If you don't fit the bill for a professional football player, but love the game, and would love to be out on the field in the middle of all the action, maybe you should consider becoming a football referee. The referee calls can make or break a game. It would be your responsibility to make split second decisions regarding plays. You have to watch the players, keep your eye on the ball, and stay out of the way, and at the same time keep up with the runners, the receivers, or the quarterback. But there is so much more involved. It will take several years to advance to the pro position, but with dedication you can achieve that goal and have a good time doing it.

When you've decided to become a referee, go to a local high school game and talk to the refs there. The refs belong to a local association whose members meet and discuss rules, game play, and all aspects of refereeing. By attending the meetings, you'll become more familiar with everything that will be expected of you. You'll also be able to get information about the training programs and assignments from the association. You'll have to be in good physical shape and possess excellent vision. You'll have to start off reffing for a junior league. Experience is one of the primary requirements for college and professional refereeing.

Contact a local school or the parks department in your area to inquire about the proper procedure to follow to become a ref for local youth leagues. You can also contact Pop Warner for information. Pop Warner is a youth oriented association promoting athletic along with academic excellence for 5 to 16 year olds.

• Pop Warner Football
• 586 Middletown Blvd., Suite C-100
• Langhorne, PA 19047
• 215/752-2691
• Or you can go to their website by Clicking here

Once you've officiated some games at a grade school level, you'll probably want to give high school games a try. Contact your association for information, or you can contact the NFHS, (National Federation of State High School Associations), which oversees high school athletics in the United States. They can provide more information about the requirements in your area and who to contact.

• NFHS
• P.O. Box 690
• Indianapolis, IN 46204
• 317/972-6900

-OR- You can also contact the The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) for information. To find out more about them, Click Here.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, referees must register with the State Agency in charge of high school athletics. An exam on that particular sport may be required.http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos251.htm#training

Now you think you're ready for college level officiating. You may want to start off with lower level athletic organizations like the the NAIA or NCAA Level III games. Then as your skills are honed, you can advance up to NCAA Division 1 level. Contact these organizations for information and for certification requirements (if needed). There may also be a probationary period, or special residency requirements, or a particular number of years of experience. Referee camp locations and dates are also available through the organization.http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos251.htm#training

If you are going to try for the pros, keep in mind that the competition is going to be stiff, but if you know all of the rules, have enough experience, and are physically fit enough, you might just make it. The NFL requires 10 years experience with at least 5 at the collegiate level. The NFL will also require that you be tested by a psychologist to check you ability to perform under stress. They will do a background check on you, and require drug testing.htte://www.naso.org