Getting Started

[Kosmo]

Is 37 to old to get started in refereeing?

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by Kosmo

Is 37 to old to get started in refereeing?

Definitely. I didn't start until I was 44 and that was WAY too old.

[FBullock]

No way. It's never too late to give back to the game. Find a mentor and get started.

[OverAndBack]

I was 39, so, no.

[Texas Aggie]

You don't really need to start asking this question until at least 50, so no. Depending on your goals, however, you don't have much time to waste, so get started in the off season:

-- get in (better) shape
-- find a clinic that you can attend and sit with the wings; you may not know everything they are talking about, but you'll start off on the right foot
-- read this forum and get an idea how officials think and do their job
-- grab a rule book (Texas and Mass. use NCAA; all others use Federation) and start familiarizing yourself with the rules; pay particular attention to the rule on definitions (NCAA rule 2; Fed rule ???)
-- go to all training sessions and work as many scrimmages as possible; next season, work as many games as possible

[Welpe]

Aggie, that would be Rule 2 for Fed as well.

Heck 37 would be fairly young for my association so you are definitely not too old.

[OverAndBack]

Originally Posted by Kosmo

Is 37 to old to get started in refereeing?

37?

In a row?

[Rich]

My linesman just completed his fourth season of football and he turns 50 next month. Of course he's done over 30 years of baseball.

My crew has three guys that I started as rookies: The L (above), the U has 5 years' experience (and about 15 working basketball and baseball) and the BJ has 3 years of experience (and about 10 working baseball and basketball).

I'd take these guys anywhere.

If you want to start, find a mentor and get on as many games as possible.

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by Kosmo

Is 37 to old to get started in refereeing?

Definitely not. It will inhibit you from moving up to pro and possibly college levels but there aren't many who do that anyway. There are many officials who don't start until their 40s or 50s so you will be fine. We have some guys in our association who claim they aren't getting picked up by a crew because they are too old. I don't have the heart to tell them it's because of their appearance and/or abilities on the field, not their age. If you can officiate, a crew will find you or an assigner will give you games. Unfortunately most of the country doesn't have a surplus of officials to get too picky.

[Kosmo]

Does anyone know of a clinic in or around OKC? Or even someone that I can talk to. Where do I order rule books? Thanks for any and all help guys!!