There are times as we climb the ladder of football officiating, I think its important to stop, reflect and smell the artificial turf. Each of us love being a football official and I find it invigorating to talk to officials on the front end of their journey.

My friend Chip  Etier,Etierphotography, has recently started a new blog focusing on high school and college football officiating.

If you have a moment, drop by and pay his blog a visit. It’s called ZebraTales (appropriately named!) and you can find it at http://zebratales.blogspot.com/

SEC and Sunbelt officials...and me before a Kentucky scrimmage

Some of you may know in addition to my love for football officiating, I have recently become a high school basketball official. I’m in my rookie season as a JV official with the Kentuckiana Basketball Officials Association. I’m having a lot of fun and this experience reminds me of my rookie football season 7 years ago.

So I’ve been thinking about how to apply what I’ve learned from football to basketball, and there are definitely parallels. Let’s take mentoring for example. I want to move up to varsity in the quickest amount of time. There are some officials that are working JV for the 7 and 8th year.  While that may  be okay for some, its not how I’m built. I want to improve and advance. Just my nature.

Film Doesn't Lie

I have set a lofty goal this year. No, not work the state playoffs (although that is one of my long-term goals), not get an NCAA DII playoff game, or make it to the NFL.

Getting On The Field

I left home at 9 am Monday morning to drive about 350 miles to attend my first WVIAC scrimmage of the 2009 season. I must say this one worked out better than my Charleston scrimmage did…I managed to get two hours of work under my belt topping the four plays I had my first go-around! (he he)
It was scorching hot Monday – temperature showed 91 degrees in the West Virginia mountains.

HOT! But despite the extreme heat, it felt really good to get some snaps and work 7 man mechanics for a few hours.
Since it was a Monday the crew didn’t hang around and socialize, most opting for a quick shower and head for the house.

So I followed suit and got on the road about 6:15 pm. A few stops and 5-1/2 hours later I arrived home in KY. EXHAUSTED!
So I’m getting ready for my opening NFHS game Friday night. I already  have my self addressed DVD mailer complete with a blank DVD ready for the Athletic Director.

My goal is to get game film from all 10 games this  year. In order to do that, I have to get Game #1. Wish me luck on that quest!

I saved the best for last — Stay tuned for a sweet deal to listen in on my next interview. I’ll be sending out the details on Thursday and giving you a chance to listen to me interview a prominent D1 Supervisor of Officials. You will all most certainly recognize this person. But Idon’t want  to let the cat out of the bag just yet. Remember to check  any email you get from me Thursday for the scoop.

Until then,

Be the Best on the Field

Todd Skaggs