How to Get in the "Big Time"

[clearwall]

So I am in my second year of football officiating(did baseball for 10 years before starting FB) and I've always been interested in pursuing a career in CFB or the NFL. I've seen a number of posters here mention that they've made these ranks and I'm fishing for some advice here. How does one go about earning a spot on a college or NFL crew? Is it like baseball where they have 6-week clinics you are required to attend, the different leagues run the clinics and if there is a spot, they offer you a position? What kinds of things can I start NOW that will help me make it in the future?

Sorry if this has been asked numerous times on these boards before. I tried to do a search and nothing helpful came up.

[Grant - AR]

Here's a thread from a while back that has some good information in it:

http://www.refstripes.com/forum/index.php?topic=5107.0

[JasonTX]

Be great at the level you are at because that is the big time.  It's good to set high goals but you only get one shot at higher levels if you get in a lucky position.  Don't try to move up too fast as that could ruin your chance. Working 10 years at the high school level before college would be best advice to be successful at the college level.

[ljudge]

Couldn't agree more with Jason's and the link Grant posted.  I had the pleasure of meeting bushman at a clinic a few years ago and his advice is as sound as anyone's out there.  One thing I heard from a professional supervisor is when you apply to his league he asks if you were among the top two in your organization in your position.  If not you need to get there.  I attended a clinic with former NFL boss Mike Pereira and he advised all officials to not make NFL their goal.  It's very difficult to achieve; like going down an 8-lane highway to a small, dirt road.  The numbers of even making a major conference are stacked against you but that shouldn't discourage you.  Get to clinics as bushman stated.  The Liberty Bell clinic in the Philadelphia area is awesome.  They have a mentoring program where you can be on the field in FCS-level scrimmages and you will do several of them....LOTS of reps over a period of about 5 weeks all culiminating in a 1-day classroom clinic.  Also, some good advice I heard from the late Tom Beard (www.tbfoc.org) whose staff carries on his legacy of training officials.  Tom said "you have two ears and one mouth so keep quiet and listen."  I heard bushman himself offer similar advice about newer officials attending scrimmages.  Enjoy the level you are working and try to be the very best you can be at that level.  Then things will fall into place.  A house is no good without a strong foundation (rules, mechanics, great people skills, football sense, common sense, and physical ability to name a few) and a foundation isn't worth a hill of beans unless you have a footing which is attitude!  I had one goal the first year I entered college and that was to simply be invited back the second year and I was.  Control the things you can control (being available, keeping in shape, studying (not just reading) the rules, saying YES to assignors when they call.  Baby steps my friend!!!!  And good luck!