New Official Pop & High School

[waltjp]

It is not uncommon for someone on the crew other than the Referee to be the 'rules expert'. When you're starting out you most likely be working a set positon so you'll have to be fairly proficient at all positions, which means knowing the rules that an official in that position is most likely to encounter. Kicking game and fair catch for the back judge, for example.

The best advice is to work as many games as you can. If you get the chance try to observe a few games too. Watch the officials and pick out the ones who do a good job. Most of them will be happy to share their knowledge with you. Just remember to be receptive to criticism as well as praise. Keep in mine, those that only praise you aren't giving you anything to improve upon.