Ten Things To Do To Prepare For The New Football Officiating Season

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the latest rule changes and updates. It's crucial to stay up-to-date on any modifications that may impact your officiating decisions. A thorough understanding of the rules will help you make accurate calls on the field. [In the works. Redding's Study Guide for NFHS rules in hand, done through Chapter 9 (of 12)]

Make it a priority to attend any clinics or training sessions offered by your local officiating association. These events provide valuable opportunities to refresh your knowledge, learn new techniques, and connect with other officials in your area. [Scheduled for August 5]

Football officiating requires stamina and agility. Engage in regular exercise routines that include cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Maintaining your physical fitness will enhance your performance on the field and reduce the risk of injuries. [Eh... slipped a bit while off last week. Time to get back to regular exercises.]

Set up mock game scenarios with your fellow officials or a local team. This will help you sharpen your decision-making skills, practice proper positioning, and improve your communication with coaches and players during live game situations. [We have two or three scrimmages, at least one is under game conditions.]

Before the season begins, thoroughly check all your officiating gear, including your whistle, flags, and penalty cards. Replace any worn-out or damaged equipment to ensure you have everything you need to officiate effectively. [Rain is expected Saturday... this gets done then. Officiating equipment may be a list of its own...]

Watching game footage from previous seasons can be a valuable learning tool. Analyze your calls, evaluate your positioning, and identify areas for improvement. Look for patterns or tendencies in players or teams that may influence your officiating decisions. [Our association does Zoom trainings over the summer. Missed some due to conflicts, but got to a number of them. Unfortunately, they're changing the online film provider, and we don't have access to the old provider where all our game films were. But, many associations in the US run YouTube channels with training videos that I watch.]

Establish open lines of communication with your officiating crew. Regularly discuss game scenarios, rule interpretations, and mechanics to ensure everyone is on the same page. Effective communication among officials promotes consistency and accuracy on the field.

Officiating requires quick thinking and the ability to make split-second decisions. Engage in mental exercises, such as reviewing rule scenarios or participating in online quizzes, to keep your mind sharp and ready for any situation that may arise during a game. [Crew meeting / BBQ this Sunday...]

Reach out to other officials in your area or join online communities to connect with fellow football officiating enthusiasts. Sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and seeking advice from others can be immensely helpful in your growth as an official. [Am on a couple online forums. Most are OK, but repetitive across all of them.]

After each game, take some time to reflect on your performance. Identify what went well and areas where you can improve. Embrace both successes and mistakes as valuable learning opportunities that will contribute to your development as an official. [That's the drive home after the game, and reviewing game film when we get it!]

By following these ten steps, you'll be well-prepared and equipped to handle the demands of the new football officiating season. Remember, officiating is not just a job; it's a passion and a commitment to the integrity of the game. So lace up your shoes, grab your whistle, and get ready for another season of thrilling football action!