How to Officiate for Football

Football officiating can be a job or hobby. It often requires special classes or certification depending on the area you live and the level of football games you are officiating, such as children's leagues, high school or above. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the opportunities for football officiating are best at the high school level. Many officials work other jobs and officiate in their spare time.

Instructions

  1. Becoming Football Referee

    • 1

      Attend a game locally and speak with the officials about what officiating organization they belong to and when meetings are held. Contact that organization for more information.

    • 2

      Attend your local officiating organization meetings to learn more about the job and how things work in your region.

    • 3

      Contact your local high school or recreation department to find out where you need to register to become a football referee. You'll likely to need to pay a fee for registration which will also include training materials and insurance.

    • 4

      Pursue certification from either Pop Warner Football or U.S.A. Football for youth level officiating. For officiating at the high school level, contact your state association.

    • 5

      Obtain a rule book for your state association.

    Officiating Football Games

    • 6

      Know the status of the ball at all times and be aware for continuing action fouls.

    • 7

      Maintain control of both the game and your emotions at all times.

    • 8

      Remember the 3 Cs of officiating football: be consistent, communicate clearly and keep control.

    • 9

      Make sure your signaling is clear.

    • 10

      Maintain ideal distance from the play. You must be able to observe play clearly without becoming a part of the action.