How to Become a College Football Referee

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Lawal McCray Senior. I'm the head football coach at Blanche Ely High School. We're located in Pompano Beach, Florida. How do you become a college referee? Well it starts out with the little league and high school levels. Become proficient at your craft, doing this by reffing as many games as you possibly can, week in and week out. Join associations that they have in your local area, and also statewide and national level. By doing this, you open yourself up with knowledge about coaching clinics, where referees are required to attend, and referee workshops. You want to acquire as much knowledge of the game as possible. You always want to make sure that you're the right temperament. Understand that referees are blamed for all the misdeeds of the players, so you may be criticized often, but you must have a steel nerve. As you do this, and you become experienced as a referee, you're building your resume, and once your resume gets to a certain level after a few years, apply to various college conferences. These conferences will review your resume and see if you're prepared to become a referee at their conference. Each conference hire their own referees, so you can apply to all the different conferences from division one, division two, or division three, and also you have any I.E. leagues. You also could apply to various semi-professional leagues, and once again this could build your resume. As your resume becomes strong, people will be confident in hiring you. You should also make yourself known. Go out at these different conventions and workshops and network with various NFL heads and people that are in charge. That will open doors for you, and increase your chances of becoming a collegiate or NFL referee."