FOA Become an Official
~ What is an Official?
~ What is officiating?
~ Sport officiating for youths
~ Recruitment
~ What is an Official?
~ What is officiating?
~ Sport officiating for youths
~ Recruitment
Introduction to Officiating Football
What does a football official do?
The primary responsibility of any officiating crew is to ensure that the game is played fairly and safely between two opponents. Each individual official on the football crew will be responsible for a particular area of play and will use "keys" to read the play and determine their coverage area. The various areas and "keys" will be based upon which position on the field they are working. A good crew is one where each official covers his area of responsibility and trusts the other officials to cover theirs.
What are the benefits of Officiating?
As you start officiating the benefits you will enjoy are almost too long to list. There are a number of benefits that are enjoyed by all officials. Other benefits are much more personal and are determined on an individual basis:
1. It is a great way to stay involved in the sport. The great thing about being an official is that you are an active participant in the game and you actually get to be on the field and not on the sideline or in the stands.
2. Officiating is a way to give something back to the community. The sports official is a role model who is charged with enforcing the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship. It provides a unique opportunity to positively influence young people.
3. Officiating affords an individual the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills and to hone one's judgment skills. Football officiating requires you to make instantaneous decisions, resolve conflicts, and deal with stress and pressure. It demands good communications skills and the ability to think on your feet. The ability to work a game fairly and smoothly is a skill one can be proud of.
You could also add such benefits as it's a great way to make some spending money, it's a great way to stay in shape, and the making of lifelong friendships. In any case, one's understanding of the game and the intricacies of the game is enhanced. You will never look at the game the same way again.
What qualities or skills do I need to be a good official?
There are many factors that combine together to make someone a good official. Weaknesses in one area are often overcome by exceeding in others. A few of the most important factors are:
1. Judgment: A good official is not someone that sees everything and throws a flag for every violation they see. A good official is one that sees a violation but can determine which ones need to be penalized.
2. Rules knowledge: A good official will know the rules. The NFL, college, high school, and recreation league games all have differences in their rules. An official must know the rules and any published rule interpretations for the level they are working.
3. Appearance/Fitness: There are two major issues with your appearance and fitness. First, if you look fit and look the part of a good official then the coaches and players are more likely to respect your ability to officiate the game. Second, a good official can easily cover 3 to 5 miles in a game. You owe it to the players, the coaches and, more importantly, your fellow officials to ensure that you are able to handle your duties and cover your areas of responsibilities.
Several other factors that make someone a good official include the knowledge of field mechanics and positioning, communication skills, good "people" skills, the ability to take criticism, game experience, and the willingness to learn from others.
What does a football official do?
The primary responsibility of any officiating crew is to ensure that the game is played fairly and safely between two opponents. Each individual official on the football crew will be responsible for a particular area of play and will use "keys" to read the play and determine their coverage area. The various areas and "keys" will be based upon which position on the field they are working. A good crew is one where each official covers his area of responsibility and trusts the other officials to cover theirs.
What are the benefits of Officiating?
As you start officiating the benefits you will enjoy are almost too long to list. There are a number of benefits that are enjoyed by all officials. Other benefits are much more personal and are determined on an individual basis:
1. It is a great way to stay involved in the sport. The great thing about being an official is that you are an active participant in the game and you actually get to be on the field and not on the sideline or in the stands.
2. Officiating is a way to give something back to the community. The sports official is a role model who is charged with enforcing the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship. It provides a unique opportunity to positively influence young people.
3. Officiating affords an individual the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills and to hone one's judgment skills. Football officiating requires you to make instantaneous decisions, resolve conflicts, and deal with stress and pressure. It demands good communications skills and the ability to think on your feet. The ability to work a game fairly and smoothly is a skill one can be proud of.
You could also add such benefits as it's a great way to make some spending money, it's a great way to stay in shape, and the making of lifelong friendships. In any case, one's understanding of the game and the intricacies of the game is enhanced. You will never look at the game the same way again.
What qualities or skills do I need to be a good official?
There are many factors that combine together to make someone a good official. Weaknesses in one area are often overcome by exceeding in others. A few of the most important factors are:
1. Judgment: A good official is not someone that sees everything and throws a flag for every violation they see. A good official is one that sees a violation but can determine which ones need to be penalized.
2. Rules knowledge: A good official will know the rules. The NFL, college, high school, and recreation league games all have differences in their rules. An official must know the rules and any published rule interpretations for the level they are working.
3. Appearance/Fitness: There are two major issues with your appearance and fitness. First, if you look fit and look the part of a good official then the coaches and players are more likely to respect your ability to officiate the game. Second, a good official can easily cover 3 to 5 miles in a game. You owe it to the players, the coaches and, more importantly, your fellow officials to ensure that you are able to handle your duties and cover your areas of responsibilities.
Several other factors that make someone a good official include the knowledge of field mechanics and positioning, communication skills, good "people" skills, the ability to take criticism, game experience, and the willingness to learn from others.