Reffing and the military

[suj85]

I am in my second season as a referee. Problem is, I'm entering the army in the spring. I'd say I'm having a pretty decent start to my career and I really wouldn't like to see it stall while I'm in. How common is it to have refs in the military? Any advice would be appreciated

[Cowman52]

In the central Texas chapter, we had a lot of guys from Ft Hood, they worked base games and UIL when their schedule permitted.  Here at good fellow there are several and it works ok for them and us. Committed, disciplined, clean cut. There are times when that plays a part.

Thanks for your service!

[HLinNC]

I imagine whatever base you eventually wind up at, the MWR program can use you and refer you.  Also, although I don't know how many remain, there were a few DOD high schools in Germany, Italy, and the UK that played a schedule.  I imagine somebody has to officiate them.

[AIAFA171]

SUJ85, if you ever land in Italy for a stay ... pls refer back to me.
We have several competitions almost year long (autumn youngsters - HS by age; spring with men) pls the local European base Championship
but Italians and the Base are short of officials (specially the good ones ) so there will be plenty of games to work for you !
ciao
 

[TxSkyBolt]

I had the pleasure of officiating in 3 different states/chapters as a result of Military moves. One does have to prove oneself as you enter a new chapter, but generally after the first year, you will get better games. It's imperative that you maintain records of contests worked and have it signed by your outgoing Pres or secretary.

[younggun]

I am in the AF and at my second duty location. When I got hear I thought I would have to start over again with JV games and such. After one year, I managed to get on a good crew and am pretty established. If you know what you are doing and have proof from other areas of the country you should not have a problem.

[TampaSteve]

I'm not a military vet, but my closest referee friend that passed about 14 months ago was a retired USMC E9. - miss that guy...
Military guys have it a bit tougher because many local assns are 'good ole boy' networks and although a new guy to the assn may have worked last year's State Finals in another State, the new local assn has to somehow 'vet' you as if you're brand new.
It's sad, really.
If you know you're moving, do as much as you can to get in the good graces with the new good ole boys.
*obtain a letter from your current state to give to the new State ans new local assn.  Essentially, it will say number of years you were active and your state ranking.  Many states will credit you some or all the experience from the old state.
*obtain letter(s) from your old local assn, maybe from the President, and/or booking guy, and/or another board member.  These letters would also indicate your experience, your local assn ranking and maybe var games worked last several yrs, playoff games worked, etc.
*once you get settled in the new town, meet the good ole boys asap, get to meetings, & work scrimmages so they have less ammo to say "we havent seen him work", "he hasnt been to meetings" and all the other nonsense you will hear.

[HLinNC]

While not a military situation, we had a new wing move in from the adjacent area summer before last.  WH for one of our scrimmages assigned me to look him over.  I had also come from the group he arrived from so I quickly went over the differences in the two groups' mechanics and signals.  I knew in 3 snaps that he was a vet and would have no problems.  He has worked out well.

I understand the GOB network and yet the need to demonstrate one's abilities.  There ought to be ample opportunities in the pre-season to work it out.

[Osric Pureheart]

I imagine whatever base you eventually wind up at, the MWR program can use you and refer you.  Also, although I don't know how many remain, there were a few DOD high schools in Germany, Italy, and the UK that played a schedule.  I imagine somebody has to officiate them.

The DODDS league is still playing, and if you end up anywhere in Europe there'll probably be some sort of football to call.