As the football season comes to a close, it is important to begin preparing for next year’s spring scrimmages. Officiating at the college level requires preparation year around. The following list will give you the top ten things to do to get ready for the NCAA spring scrimmages. Spring scrimmages are one of the most important aspects of getting noticed and potentially getting hired into a college conference. Supervisors use the scrimmages to evaluate prospects and new talent. Follow this list to be fully prepared.
1. Obtain directions to the field as well as the locker room where the crew will meet prior to your scrimmage date. The field may not on campus so make sure you ask for both locations.
2. Depending on how long of an off-season one may have had, pre-season training should be well underway and getting back in the gym and running on a track or field is a must. You want to be in mid-season game shape at the beginning of the season
3. Review every position’s mechanics. This will not only help you during the season by being familiar with all positions, but also it can help you work any position during the scrimmage if the opportunity arises. Your versatility and willingness to move around will be noted and appreciated. Review mechanics for your position along with the mechanics of two other positions with whom you will interface. Be able to let them know what to expect from you and what you expect from them. If you are a deep official for example, understand ball relay mechanics with the H or L and the U.
4. Check your gear two or three times to make sure you have all the necessary equipment and uniform items. Know the differences between NCAA and NFHS equipment requirements.
5. Be sure to have cell phone numbers for all members of the officiating crew in case you need to contact someone en route. Ensure the crew chief has your contact information. Have the number for the assignor or conference supervisor if he is not part of the crew.
6. Arrive at the game site a minimum of one hour early. Allow plenty of time for traffic, delays or potential car trouble. This will also reduce any stress you may encounter when cutting it close.
7. The first thing supervisors see at a spring game is your uniform. That being said, everything you wear, even down to your beanbag should be new or nearly new. Always present a clean crisp appearance. Nothing looks better than a fresh bright uniform with shiny polished shoes. You only get one chance to make a first impression.
8. Always listen to Supervisor or Technical Advisor. Answer any questions honestly and ask for feedback on how you worked. Be prepared to explain not only what you saw on a particular play but also the basis of your judgment call.
9. Never make excuses when receiving constructive criticism from an observer. Be humble and realize this is a training exercise designed to evaluate your performance. You won’t be perfect and attempting to negate your deficiencies will only tarnish your image.
10. Relax and always have fun. You have worked hard to get to this level so enjoy the moment!
Todd, this is a great list. In #3, you mention ball mechanics and in #4 you mention the differences between NCAA and NFHS equipment requirements. Do you have a reference to either of these items that you could post? I think that would be beneficial to those of us that are high school officials and looking to move into college officiating. Thank you very much.
Comment by Tutashinda Salaam — December 15, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Tutashinda,
Great questions!
1. Ball mechanics – Given the 40/25 second clock in NCAA games, flow is critical. Ball mechanics – getting the ball in and out of the field of play – is of prime importance. Spots and ball exchange may differ from crew to crew and from conference to conference. For example, the WVIAC like the ball spotted with the wing official’s foot outside the numbers. The deep official retrieves the ball from the ball boy and relays it to the umpire while the wing keeps the ball on his downfield foot. Inside the numbers – the U or the R typically handle the spot using the wing’s spot but we keep the ball in play…maintaining a consistent flow of the game.
Bottom line – check with your mentor or other conference officials and ask how they handle ball mechanics. You’ll look much more prepared for that BIG change relative to NFHS ball mechanics.
2. Equipment differences – Two small but important changes with regards to equipment. Bean bags and position placards. Most scrimmages won’t require position placards on your shirts however, if you know you are a U and are serious about working that spot in college then I suggest you get a shirt with a U sewn on. Aside from that position, it might not make sense to take it that far. You could do velcro placards but they cost about $12 each so it could get expensive. It looks good to have the right one on, but I don’t think any supervisor would ding a new official for working without one.
Bean bags – WVIAC requires blue as do most NCAA conferences. Buy two the next time you place an order for officiating supplies and get a new flag too. You want your equipment to shine and pop. Don’t show up with a dirty taped up white bean bag (smile).
Hope that helps, and thanks for taking the time to reply to the post!
Todd
Comment by Todd Skaggs — December 15, 2009 at 1:34 pm