Becoming a collegiate official

[SCHSref]

Can someone give me the information on how to become a collegiate official?  I do not care what division or level.

Thank you

[Magician]

This will vary from conference to conference but in most areas you will need to apply to a local small college conference (JuCo, NAIA, D3).  There will likely be local clinics and study groups to attend.  Most conferences will observe applicants in JV games and scrimmages.  Network with local small college officials to get more specifics on any local suggestions.  Having an advocate already on the staff will definitely help.  Good luck!

[SCHSref]

This will vary from conference to conference but in most areas you will need to apply to a local small college conference (JuCo, NAIA, D3).  There will likely be local clinics and study groups to attend.  Most conferences will observe applicants in JV games and scrimmages.  Network with local small college officials to get more specifics on any local suggestions.  Having an advocate already on the staff will definitely help.  Good luck!

Thanks.  What would be the best way to apply?

[FLbackjudge]

These are all good suggestions, and I would add one more: Go to one of the officials camps. Most, if not all of them, are attended by collegiate supervisors who are looking for good officials. One caveat, don't go if you're not really capable of officiating on a higher level. It's very difficult to erase a bad first impression. And how do you know if you're good enough?  Work nearby college scrimmages and listen to the feedback from more experienced officials.

[Rulesman]

...Go to one of the officials camps. Most, if not all of them, are attended by collegiate supervisors who are looking for good officials. One caveat, don't go if you're not really capable of officiating on a higher level. It's very difficult to erase a bad first impression. And how do you know if you're good enough?  Work nearby college scrimmages and listen to the feedback from more experienced officials.

Probably the best advice yet.

[Magician]

Thanks.  What would be the best way to apply?

Find out who the local supervisors are and talk to them. Find out what their process is. It's likely some kind of form to complete with a brief summary of your experience.

[HLinNC]

Most local HS associations here have some college level officials in the ranks.  If any are in your area (Big South, SEC, ACC, SC, SAC, MEAC to name a few) seek them out.  If they work with you, they can give you an honest assessment of your abilities.  Next step would be to try and work some inter-squad scrimmages this spring.

[mtmbb]

I hope you don't mind me jumping in for a question here in stead of making a new thread. I have been interested in becoming a football official for sometime now. And I am seriously considering trying to start in 2014 if my day job schedule permits.

I just turned 36 so I am a little late to the game. Starting at this age, do you think it'd possible to get to the higher ranks of football officiating eventually?

I will enjoy it at any level, but I have wondered if it was too late for a guy my age to make it to Saturday games.

I love the site, thanks for the help.

[Magician]

You are definitely not too old to get into small college football.  I was 37 when I started, and I'm working D3/NAIA.  It is less likely I'll advance beyond D2, but you never know when that opportunity may come.  Enjoy the level where you are and be open to anything that may come.  Good luck!

[NorCalMike]

I hope you don't mind me jumping in for a question here in stead of making a new thread. I have been interested in becoming a football official for sometime now. And I am seriously considering trying to start in 2014 if my day job schedule permits.

I just turned 36 so I am a little late to the game. Starting at this age, do you think it'd possible to get to the higher ranks of football officiating eventually?

I will enjoy it at any level, but I have wondered if it was too late for a guy my age to make it to Saturday games.

I love the site, thanks for the help.

I started at 39. I realized pretty quickly that I probably never make it to college. In California there is no DII or lower college ball except JC ball. The jump from JC to D1 is hard.

I just decided to be the best high school official I can be. This has worked well for me. Last year at the end of my 8th season was selected to work our Division 1 section final. My goal is to work our state bowl game someday.

Don't worry about being too old to move up. Just have fun working the games you get. Set a realistic goal for each year, work hard, and if you do you never know how far you can go.