High School official looking to move up

[refsmitty]

No pie in the sky goal but I am wanting to eventually work some Division 111 football at the college level. I am looking to some advice from those that have made this move in their officiating career. Any thoughts or advice you can share?

[Welpe]

I hope to one day, too. 

This is in the Classics forum, it may be of some help.

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

Good luck!

[Getting Fat]

I've seen the thread in the "Classics" section, but I'm left with one question:

Is it better to wait to be invited or apply?

[texref]

Most of the guys we have moved on to our crew (D-III) were people who approached the Referee and offered to travel with us, chart fouls and see what our day was like or guys who were referred by officials our Referee trusts.

Work with as many people as you can, especially those who are already working college ball. You never know when you will be seen by the right people.

[Andrew McCarthy]

Don't wait to be invited- be proactive like texref says and you'll be asked to join before long.

[Sonofanump]

1) Purchase the NCAA rule book.  I found the NFHS/NCAA difference book helpful when I first started the transition.

2) Attend your weekly in season local NCAA rules meetings, listen, listen, listen.  Do not interject what you know about high school and who you know in high school.  Listen and learn.

3) After you feel comfortable with NCAA rules, take NCAA JV games (yes they exist).  They are usually scheduled from the local meetings.  The JV games will (should) be a mix of veterans and guys in the same boat as you.  Be willing to learn and adjust your thinking and take constructive advice.

4) Start attending NCAA clinics yearly.

5) Try to ride along with a D3 crew, get to know them and they will get to know you.

6) Get noticed for your field work during those JV games.

7) When the call comes, you need to say yes, it might be as early as mid week that an official gets hurt and/or needs out of a game.  You only get a few chances to get your foot in the door.  Once you do, be ready.

[bushman]

There are many ways to start the process. There are some good clinics throughout the country. Let us know where you live and someone can let you know of a good clinic in your area.
Attend games in your area and observe the officials and how they officiate their positions.
You need to be ready to move up before you try to move. I always tell young officials that you need to be one of the top officias at your level and then you are ready to move up. If you fall on your face you might not ever get another chance.
All of the advice from the others is also right on the mark.
Best of luck in the future.

[bricord]

treat every game JV, DIII, NAIA, JUCO, DI or whatever like it is the Super Bowl. Prepare, prepare, and prepare because you never know when your first or last game could be.

[refsmitty]

Thanks All

I live in lower Michigan - between Toledo Ohio and Ann Arbor

[Sonofanump]

Thanks All

I live in lower Michigan - between Toledo Ohio and Ann Arbor

Honigs clinic is in April.  Details on his website.  I know that both Ann Arbor and Toledo have weekly in season study meetings.  Join Honigs assignement association, you can get JV games from him all over your area.  You live in a prime spot for breaking in with the MIAA.  The OAC & NCAC/IOA both have crews from Toledo.