By playing football, you will be observing firsthand what it is like for a player. Empathy for the players will help you make fair, rational judgments.
The NFL rulebook is long and complex. The rulebook is supposed to make judging a game easier by analyzing different situations that you might potentially see in a game. Therefore, there are hundreds of rules in the rulebook. You should take your time and study the rules in the book. The entire rulebook is online. [1] X Research source You should make note cards of plays and rules. Try memorizing these cards every day. With practice, you will be able to rattle them off when asked. Try watching games with your rulebook in front of you. After a call is made a referee, read up on its history in your book. This will keep you focused on the game and the regulations. The NFL has official hand signals. [2] X Research source You should study these when you are preparing to become a referee.
The type of clinic that you go to will depend on your association and purpose. If your association requires that you go to a clinic, then they will inform you of the registration process beforehand. Generally, high school clinics, for example, are free for officials. However, if you are going to a professional clinic in order to better yourself, be prepared to pay a significant amount of money. Some clinics charge participants hundreds of dollars. [3] X Research source These more expensive clinics will often offer an online application for you to fill out. The NFL has official football rules clinics. Generally, an official NFL Football Officiating Academy (FOA) clinic will focus on leadership, teamwork, and accountability along with the fundamentals. [4] X Research source At these clinics, you will learn by studying football videos with fans, players, and officials.
You may want to start at a lower-level when you first begin refereeing. You don’t want to be over your head. If you start by refereeing children’s games, then you will be able to build your understanding of the game in a low pressure setting. If you have been refereeing for a while, then you should try to referee a level higher than the level you are used to. For example, if you generally have been refereeing middle school games, then you should see if you can referee high school games. Not only will this give you more experience, but you will also be showing an upward trajectory.
Cardio is what you should focus on. Referees need to run quickly for an entire game. Make sure you are jogging every day.
These associations will also inform you about games that you can officiate in your area.
Write down all of the games you referee, including dates and teams.
