Becoming a replay official

[gsrc]

It's been a LOOOONG time since I've posted here but wanted to see if anyone has any insights/leads/contacts regarding becoming a NCAA replay official.

I ask because I am currently the play clock operator at Arrowhead and reached out to my boss about the qualifications to become an NFL replay official. He suggested getting some experience at the collegiate level.

Feel free to send me a private message if you prefer.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[dammitbobby]

From everything that I've see, getting into NCAA replay is challenging, but certainly not impossible.  Your best bet is going to be to attend as many camps/academies where it is offered (such as Pure Officiating, etc.) to get exposure to the concepts and mechanics of replay, where you can be seen by conference coordinators.  You must also be above exceptional in your rules knowledge. 

Check out rule 11 podcasts, they have several interviews with replay officials which are super interesting and can also give you more information and context around replay.

[gsrc]

Thanks for the response and advice. I appreciate it!
 

[Grant - AR]

Hi Grant!  Check out https://wesbookerfootballofficialscamp.com/.

Wes has a replay portion of his camp and there have been replay officials picked up from his camp in the past.  It's about a 5 hour drive for you so your travel costs should be minimal. 

[gsrc]

Hi Grant!  Check out https://wesbookerfootballofficialscamp.com/.

Wes has a replay portion of his camp and there have been replay officials picked up from his camp in the past.  It's about a 5 hour drive for you so your travel costs should be minimal. 

Thanks!

[bushman]

I am a replay official in a power 5 conference the last 7 seasons. The old way of getting hired in replay was to work on the field in that conference then retire and move into replay.
There is a change in that thinking nationally to hire younger officials who are willing to make replay their officiating career, instead of hiring old worn out retired field officials like me. This in my opinion has some merits and some downsides. I agree that attending clinics that offer replay training is a great start to meet the replay supervisors and learn about replay. My conference started a replay official development program and has recruited several replay prospects and lets them work as the 3rd replay official at some games.
There are many clinics now that offer replay training sessions that are very well done. I am on the board of one where I live and replay introduction is done very well. I am not here to promote that clinic, but if you are interested please send me a message.

[Grant - AR]

I am a replay official in a power 5 conference the last 7 seasons. The old way of getting hired in replay was to work on the field in that conference then retire and move into replay.
There is a change in that thinking nationally to hire younger officials who are willing to make replay their officiating career, instead of hiring old worn out retired field officials like me. This in my opinion has some merits and some downsides. I agree that attending clinics that offer replay training is a great start to meet the replay supervisors and learn about replay. My conference started a replay official development program and has recruited several replay prospects and lets them work as the 3rd replay official at some games.
There are many clinics now that offer replay training sessions that are very well done. I am on the board of one where I live and replay introduction is done very well. I am not here to promote that clinic, but if you are interested please send me a message.

bushman, if you are involved in the clinic and it's a good one, by all means, promote it. 

[neid92]

Check out the following camp as well.  https://www.fifoa.org/

You will need learn to be a Communicator first before transitioning to the Replay Official role.  Conferences are looking for Communicators, especially Communicators that know the game as well as the NCAA rules.  Best of luck!

[TampaSteve]

I know an NFL replay official who was formerly a R with sunbelt..not sure if his age or physical ability held him back from being on the field, but certainly has extensive field experience.
To echo another, there was a good number who stepped off the field when they got older and into the booth.

I've personally been away from the game for several yrs but I'd welcome the opportunity to step into replay - but dont know where to start anymore.
Is being an older guy a drawback?
Is being overweight a drawback?
What is the "it" a conference would be looking for with a replay or communicator?

But one thing I'm confused about, there's on site replay person, yet there's a "Central Replay" facility too (i.e. in Charlotte for ACC). how is on site duties different than the central replay? - and same for NFL? - there's on site and those in NYC? - what are each of their jobs at stadium and in NYC when it seems they're doing the same job

[Grant - AR]

I know an NFL replay official who was formerly a R with sunbelt..not sure if his age or physical ability held him back from being on the field, but certainly has extensive field experience.

I know exactly who you are talking about and I have no idea why he was never able to move up as an R (I can speculate, but I won't get into that here).  He was certainly good enough.  I worked one year with him before he went to the NFL...he's one of the best Rs I've had the privilege to work with. 

[gsrc]

I am a replay official in a power 5 conference the last 7 seasons. The old way of getting hired in replay was to work on the field in that conference then retire and move into replay.
There is a change in that thinking nationally to hire younger officials who are willing to make replay their officiating career, instead of hiring old worn out retired field officials like me. This in my opinion has some merits and some downsides. I agree that attending clinics that offer replay training is a great start to meet the replay supervisors and learn about replay. My conference started a replay official development program and has recruited several replay prospects and lets them work as the 3rd replay official at some games.
There are many clinics now that offer replay training sessions that are very well done. I am on the board of one where I live and replay introduction is done very well. I am not here to promote that clinic, but if you are interested please send me a message.

PM Sent. Thanks!