Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions and answers you may have about
becoming an official in the RCCFO.
Who can join?
Membership is open to men and women who are at least 18 years old.
What qualities or skills do I need to be a good official?
There are many factors that combine together to make someone a good official. Weaknesses in one area are often overcome by exceeding in others. A few of the most important factors are:
1. Judgment: A good official is not someone that sees everything and throws a flag for every violation they see. A good official is one that sees a violation but can determine which ones need to be penalized.
2. Rules knowledge: A good official will know the rules. The NFL, college, high school, and
youth league games all have differences in their rules. An official must know the rules and any published rule interpretations for the level they are working.
3. Appearance/Fitness: There are two major issues with your appearance and fitness. First, if you look fit and look the part of a good official then the coaches and players are more likely to respect your ability to officiate the game. Second, a good official
may cover 3 to 5 miles in a game. You owe it to the players, the coaches and, more importantly, your fellow officials to ensure that you are able to handle your duties and cover your areas of responsibilities.
Several other factors to that make someone a good official include the knowledge of field mechanics and positioning, communication skills, good "people" skills, the ability to take criticism, game experience, and the willingness to learn from others.
How much does it cost to join?
Membership dues are $85 in 2010. This fee includes the
cost of rule books and official's manuals, chapter operating expenses, New York
State certification fee, and banquet.
What other kinds of expenses will I have to incur?
Expect to spend approximately $150-$200 in addition to your
dues for a uniform and accessories your first year. This expense can be
quickly offset by working a Sunday of 3 youth football games (approx $120 cash)
and two JV or Modified level games during the week ($48 JV, $41 Mod ea. plus mileage).
You can add to your uniform needs as you wish (additional socks, shirts, pants,
flags, etc..)
Initial equipment:
- Polished, black, athletic shoes. Preferably cleated.
- Striped socks.
- White knickers and a black belt.
- Collared striped shirt, both short and long sleeves.
- A fitted black hat with white piping.
- Officiating tools: flags, down indicator, bean bag,
information cards, pencil, whistle, lanyard, chain clip, sports watch with
timer.
- Veteran officials sometimes have equipment that help
new officials get started.
What's the time commitment?
Training meetings for Candidates and Associates (1st &
typically 2nd year officials) for the 2010 season
are planned for July 26, July 28, August 2, 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1, 8,
22, October 6 and
13 lasting
approximately 2 hours each. There will be general meetings during the season
for all officials
(July 26, August 2, 9, 16, 24, 30, September 7, 20 and October 4, 12). These meetings last approximately 2 hours each. There are
two mandatory meetings: August 16 (Rules Interpretation) and August 24 (Part II
Certification Exam) as well as
mandatory attendance on Scrimmage Day, Saturday August 28.
Plan on approximately 3 hours for each JV/Modified game
(including travel time, being at the field 20-30 minutes before the game and
approximately 1.5 - 2 hrs game time). JV games can start at 4:15pm,
4:30pm, 5:30 or 6:00pm during the week and 9:00am or 9:30am on Saturdays.
Plan on approximately 7-8 hours for a series of 3 youth games (including travel
time, being at the field 20-30 minutes before the game and approximately 1.5 hrs
each game time) and 4-6 hours for a series of 2 youth games. Youth games
are played consecutively at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm and 12noon
and 2pm, depending on the league.
Youth games start in late August, high school the weekend of
September 3 and run until
early November (about a 10 week span).
What are the physical demands? Must I be in excellent
shape?
You will be constantly on your feet. If you work a
Sunday of youth games, you may have up to 3 games in a row. As
mentioned previously, you may cover 3 to 5 miles in a game, depending on the
level. A wide
vision of the playing field is a must. Quick reactions and speed are
advantages. As the players' ages increase and the competitive levels
increase, the physical demands will also increase.
What kind of training do I
receive?
Our chapter has a thorough training and mentoring program
designed to help every official succeed on the field. Candidates and
Associates are given more individualized training and attention, separate from
our more experienced officials. Each new official is paired with a 'Big
Brother' or mentor to assist in skills development. You will be given
on-the-field and classroom training, and be expected to read and review the rule
book, official's manual and case book apart from attending meetings/clinics to
reinforce classroom and on-the-field training.
How many games can I work?
As many as your schedule permits. JV and Modified games
are played every day of the week, Monday through Saturday and youth games on
Saturday night and Sunday (youth games are played in sets of 2 or 3 consecutive games). When
you advance to the Senior Associate and Active level, you may qualify to work
Varsity football games on Friday (nights) and Saturdays (during the day and at
night).
How am I paid for games I work?
You will be paid in cash for youth games, usually at
half-time of the last scheduled game. It is the responsibility of the
Referee to locate the league representative, secure the game fees and distribute
to his crew. JV and Modified games require you to fill out a voucher at
the game site, usually during half-time. You can expect a check in the
mail in about 2-3 weeks after each game.
Where are games played?
Games are played in Monroe, Orleans, Genesee, Livingston,
Wyoming, Allegany, and Steuben counties. You could be scheduled to work
anywhere. Consideration is made to try to schedule JV/Modified and youth
games closer to where you live. Here is a link to the leagues and
schools we support:
Leagues We Support
Your website mentions Candidate, Associate, Senior Associate
and Active levels. How do I advance from one level to the next and how
long does it take?
Assuming you're not a transfer in from another chapter, new
members start out at the Candidate level. Candidates have to pass the
National Federation Exam (100 true/false questions) with a minimum passing grade
of 65, work a minimum of 2 youth game assignments**, work a minimum of 7
JV/Modified game assignments, receive a minimum of 7 performance
ratings averaging no less than 4.0 (on a scale of 1 high to 5 low) to advance to
Associate level.
Associates have to pass the National Federation Exam with a
minimum passing grade of 75, work a minimum of 4 youth game assignments**, work a minimum of 9
JV/Modified game assignments, receive a
minimum of 9 performance ratings averaging no less than 3.0 to advance to Senior
Associate level.
Senior Associates have to pass the National Federation Exam
with a minimum passing grade of 85, work a minimum of 10 youth game
assignments** during their first 3 years of service, work a minimum of 15 game assignments (which
include both a minimum of 6 JV/Freshman assignments, and a minimum of 2 Varsity
assignments within the 15 required), work a minimum of 12 JV game assignments
during their first 2 years of service, receive a minimum of 15 performance
ratings (which includes a minimum of 6 ratings from Varsity games) averaging no
less than 2.0 to advance to Active level.
How long it takes to advance from one level to the next depends if you meet the
requirements at each level. If the requirements are met, one can advance
from Candidate to Active level after 3 seasons. You need to keep track of
your assignments and ratings at each level, especially at the Senior Associate
level. Your 'Big Brother/mentor' will help you with that if you work with
him, as well as working with our Ratings Committee Chairman.
** 1 youth game assignment = 2 games on a Saturday night or Sunday or
3 games on a Sunday, depending on league. |