REPLY: I agree with prosec34. Learn the rules and latch onto the Mechanics Manual. But be aware of one thing: There are two dimensions to proper mechanics. In general, the Mechanics Manual concentrates on one dimension of technique--it tells you what to do. The other dimension is the more difficult one to learn, that is learning how to do it. For this second dimension, watch the NFL or D1 officials on television. (Yeah, I know...a week late.) Sure, their mechanics are different, but watch how they move, how they signal, how they communicate, how they cover the goal line. Watch how they synchronize and communicate with each other when there's a pass deep into the corner of the endzone. Watch how they clean-up when the ball leaves their area of responsibility or goes away from them. Watch how they mark a forward progress spot. When do they come in hard; when do they stay back. When do they look for help across the field for a progress spot. Watch especially how they officiate immediately after the ball becomes dead. Heads are on a swivel scanning the area for dead ball action. Watch how all officials close down on the dead ball spot when the play ends (the "accordion"). Watch how they handle a play that goes into a bench area. There's a whole bunch of "supplementary material" that can be gleaned from watching a pro game as an extension of the classroom.

I agree with the last 2 posts. Focus on your mechanics don't get too hung up on knowing the rules right now. A better understanding of the rules will come as you log more grass time. Learning the rules are important, but LOOKING like you know what your doing is probably more important as a rookie. You could know every rule in the book, but if you look lost on the field could make for a long day. Hopefully you'll have a veteran in your crew who can teach you and help with any screwy situations that develop.

The best advice that I was given as a 1st year official was, have fun and act like you've been there before. Odds are the only people in the stadium that know your a rookie is the crew that your working with.

I agree that looking the part and acting the part helps you tremendously. I think at higher levels, such as NCAA or perhaps state finals, coaches often know that you're a rookie or it's your first state final. Luckily, many of them don't care.

I'd probably put more emphasis on learning the rules. I'd rather work with a new guy who had a pretty good understanding of the rules than with someone who blows calls using impecable mechanics. I've seen too may "deer in the headlight" looks and hesitation on calls because of poor rules knowlege. Mistakes in mechanics aren't as obvious to coaches as confusion on the rules.

Obviously it's a balancing act - there is a lot to learn and I think you can do both. You learn the rules mainly by reading the books and you learn good mechanics by watching others. Do both with equal effort.

Work as many games at any level as you can. Practice practice practice.