How to Become an NFL Official

Play or attend football games. Football is an intricate sport. While a casual observer can follow most of the action during a game, a referee must make the final, decisive call. The game involves physical contact, making a referee’s job particularly challenging. As players are allowed to make physical contact, it’s crucial to distinguish between what is permissible and what isn’t. To make these decisions accurately, you should play or watch as much football as possible.

• Playing the game allows you to experience firsthand the perspective of a player. Developing this empathy will help you make impartial, logical calls during games.

Master the Rules. As a referee, you'll be called upon to make crucial decisions. To do this, you need to become intimately familiar with the rules. They should be second nature to you. On the field, quick decisions are expected, so it’s essential to study football referee signals and practice them regularly. Know how to distinguish between a correct and incorrect call.

• The NFL rulebook is extensive and intricate, designed to simplify the process of making decisions in various scenarios. With hundreds of rules, it's essential to devote time to understanding them thoroughly.
• Create flashcards with plays and rules. Memorize them daily so that you can recall them instantly when needed.
• Watch games with your rulebook in hand. After a referee makes a call, look it up in the book to understand its context and keep yourself focused on both the game and the regulations.
• The NFL uses official hand signals. Be sure to study these as part of your preparation for becoming a referee.

Attend Rules Clinics. A football rules clinic will provide you with the latest rules for a specific league or association. These clinics are typically required for participation in the season. Since rules can change every year, clinics keep you updated on any changes. You'll also gain a deeper understanding of the game itself.

• The type of clinic you attend depends on your league and your goals. If your league requires you to attend, they will guide you through the registration process. For example, high school clinics are often free for officials. However, professional clinics can be costly, with some charging hundreds of dollars. These clinics usually offer online registration.
• The NFL offers official officiating clinics. The NFL Football Officiating Academy (FOA) clinic, for example, focuses on leadership, teamwork, and accountability, in addition to the fundamental skills. You’ll learn by studying football videos alongside players, officials, and fans.

Referee Local Football Games. The best way to hone your judgment skills is through practice. If possible, referee games in your community. Check to see if any middle schools or high schools near you need referees.

• If you're just starting, consider refereeing lower-level games. It's a great way to build your understanding in a less pressurized environment.
• If you've gained some experience, aim to officiate at a higher level. For example, if you’ve been refereeing middle school games, try your hand at high school games. This will not only boost your experience but also show that you're progressing in your career.

Stay in Top Physical Condition. Refereeing is physically demanding. You must be able to keep pace with the players throughout the game, so being fit is crucial. If you become winded while running, you won't be able to maintain the flow of the game. Exercise regularly, but avoid overdoing it!

• Focus on cardiovascular fitness. As a referee, you need to run fast and consistently for the duration of the game. Make sure you're jogging daily to maintain your stamina.

Get Certified. The NFL mandates that referees belong to a recognized football organization. To find one, attend local games at middle schools, high schools, or semi-pro leagues and speak with the referees. These officials are often members of football associations and can guide you to the right one to join. Alternatively, you can search online for accredited organizations in your region.

• These associations will also inform you about available games you can officiate in your area.

Referee College and Semi-Pro Games. Whether or not you can officiate college or semi-pro games depends on your experience. The NFL generally requires at least five years of officiating experience at the college or minor league level. If you're just starting, keep this goal in mind for the future. However, if you already have experience at the high school level, it might be time to start looking into college or semi-pro officiating opportunities.

Climb the Ranks. Becoming an NFL referee is a long journey. To be considered for the position, you’ll need at least ten years of experience, typically gained by refereeing at high school, college, and semi-pro levels. Continue officiating smaller games until you accumulate enough experience to qualify for NFL consideration. It's a lengthy process, which is why the average age of an NFL referee is 51.

Track Your Experience. When you apply to the NFL, you'll be asked for detailed information about your officiating history. You’ll need to provide your officiating schedule for the past three seasons, including the schools you’ve worked at, your role, and the dates. Therefore, it's important to keep thorough records of your career as a referee.

• Document every game you officiate, noting the dates and teams involved.