How Do You Become An NFL Official?
If you are an experienced football official looking for a shot at the NFL, here are the minimum requirements necessary to qualify as an official in the National Football League: Must have a minimum of 10 years experience officiating football, at least five of which must have been at a varsity collegiate or another professional level. Must be in excellent physical condition. Must belong to an accredited football officials association or have experience in football as a player or coach. Each candidate must furnish the NFL with a detailed copy of his officiating schedule for the past three seasons, listing dates, schools, location of games, and positions worked.
Millions of people are watching as you place your head under a canopy and spend 90 seconds watching video replays of a violent piece of athleticism that lasted less than two seconds. You have labored for years to reach this single moment. Now, as the referee of a Super Bowl, you have the Solomon-like power to make a decision that will influence the outcome of the world’s greatest sports spectacle. How in the world did you earn this glorious opportunity? Step 1 Begin by qualifying as a high school football official. Explore the website of the National Association of Athletic Officials (NASO). Review what it says about the skills and training needed to become a high school football official (see Resources below). Step 2 Contact your state high school athletic association. Check out its requirements for certification as an NFL referee. Attend its rules clinics. Pass the required tests and begin officiating at high school football games. Step 3 Network whenever possible. Study the rules an
