Getting Started

How do I become an official at the college level?

 Officiating at the college level is not as difficult as one would think, however, it requires an increased level of commitment and dedication on your part in order to achieve this goal.

 Generally, in most high school officiating associations, there are officials who officiate at the collegiate level, whether it be Junior College, NAIA, Division III, Division II, the Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA) or Football Bowl Subdivision (I) and some have even gone on to officiate in the NFL. 

 For those with any interest at all in officiating at a higher level than high school, one should take time to introduce oneself to those working higher levels and express your goals and aspirations.   It may seem somewhat intimidating talking to a ‘veteran’ official about these things, but remember, at some point in time, they started exactly where you did and some may have even initiated their careers as a sub-high school official (Pop Warner, recreational flag football, etc.).

 Most likely one will not go straight from introductions to working on the field, but developing patience and an understanding of the game will help prepare one when it is time to step onto the field and work a Saturday football game.

 There are a wide variety of opportunities and various levels of participation available for those interested in advancing their careers to the collegiate level (or beyond) in both the offseason as well as in-season.

 Offseason opportunities include attending local or semi-local meetings, film study and  attending camps and clinics will also improve one’s understanding of the game as well as  exposing oneself to peer officials and conference supervisors who are always on the lookout for new talent. 

 In-season opportunities consist of asking one working college about joining them for a game or two sometime throughout the season.  Typically this is not an issue as there is a constant need for someone to wide-angle film the game, help work the chains, record fouls, be a ball person, or possibly assist running a game clock.  This is probably the best learning experience for someone as it will provide a close and in-depth look at what goes on before, during and after a game as well as introduce one to the increase speed, size and athleticism of the players, which increases dramatically at each level.  In addition to these opportunities, occasionally lower level college JV teams will be in need of officials, this is a great way to start working on the college field and putting the rules into practice.

 In sum, if there is an interest in working at the next level, become known to those currently working, ask to participate in offseason and in-season activities and set aside time to focus on the next step in your career!!