Dumbref isn't so dumb. This man speaks the truth!

Start a journal. You mentioned Dick Burleson’s book as a factor in your decision. I was fortunate to meet and work a few scrimmages with Dick before he retired. What a great experience! He would be honored to know he made an impact on your decision.

Dick kept a journal that I am certain was the basis of his book. He recorded every game, listed the officials, scores, funny or unusual tidbits that happened during the game. I wish I had followed his advice and done the same. If nothing else, I would have some great war stories after thirty five years! I even remember a few of them!!

Through the local associationk, try to hook up with an experienced official as a mentor. This might take the form of a crew. Go with the crew to the varsity games that they do and be there for the pre-game, half-time, post-game. Walk the sideline with the wing officials and absorb as much as you can.

I actually sent him an email about officiating several months ago and he emailed me back with some great advice.

My father-in-law and wife are civil engineers, the same occupation as Mr. Burleson. My father-in-law attended a conference in Atlanta about 6 months ago in which Mr. Burleson spoke to the audience. He loved listening to him speak and Mr.Burleson was kind enough to give his book to everyone in the audience that wanted it. My father-in-law knew I loved football so he passed it along to me after he read it and I loved it. I finished it in a day and have reread it a couple time, too.

He seems like a class act. You're lucky to have met him.

I think SC is a little bit different than most states. I just got started here two years ago. The state director creates the exam and it is usually hard. The first year I was in, we had around 8 new officials. I think about half failed. (Those failing get a make up/easy exam, but will probably just get JV games.)

I'm having a blast in the SC organization. If you wish, e-mail me at [email protected] if you have any specific questions.

Mike,

Why shoot for 70%? If you fall a little short on that goal, you fail! It would be like saying that you are only going to polish one shoe. Why not shoot for 100%? You can do it if you try.

Perfection is not attainable, but it makes a nice goal.

Check with the local association first. They might have a class for new officials.

Also, everyone is willing to give advice. Learn who is giving good advice and take it. After you find out who is giving bad advice, act like you are listening to them and smile. Don't make veteran officials look bad in front of others. That never pays off.

My first advice, drop out of that cow college you're attending.

Just kidding. Of course, being a gamecock I have to give you a hard time.

You've gotten some good advice in this thread, not much more I can give you. One thing I would say a new official needs is to be able to take constructive criticism. We've had new officials come in that either were crushed any time you pointed out something they might want to work on, or thought they knew it all and didn't want to hear it.

This gig is all trial and error. Not a single one of us has ever had a perfect game, but we are all striving toward that goal. Listen to the old timers. There is so much more about officiating than what is in the books. Good field presence and judgment takes time and experience, and it takes failure. Learn from your mistakes.

Great that you're getting in at such a young age. I kick myself everyday for not getting in at your age.

But most of all.....HAVE FUN!!!!

Whoa, I never said I was shooting for 70%. I said it appeared, judging from last year's SC's exam scores, I'd be doing good to get a 70. I'm DEFINITELY shooting for perfection. Make no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I'd love to walk in and get the highest score ever for a first-year official. Will it happen? Maybe not, but I'm sure as hell going to try my best.

ChickenofNC, I knew immediately from your name that you had to be a Gamecock fan. Why else would anyone be proud to call themselves a chicken? LOL.

I look forward to your's and everyone else's advice in the future.

REPLY: Welcome Mike. I also saw your post on the NFHS board. These boards can be a great resource when used wisely. Read everything. Eventually, you'll learn which posters bring value to a thread and which don't. Also, don't be discouraged if you don't see a whole lot out there now. There are a few 'knuckleheads' (including yours truly) who keep up with this even during the off-season. But many go into hibernation, only to reappear in August when we begin gearing up for the next season. That's when you'll see a whole lot of activity.

My advice is to keep coming back here. Of all the places to learn the rules, this is one of the best. Sometimes, the other posters on this site use the obscure "once-in-a-lifetime play" to illustrate how all the rules fit together.
This and other forums are great places for all involved in the sport.

Learning to deal with coaches is often difficult for a new official. Learn when they are just venting and when they have a legitimate question. Experience helps here.

Work as much football as you can. Nothing beats experience.

If you watch football on television, don't believe the announcers have it right. :) Very few announcers actually know the rulebook well enough to make informed comments. Also, don't assume that what you see at the NCAA or NFL level applies to Nat Fed. level. There are 400+ differences between Nat Fed and NCAA rules. This is why rules study is so important.

dumbref, my wife wnated to know how I managed to post from your computer when I showed her this: