REASONS FOR BECOMING AN OFFICIAL....Without a doubt, many people get involved with officiating to earn extra money.  I must say, while some might disagree, that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that reason.  The extra money that I was able to earn, while I was in college, really helped.  However, if that is the only reason one becomes a official, I believe that the likelihood of that person becoming a quality, responsible, committed high school official is greatly reduced.  As an assignor, I have been able to identify some of the characteristics of those individuals who, I believe, are simply " out for the money."  They are as follows: rarely attends rules meetings, does not use proper Federation mechanics, is late to games, uniform looks bad, and constantly complains about his/her schedule.

Love of the game, I believe, must be a reason that all of us get into officiating.  How many times have I said to one of my fellow crew members "What a game!!! and we get paid to do this!"  Officiating is fun! 

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL PREPARATION....This is a " Big One."  If I could have one wish as an assignor, it would be that all of the people that I work with had wonderful people skills.  This usually means that respect for all people is given the highest priority.  As you begin your officiating career, you would do well to adopt the philosophy that in the good times as well as the "tough" times you will always show respect even when it is not returned.  Remember - There is never a reason to yell in anger toward any coach, player, official, or fan.  We MUST keep our actions under control.

If there is one thing that will help your mental preparation, it is a reasonable, working knowledge of the rules of the game.  This cannot be emphasized enough.  If you do not own a yellow fluorescent highlighter, buy one.  When you get your rulebook, from the MHSAA, read it and highlight key points.  This will help you as you review the material at a later time.  The more your study the more you will learn and the more confident you will become.  What I usually do when I get my books from the MHSAA, is to read through and highlight key points in the rulebook and then do the same thing with the casebook.  After I feel confident with the initial study time, I will pick one casebook section per day for further study and review.  Another confidence builder is a good knowledge of the Federation mechanics, which I will discuss later.

As an assignor I hear various complaints coming from coaches, officials and athletic directors.  One the most frequent complaints I hear deals with officials being out of position due to their physical condition.  Personally I fight the weight problem all of the time and there is no time like the present to start getting in shape for the coming season.  A lot of us need to cut back on the calories and begin working out.  In the long run it will be better for our student athletes and ourselves.

OFFICIATING EQUIPMENT....There is an old saying that "you only get one chance to make a first impression."  I couldn't agree more.  Officials should be in uniform as prescribed by the Federation!  Basically, that includes white knickers, black and white striped shirts, pinstriped black hat (white hat for referees), striped one piece socks, black shoes, yellow penalty flags, and white bean bags.  Officials also need at least a couple of whistles, data cards and pencils, a down counter (or rubber band), a chain clip and a coin.  New officials will often ask me where they can purchase equipment.  I always send them to my friend Dick Honig at "Honig's Whistle Stop" in Ann Arbor.  He has an 800 number and also allows for walk-ins.  Since he is only 45 minutes from my house, I take advantage of the walk-in policy so I can try everything on before I buy.  Oh Yes! One thing I should tell you about whistles.  There are two schools of thought concerning the two basic types of whistles.  That is whistles worn around the neck on a lantern and finger whistles.  I happen to be one who prefers using a finger whistle.  In fact, all members of our varsity crew use finger whistles and have for years.  We believe that the finger whistle has reduced the frequency of inadvertent whistles.

APPROVED ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP... Joining an approved association is very important.  While individual study is absolutely essential to our professional growth, we also need the support of our fellow officials.  Approved associations are required to have trained individuals whose task it is to help train the new officials and assist in rule and mechanics presentations for all officials.  It is at these meetings that we come together to discuss rules, mechanics and share specific events that have taken place during a game.

FEDERATION MECHANICS... It has always been my opinion that every coach, every fan, and every evaluator should be able to observe a high school football game in Michigan and see Federation mechanics employed the same by each crew.  Sadly, this is not the case although I believe we are better now than we were ten years ago.  If the Federation mechanics book is our officiating law then no one has the right to put him or herself above it.  When officials are selected for semifinals and finals, they should not have to worry about adjusting to the poor mechanics of any of their crew members.  I sure hope that you will do your best to learn and apply the proper Federation mechanics.

FEDERATION RULES... The game of football, like any other game, must be played by the rules.  It is the task of the officials to do their best to see that this happens.  Are we going to see every penalty? No!  Are we going to get every rule interpretation correct?  Probably not!  Then how can be perform our task of seeing to it that the rules are followed?  Answer: As best as we are able!  That means that we will study the rules.  We will study our mechanics book and try to determine where we should be and what we should be looking for at any time during a down (or between downs).

WORKING THROUGH DIFFICULT SITUATIONS... I would like to tell you that you would never have an unpleasant experience in officiating.  But that would not be true.  Things happen.  Athletes get injured, coaches and fans can get angry, chain crews can disappear at halftime, the lights can go out, and the list goes on.  So what advice can I give to the new official?  Above all stay calm and don't panic.  When we are challenged we must be careful not to allow our conversation or demeanor to become confrontational.  It is difficult for us to be professional when someone is verbally attacking us.  Our instinct is to retaliate in like fashion.  I can tell you from experience that retaliation is a huge mistake.  You should take positive action in a respectful way.  Maybe that means a 15 yard penalty on the coach.  Drop the flag and tell the referee what happened.  Do everything in an orderly and professional way.  Sometimes, it might simply mean "tuning out a fan."  That's difficult too, but they don't call us "thick skinned" for nothing.

FINAL THOUGHTS AND POINTS OF EMPHASIS... In closing, I wanted to simply emphasize a few things that I believe will help you get started in your football officiating career.  First, it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed.  As you study, you will realize just how much material there is in a rulebook, casebook and officials manual.  When you look at the officials' manual, you realize that you will need to know the mechanics for several positions.  However, new officials probably want to concentrate on learning the wing positions first (linesman and line judge).  Just remember, you can't learn it all in one night!  Secondly, if you are not aware of an approved association in your area then please call the MSHAA  office for a listing.  Thirdly, find yourself a mentor.  Maybe you already have one and that's the person who encouraged you in this direction.  If not, find one even if you have to call or e-mail me.

Best wishes and God Bless

Phil Long:  phillong@excite.com