2. Seven (7) Days Before

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 2 to 3 Days Before

8. 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

9. The Night Before

10. 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

11. Game Day

12. 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

14. The Day After

15. 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