supervisor after the game.



you'll learn more at the bar than you will watching the game

And tell your wife that you are "de-briefing" after the game.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by Forksref

And tell your wife that you are "de-briefing" after the game.

We just call it our post game meeting.