COMMISSIONER’S STATEMENT  

“Thank you for your interest in officiating football.  The following has been developed to give you an idea of what to expect in officiating football.  After reviewing the information, I hope you will decide to join us in a rewarding and satisfying avocation”.     

-Ken Woods, Commissioner, SFOA

TRAINING
All new and transfer officials will enter into a training program.  The three (3) years of classroom training is for the study of rules and mechanics, observation of games, participate in on-field scrimmages, work actual games and participate in regular association meetings.  These training meetings start in early August and are held prior to the regular association scheduled meetings.  The classes are concise and of great value.  On occasion, veteran members attend the training sessions to brush up on various aspects of the rules and mechanics.

The SFOA training program will help prepare you to officiate football games.  We expect a new official to complete the criteria of the training program in three years.  An official is advanced based on their demonstrated ability, rule knowledge and dedication.  Over the years we have provided college officials to work in the PAC-12, Big Sky and NIFOA associations. 

TIME COMMITMENTS
In addition to the time actually spent working the games, there are other requirements:

1.    Meetings:    The 10 regular association meetings start in August and end by November.  There are attendance requirements for these meetings.
2.    Study:    You are on your own on this.  It is imperative that you learn the rules of football, and mechanics of football officiating.  You will need it for the certification exam that is administered by the OSAA.
3.    Observation:    Take the time to go to games and observe the officials.  Watch their mechanics and how they handle tough situations.  Take the time to talk and listen to veteran officials.  Most  veteran officials love to share their stories and welcome your interest.


FINANCES
You will be required to purchase a packet supplied by the OSAA.  This packet contains rules and mechanics booklets, sample tests, various general information and insurance coverage (secondary).  The cost varies each year and is available from the SFOA treasurer at our first meeting in August.

You will need a uniform.  Most equipment firms offer starter sets at a reduced price.  This will run you $130 to $180.  Your instructor can assist in the choice of equipment and firms to order your uniform.  Many times veteran officials will donate, or sell at a reduced cost used equipment they are no longer using.  As you gain progress and your officiating fees increase, you can add to your officiating wardrobe.

The schools that we officiate games will provide funds to the SFOA for distribution to the membership.  We have four paydays during the season.  The game fees for varsity games are the highest.  The game fees decrease by league level and by age group.  Your total income from officiating is dependent upon your willingness and availability to work games.  An average schedule should get you about $600 or more.  All members of the SFOA are independent contractors and receive a Form 1099 at the end of each tax year.

PROFESSIONALISM
The word professionalism and officiating go hand in hand.  Officiating a football game is a privilege and not a right.  Fans, coaches and players expect officials to look and act professional at all times regardless of the situation.  You do not have the right to lose your poise, no matter what the provocation.  You do not have the last word, and you are expected to respond quickly and accurately to situations never before experienced.

The reasons people officiate are:

• You gain self-satisfaction and pride that you are doing a job many cannot do.  It is a great way to exercise your mind.
• You develop strong friendships with fellow officials, which are a group of dedicated and responsible people.  Officiating is an experience that provides life skills such as leadership, communication and fellowship, and could become a career opportunity.
• You achieve and maintain a level of fitness to properly work the games.
• You are active in a sport you enjoy, and have the “best seat in the house”.
• Armed with the right attitude, it is just plain fun.  You will still get the thrill after twenty years of officiating.
• The game fees you earn always come in handy as extra spending money.

Our mission is to provide well-trained, professional officials to all of our programs.  If you enjoy sports and football in particular, you should expect to have a great experience officiating football in the Willamette Valley.

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