*Important upcoming training events before Fall 2022 Season!
NATIONAL NFL FLAG OFFICIATING TRAINING SESSION
Comprehensive and interactive training on the NFL FLAG Rulebook
Link for registration/ join Webinar is below:
Please fill the form using the date you plan on attending. You may register for all three. This is a great opportunity to learn from the best in the business, and increase your working knowlege.
Dont miss it!
What does it take to become a good official?
Most certainly a very thorough knowledge of the rules of the game. However, in addition, a love of athletics and kids, physical ability, self-confidence, the dedication and determination necessary to work hard, and above all, personal integrity. The athletes and coaches look upon each contest as being the most important thing happening in their lives at that moment, and the official must look upon each contest the same way and react accordingly. This avocation is not for everyone, but if you have the interest and the attributes described above, you may find this to be some of the most rewarding work you will ever be involved in.
What experience is necessary?
None. We will train all new officials.
What expectations will officiating have of me?
To become a respected official, one must dress the part, invest time to learn, time to practice and time to develop. Although the time devoted will vary from person to person, there are some requirements that must be observed. Rules meetings, clinics and official’s meetings are necessary, and part of the professionalism expected of officials. As with most things, officials improve according to their efforts.
What expenses will I have?
1. You will need to purchase a black and white striped shirt.
2. Black officiating pants or shorts
3. A black belt
4. Fox 40 Whistle
5. Black shoes and socks
6. The penalty flag shall be yellow
7. Black Hat
8. A stopwatch
9. Pen and coin
10. NFL Flag Certificate rules quiz fee
What is the biggest adjustment or challenge that I will face?
It is important to understand that the basic ingredient of officiating is that of being a decision maker, and sometimes people do not like decisions that don’t go their way. Once you clear this hurdle and realize that people will criticize you because you make necessary decisions, rather than because you are a bad person, and you can accept this fact, you are on your way. It is not easy. Do not get discouraged! KNOW THE RULES! Stay in the game!
How much do I get paid?
This is a 1099 sub-contract position. Track mileage, expenses, etc to write off taxes.
Lombardi/Shula (PreK-3rd grades) - Games typically start at $15/hr and is used to train new officials and learn to recognize the game from a officials perspective.
Madden Games (4th Grade+) - Games typically start at $15/hr for line judges/officials in training and $25 a game for the lead official on the field.
The expected rate is $25/hr.
Head officials (White Hat) can earn up to $30 a game, and are leaned on by the organization to develop all levels of officiating.
Continued education is requred during the season to review common learning curves, and hear from other officials in our program faced with similar situations. We do this to ensure we are consistently improving as a team. This is done with a 30-45 minute phone call once a week to recap. Our Head officials are expected to contribute their experience at this time.
I'm interested in moving forward, what do I need to do?
STEP 1. Submit contact info below.
STEP 2. Read and study the online rulebook. You must know the rules of the game inside and out to be an official in our program.
STEP 3. We require ALL referees to become NFL Flag certified. Here is a direct link.
(It is a $25.00 initial investment for the rules quiz, and annual membership. This allows all referees to become eligible for the $25/hr rate, and is required to lead the officiating Madden level games. Please submit your certificate to our staff upon completion.)
STEP 4. We will be following up with your application with a phone interview.
STEP 5. Assuming we had a successful phone interview, we will then get you onboarded and set up for on-field training.
STEP 6. You MUST complete the steps outlined above, as well as purchase a full uniform - Black Hat
(We have a reimbursement program in place in the form of an end-of-season bonus to pay you for completing the NFL Flag certificate training plus uniform reimbursement. This is a $100-$150 bonus depending on equpment purchased, please keep your receipt.)
PURCHASE UNIFORM LINKS:
Here is a link to purchase Officially Liscensed NFL Flag Officials Gear
USE CODE: "REFGEAR" TO SAVE 10% OFF YOUR ORDER
Here is a link to purchase additional referee equipment/uniform.
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Good luck with your journey. This is such a rewarding position and we look forward to you helping us reshape the game for our the little ones in our community.