WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A NEW OFFICIAL?
The Northern California Officials Association Sac-Joaquin Section South Football Division is a recognized organization that recruits and trains individuals in the field of officiating football at the high school level in the greater Central Valley.
We are looking for highly motivated, responsible individuals, with or without previous officiating experience, to join the over 200 individuals who comprise our ranks to officiate high school football games in our coverage area. We service the football officiating needs of schools located within the Central Valley and points as far west as Los Banos and Patterson; north to Stockton and Lodi; east to Jackson, San Andreas, and Mariposa; and south to Merced and Le Grand. Some of our current and former members are well-respected individuals within the college and professional arenas.
Membership in the NCOA requires the following: individuals must be at least eighteen years old, they should be in relatively good physical condition, possess sound judgment and good moral character, enjoy the game of football and be willing to obtain a more comprehensive knowledge of its rules, and have a genuine interest in assisting the young people of the greater Central Valley in learning the values of sportsmanship and team work, as well as obtaining the social skills essential to becoming responsible citizens, all while participating in the wonderful game of football.
Transfer officials and individuals new to our association are required to complete our training program. Our training program will provide you with a fundamental knowledge of high school football rules and their intended application, as well as educating you on the mechanics needed to officiate a high school football game. Our training program is also used to evaluate the knowledge and ability of transfer officials.
Personal commitments of time, travel, and initial financial outlay are necessary to the success of an official. The time commitment requires officials to participate in the following activities: meetings/classroom instruction from June through September during the course of a season, satellite meetings (May-July) generally lasting two hours, in-season membership meetings in September and October, preseason scrimmages, and football game(s) lasting 2-6 hours on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday afternoon/evening throughout the course of the season. Additionally, members are responsible for their dues, uniform and equipment, as well as complying with the Rules and Regulations of the Football Division.
Dues are $80.00 (non-refundable) a year and include the cost of the instructional materials, rules, case, and mechanics manuals. Uniform and equipment costs vary between $150 and $200. Official supply vendor(s) attend our August clinic and for 2012 will be at our second training meeting on June 20. Official supplies can also be purchased on the Internet.
Though it may seem overwhelming at first, your hard work and dedication will pay off. Most members find officiating football to be very enjoyable and rewarding. You will make new friends and as you gain on-field experience, you will build your confidence. The camaraderie is unparalleled in sports officiating and the friendships you make can last a lifetime. At the end of the season, you will be asking yourself where the season went and start looking forward to the next season.
Our training program starts on Wed, Jun 13. The last day for you to become a new official in 2012 is Wed, Jun 27. If you feel that you meet the requirements as described above, the NCOA South Football Division is looking for individuals like you. You can click in the link below to complete a first-year official application.
Please contact:Tracy Blackmore
NCOA South Football Division
Director of Training, 2012
Cell: 209.606.5107
E-Mail: Tracy Blackmore