Jim Augustyn, former Big Ten umpire and Arena League official is currently a regional supervisor of the Arena II Football League. Jim sheds some light on officiating Arena Football, how it prepares you for higher levels and what to do if you want to apply.

Chris Cobley is the president and founder of www.gametapeexchange.com as well as a veteran football coach. Join me as Chris tells the story behind his company and how his mission is to provide access to film for players, coaches and officials world-wide.

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.

So let’s quickly revisit Larry Synder’s list of “What It Take To Be A Great Football Official.”

My most recent interview has been with a great example of a guy that is passionate about football officiating and passionate about helping other officials excel. Tony Michalek has officiated in the NFL as an umpire since 2002. Prior to his professional career, Tony worked in teh Big 10 and spent 20 years on the high school fields in Chicago, Illinois.

Tony spoke in great length about video and using film to improve your officiating skills. As you probably know, I firmly believe film review is one of the most important and critical components of improvement at any level and preparing any official for moving up the ladder. Here is an excerpt from Tony’s interview. More of the details of Tony’s interview as well as the other veteran officials and supervisors are contained in my upcoming book “Ready For Play – A Comprehensive Guide to Football Officiating.” You can get more information on the book as well as get your name on the notification list by visiting www.profootballreferee.com/training

Here’s what Tony said about the importance of video review:

TONY: For the last three years as I’ve been going around the country for USA Football, and I’ve been going to clinics and speaking engagements, I tell high school football officials that it is easier than you think. And this is what I tell them to do: Each week, when you go to a high school game, when you go to the field, take a blank disk with you. It used to be the VHS tape. Take a blank disc with you with an envelope, with it addressed, with it stamped, and with a return address. And go a little bit early and ask to find whoever’s videotaping the game, ask the athletic director if you can get a copy of tonight’s game or today’s game. And give that to them and ask them if they would do that. Give it with a slip of paper with your email address or your phone number on there. So you have the paper, you have the blank disk in there and you have the envelope, and you give that to somebody you know that will be able to handle that. And it takes a little bit of work.