How to break into College Football

[Welpe]

My initial thought is that 2 years of high school is probably not enough experience to break into the collegiate ranks but that depends upon a lot of things so I won't discount it all together.

If you haven't visted the Refstripes NCAA forum, I recommend it. There is plenty of advice to be found there. http://www.refstripes.com/forum/index.php?board=2.0

While you're browsing, I also recommend checking out the Classics forum.

Good luck to you!

[bisonlj]

I assume that process is different in each region so I would network with your local officials more than asking questions on this site. There have to be some officials in your association that work small college football in your area and they will be your best source for information on moving up to that level. They will also let you know what clinics they recommend. Your first goal should be to find out how to get into the local small college conference and go from there.

[Sonofanump]

In your third or fourth year of doing varsity high school ball, start to attend local study groups/meetings for NCAA.

In your fifth year start to try and get JV or scrimmages. I would not attend a clinic that has on field evaluations until I had worked at least a half dozen JV games.

In your sixth year, start building up references and at seasons end, send out resumes.

Continue to take JV games, attend the meetings and be willing to work anywhere at anytime.


J.M.H.O.

[Texas Aggie]

I would not attend a clinic that has on field evaluations until I had worked at least a half dozen JV games.

I worked an on-field clinic before I worked my first HS varsity game and got some helpful comments from college evaluators. I think if there's a clinic like that, start going to it. The more they see you, the better your chances are.

[Sonofanump]

It’s a catch 22. Yes you will get experience and instruction, but first impressions are hard to shake. If you are being evaluated by someone that you want to work for in the future, I’d be careful. I think you want to be very prepared the first time they see you on the field.