Seeing the penaltys

[movingthechains]

Originally Posted by hutsunuwu84

I had my first 3 games today. A little shaky for sure and im still learning the proper mechanics, rules, signals etc. What gets me ,though, is how the veteran guys can so easily see a penalty that I never saw! A block in the back or a hold, they recognize it so easily. I understand that im working with officials that have a lot more experience then me but im working Midget games it shouldnt be so difficult right? I mean if midget football moves to fast for me then how will I do when I get to the Varsity level?

Anyway I was wondering about advice for a new official. Was it like that for you to and over time and through experience things slowed down and became easier? Its kinda overwhelming when a play develops my way like im trying to hard to see everything. Any advice would be helpful and much appreciated.

Hut I was a first year wing official last year at pop warner and frosh/jv level just keep the play in front of you and dont go looking for fouls. Know your crossfield mechanics and communicate with the other flank. By week 7 or so I started having a much easier time identifying holding, illegal block fouls. Make sure to dead ball officiate, hustle, show confidence in talking to coaches, and morst importantly learn how to take constructive criticism from senior officials as they will help you get better every week. At the end of every game last year I would make notes of any feedback the white hat gave me so I did not repeat the mistake the following week. I saw a lot of fellow first year guys talk back and piss off a lot of white hats, I did not follow that route and have gotten Varisty fill in assigments for year 2 and should definitely make a Varsity crew in year 3, which is the rule for my association.

Good luck