New Referee

[bisonlj]

This comes up every year in our association meetings. You could justify putting a new person at any position other than referee. The middle positions (U, BJ) keep you away from the coaches and the heat that brings. It also prevents you from sounding uneducated if you don't know the answer to their questions. I think there are more things for the wing officials to worry about than the middle positions. One of the primary differences between the wing positions is the chains. The LJ doesn't have to worry about this so the position may be slightly easier (most experienced wings I know prefer the LJ side so newer wings often get the chains).

The umpire is a pretty critical role because of their location and need to communicate with the R. Everything is right in front of you and very fast paced so I think it's one of the harder positions. You have a lot more to watch and worry about than the R during the play. It's also the position most likely to get knocked down.

The BJ may be the easiest position and most likely filled by a new official but the calls you do make are out in the open and visible by everyone. They are also usually judgement calls (catch/no catch, pass interference) and that can be tough for a new official.

We've started new officials at all 4 positions and they all worked because they were right for that person. Work as many positions as possible especially when working youth and sub-varsity games and you will get a feel for where you are the most comfortable. Even after you get a varsity assignment, work other positions in other games because it provides you a different perspective and makes you better at your normal position.

Good luck and welcome!