FHSAA Football Officials Clinic May 19th, 2012 Tampa, FL Moving Up the Officiating Ladder: Six Things You Can Do To Help Get You to the “Next Level” FHSAA Football Officials Clinic May 19th, 2012 Tampa, FL

Moving Up the Officiating Ladder: Six Things You Can Do To Help Get You to the “Next Level” I. Begin doing the things NOW that you have said you would do once you move up II. Find a mentor III. Become very proficient at something that will help you stick out IV. Remember the four “C’s” V. Attend in person as many contests “at the next level” as you possibly can VI. Create a network of contacts and get your name out in officiating circles

I. Begin doing the things NOW that you have said you would do once you move up a. Look like you belong at the next level – perception is half the battle. 1. Uniform and equipment; 2. Fitness and overall appearance; b. Approach each contest with a higher level of professionalism: “A Football weekend is a business trip that allows for a little fun, not a fun weekend that allows for a little Football” – Don Lucas c. For Referee’s: Step up your pregame and crew preparations: Distribute a rules quiz as well as a pregame outline. Verbalize your penalty enforcements, even if you don’t have a microphone.

II. Find a Mentor a. Consult with him often – What would he have done in certain scenarios? b. Watch him work – ask him why he did or did not do something in a game. c. Discuss rules, application and philosophy with him d. Ask him to watch YOU work and to give an honest an open evaluation of your performance.

III. Become very proficient at something that will help you stick out a. Become a rules expert, i.e. a go-to guy for interpretations. Can you invest fifteen minutes a night to study the rules? b. Learn and know the mechanics of ALL positions for ALL situations. c. Practice your signals in font of a mirror to get the “look” you desire.

IV. Remember the Four “C’s” Commitment to officiating: Rules and mechanics study Physical conditioning Film study Give back to the profession Consistency: Prepare the same way no matter what your assignment Game routines and personal mechanics Concentration: Good preparation and pregame meeting with crew Leave work and personal issues behind Confidence: Bringing it all together Will enable you to make the “Big Call” at the “Big Time” in any game.

V. Attend in person as many contests “at the next level” as you possibly can a. Ask to attend pre and post game conferences of crews that are working at the level you want to be at. b. If possible, spend one half on the sideline and one half in the press box. This will give you two perspectives of the same effort.

VI. Create a network of contacts and get your name out in officiating circles a. Attend a rules study group. b. Be available for as many spring and pre-season scrimmages as possible – offer to just attend and observe if there is no space for you to work. c. When possible, don’t let time or economics get in the way. d. I don’t know of ANY official who has been “discovered”.

Moving Up the Officiating Ladder: Six Things You Can Do To Help Get You to the “Next Level” “Luck is When Opportunity Meets Preparation……So Let’s Prepare to Get Lucky!!!”