I love it!

[Refsmitty]

I am finishing my second year of Varsity HS FB in Michigan and wish I had started 20 years ago.

I am 50 - in good physical shape - wondered how to work towards some type of college ball a few years down the road - or is it too late?

Those of you that officiate college - how did you get there?

Advice please.

[JugglingReferee]

Know the rules and the philosophy of each rule.

Treat all participants with respect.

Fit in socially.

Be fit.

Word hard.

[refbuz]

I'm not gonna tell you that it is impossible to get to college, because I don't know how things work out by you. But I am not gonna sugar coat it either. It might be a bit of a stretch, given your age and the fact that this us only your 2nd year of HS. Just because it takes some time to be ready for the commitment that being a good college official requires.

Just to put things into perspective:

This is my 2nd year in college and my 13th on the grass, the last 10 of which I worked the HS level. I've been on an assigned a HS crew the past 6 years.

Try talking to the senior guys in your orginization. Express your interest working at the college level and see what they say. Around here you need at least 25 varsity HS football games under your belt before you can even apply to the college chapter.

Some things you should consider before you apply:

Are you in an assigned crew or are you a fill in?
Do you have a full varsity schedule?
What "big games" have you worked in the regular season?
Have you worked any playoff games? Championships?

Just like anywhere else, the more experience that you have on your resume, the better you look.

Best of luck.

[Refsmitty]