New Referee

[ChickenOfNC]

I agree with working different positions. Although I think it's most difficult for a new guy to work back judge at the varsity level (other than R). Mostly due to alot of special situations (especially in the kicking game), and some of the more difficult judgment calls in football.

Here in our association in NC, new officials are encouraged to volunteer as a 5th official for JV games (we work 4 man for JV). If you want to work BJ, this would be a good opportunity, because it's a less stress situation and a little slower pace.

Also, working linejudge in a 4 man crew can help, because they go back for punts, so you can hone your BJ skills that way also.

[Kirby]

Originally Posted by ChickenOfNC

...(snipped)...

Also, working linejudge in a 4 man crew can help, because they go back for punts, so you can hone your BJ skills that way also.

I agree.

I work the R position during our varsity games where we work with 5-man crews. During our JV games, in which we work 4-man, I always work the LJ because you get the chance to improve 2 facets of your officiating during the same game. We also have two guys besides myself on our crew who can step in and work the R position, so they are usually chomping at the bit to wear that white hat . I think it is a blast working other positions in the lower-level games.

[budjones05]

Thank you for all your help

[Texas Aggie]

You want to work all positions. You'll start out on the wings. It really doesn't make much difference which one, but you will need to learn how to supervise the chain crew. So I'd suggest getting comfortable with HL. Then, learn the umpire position. Some guys find their home there. But by, say, your 3rd or 4th week in the season, you need to work sub varsity games at R. You need to learn how to run the show.

Back judge is much more technical than it seems. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you are going in there in varsity games. I spent a lot of time at multiple scrimmages before this season working the back judge position. I think I'm going to go BJ at break out meetings at the camps I go to next spring.

[waltjp]

Maybe I should clarify my previous statement. When working sub-varsity and youth games work as many different positions as possible. I wouldn't suggest moving around from game to game for varsity contests - there's enough to learn without trying to pick up a new position on the fly.

[ref18]

Up here, you start on the sides for the first few years.

Then once you've got the hang of officiating you'll try out the different positions and then you'll probably identify with a position you enjoy working.

I did the sides for a few years, but I'm thinking that I wanna be the umpire, so next season I'll be asking for the majority of my assignments to be in the Umpires position so I can get more practice.