Seven (7) Days Before

Purchase Uniform & Equipment Always Black and white short sleeved shirt. (Referee may call for long sleeves). FHSAA emblem on shirt. Do not wear the FHSAA emblem for any non-FHSAA games (Jr. High, Semi-Pro, Youth, etc.) Black leather belt, at least 1 inch wide NCAA Northwestern one piece stockings Black football shoes with black shoe strings (no white showing) Sized hats. Adjustable and mesh hats are not permitted. Varsity Games White knickers Sub Varsity Games Black coaches shorts Don’t want to be sub-conscious about your uniform Your appearance will project an image (Good or Bad) Remove this pressure early. The image will reflect on the whole crew Look the part. The coaches and players don’t know you’re a rookie. When you make mistakes with you’re mechanics or rules the other officials will be there to help. I can’t and won’t help you get dressed. LARRY ROSE NFL Side Judge

Purchase Uniform & Equipment Flags - carry 2, gold/yellow Whistle - finger or on a lanyard Bean bag - carry 1, white Down indicator - carry at least 1 Game card with pencil Timing device for Back Judges and ECOs - A device with a countdown timer is preferred Linesman's disk - All wing officials. White towel - Umpire should have a solid white towel

Continuously Review Mechanics & Rules Review the Mechanics for the position you’re about to work. Kick-off Scrimmage Plays Running Passing Scrimmage Kicks Goal Line Play Penalty Reporting and Administration Line to Gain Measurements Time-Outs Realize that you’re expected to work the entire game. Don’t just focus on scrimmage play Concentrate on the position you’re working. Later, read the mechanics of the over positions so that you understand the how the whole officiating crew functions

Continuously Review Mechanics & Rules Study Rule 2 “Definitions of Playing Terms” Study Rule 7 “Snapping, Handing and Passing the Ball” Encroachment, Snap Infraction, False Start,Illegal Procedure or Formation, Illegal Numbering, Illegal Shift, Illegal Motion, Illegal Handing, Illegal Forward Pass, Intentional Grounding, Pass Interference, Ineligible Downfield, Illegal Touching Study Rule 9 “Conduct of Players and Others” Illegal Use of the Hands, Interlocked Blocking, Holding, Blocking Below the Waist, Blocking after fair-catch signal, Blocking Kicker or Holder, Clipping, Chop Block, Tripping, Fighting, Personal Foul, Face Masking, Illegal Helmet Contact, Roughing the Passer, Running into or Roughing the Kicker/Holder, Roughing the Snapper, Slapping the Blockers Head, UnSportsmanlike Conduct, Illegal Participation, Illegal Kicking or Batting Rule 2 is by far the most important rule to comprehend. You need to be able to discuss the game in these terms. I don’t mean to belittle the other rules, but it has been my experience that Rules 7 & 9 encompass a majority of the action you’ll be involved with the whole game. Rule 7 includes most of your line play penalties Rule 9 defines Illegal use of the Hands, Holding, Illegal Blocking and Player Conduct Rule 6 “Kicking the Ball and Fair Catch” would be next for Wingman Rule 10 “Enforcement of Penalties” for Umpires

2 to 3 Days Before

Check-In with Referee Obtain Directions to the Game Field Discuss Parking Accommodations Confirm Uniform Discuss Dressing Accommodations Confirm Arrival Time Confirm Your Position Inquire about Special Instructions

The Night Before

Pack Your Bag Pack your own bag Get to Sleep Early Never let your wife, kid, maid, or mother pack your football bag. Acceptable the responsibility and do it yourself. No excuses. It’s going to be long day. Kids to School Work Kids Home from School Game

Game Day

Have Fun Game Day Be Conscientious of what you Eat Drink Water Avoid Caffeine Reference 2001 Points of Emphasis “HEAT and HYDRATION” Be on Time Have Fun Don’t eat something greasy or heavy. Don’t eat something that you know gives you indigestion or gas (new meaning to “You stink Ref”) Eat something plain. Eat something your comfortable with. Eat a piece of fruit Don’t become a Grape Nut but be Sensible. Keep in mind your involved with an athletic competition

The Day After

Review Yourself Make notes of your thoughts Identify what you felt you did correctly and areas you need to concentrate on Use these notes for the basis of your next weeks review Repeat Cycle