The Beginners Guide for Football Officiating

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Millions throughout the world play American Football. The game has been “Americanized” with a very detailed and thorough list of eleven rules. Americans love rules. Football Officials are needed to administer the rules of the game.

You want to be a Zebra!

Black and white stripe shirt, white knickers…

Why do you want to wear these funny clothes?

The Purpose of This Site:

This website is dedicated to the “newbie” or the “wanna-be” football official. Many of your usual “start-up” questions will be answered. Anyone interested in advancing in football officiating will find this content rich with ideas and suggestions.

About the website Author: My name is Jim Mahan. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. I began officiating in 1964. My career included 25 years of College, Div. 1, including 3 major bowl assignments. My career game featured Doug Flute’s “Hail Mary” pass in 1984. I was recently nominated for Life Membership in The Ohio Association of Football Officials. I retired my on-field experience with the C-USA Championship Game in 1999. Presently I am the game clock operator for the University of Cincinnati and, since 1996, I have maintained a year-to-year assignment as the NFL Game Clock Operator for the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Last updated: 18 Feb, 2004