A Return to the Football Sideline in New Role

Last week, I returned to the football sidelines in a new capacity. Not as a player or a coach, but as a referee.

Before I share my experience, I want to give some context.

I've been a registered basketball official with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) for 22 years, and I was a high school football coach for 16 years. I left the football sidelines as a coach six years ago. Over this past summer when I registered with the MSHSL to continue as a basketball official, I had the opportunity to become a football official as well.

So why did I go through the additional training and steps to be a registered football official? The answer is twofold: First, my work and family schedule provided a window. And second, there's a shortage of officials across all sports, something everyone in youth sports is now aware of.

Officiating is one of the best way for adults to get involved in youth sports, a chance to make the experience better for all the young athletes involved. The truth is I love football, and I've missed being a part of it, so this was another way for me to help and give back to the game that I love.

Recently, I was on the officiating crew of a sophomore game — and it was a fabulous experience! I had officiated basketball games with my two peers, and they graciously arrived an hour before the game to have a discussion with me. They talked me through everything, just to make sure we would be on the same page.

I'm proud to say our officiating crew was never the center of attention. I was a line judge and there was a long pass, and I had to fight the urge to sprint downfield to go get it.

In high school football, because of the shortage of officials, they have to play some games on Thursdays and Saturdays, so it's not the true "Friday Night Lights" experience. But from talking to other officials, there's been more appreciation from coaches who recognize and respect the importance of games.

One of the big differences between officiating basketball and football is the importance of being more patient and whistling late – or not at all – so things can play out on the field. If you have an early whistle, that could be a really bad thing, and an inadvertent whistle is not good for business. For instance, if a team runs an option offense, it's sometimes hard to track the ball if it's pitched — or not pitched — by the quarterback to a running back.

I also recently volunteered with my high school basketball official’s association (Gopher State Officials Association) as a clinician, helping individuals inside our association who want to continue to improve as an official. This was part of a high school fall basketball league, and I was able to make suggestions around positioning and game management, and how to handle different situations, before, during, and after each game. We even had the opportunity to conduct film sessions of a previous game that these individuals had worked that day.

That also made for a fun day, to see so many people I already have a rapport with in the officiating community, many of whom are true friends. It's exciting to see them and catch up.

Then when you work with them, there's an extra connection because you've worked together. Many of us do this to give back, and we are aware of the concerns expressed in the media and by parents and coaches.

Are you interested in joining the pool of officials? Let us know.