Comprehensive Training

Being in the right place at the right time, knowing and understanding all the rules to competition, and having strong mechanics are the core objectives of our official training program. Our members acquire the skills and confidence needed to maximize their ability to make fair and accurate assessments in the critical moments of competition. Let us know if you have any questions before joining SFV Football Officials Association, we’re excited to speak with you about joining our association.

We’re always seeking new members and we offer a first rate training program. 

How To Become an Official

How to join us

Contact Russell Nygaard – SFVrecruitment@gmail.com & Jon Stein – sfvbic@gmail.com and also fill out this interest form.

The San Fernando Valley Unit of the California Football Officials Association trains and certifies officials that work games in and around the San Fernando Valley for Southern Section high schools. Joining the San Fernando Valley Unit of the California Football Officials Association is easy – reach out and we’ll get you started!

Training

We offer a comprehensive training program for all officials utilizing rule study, mechanics instruction, film review, and on field training. Training sessions begin in the Spring and continue into the Summer and the Fall during the football season – You are required to complete a certain number of training hours to be eligible.

Your first year

First year officials will participate in a tailored training program featuring in person meetings, zoom sessions, and on field training before the season with weekly zoom meetings during the season to continue your growth. You will be assigned games on a week-to-week basis as the fifth official at the Line Judge position on crews working freshman and JV games – these will be volunteer assignments to continue your development. Usually working with the more experienced officials, first year officials can expect a lot of personal guidance on the field. You’ll also work youth football and get HS assignments (both are paid)

Why become an official?

Officiating football can be enjoyable for a number of reasons – these include having fun, networking, camaraderie and teamwork, being active, being close to a game they love (or used to play), personal growth, interpreting and applying the rules, making some extra money, and so many more

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get the uniform and supplies?

Online or via a local supplier – our first year instructors will go over the exact items you will need to officiate. Additionally, the mechanics manual and rule book, which is distributed to first year officials when they join the unit, contains a complete list of all of the uniform elements. Links to uniform suppliers are contained on the Links page. 

What positions are there and how do I know what position to work?

The positions worked in high school football are:

Referee: The Referee leads the crew and gets to wear a “white hat!” Lines up in the offensive backfield and announces all penalties
Umpire: Lines up in the defensive backfield about 8 yards off the line of scrimmage
Head Linesman: On the line of scrimmage at the sidelines at the snap; responsible for chain crew.
Line Judge: On lines of scrimmage at the snap, opposite side of field from Head Linesman.
Back Judge: Works in the defensive secondary.

All new officials begin work at Line Judge. Over time, as you gain experience you will be given opportunities to work different positions and can specialize if you wish.

Will I make a lot of money? 

The beauty of officiating is you can make your own schedule – if you’re available every Weds, Thurs, Friday afternoon and Saturdays you can expect to make a couple hundred dollars a week throughout the 10 week football season.

What is the most important thing for first year officials to know?

Have fun, making mistakes is normal (and important), and you have a group of experienced officials ready to help you learn