Ever dreamt about stepping onto the football field, not as a player, but an official? Join us on an exhilarating journey into the world of high school football officiating with our hosts Joel Pogar and Kirk Russell of the Colorado Football Officials Association. We'll share the nuts and bolts of becoming an official; from selecting the right association and undergoing the right training to managing expectations as you move up the ranks. We'll also emphasize the critical role of teamwork in officiating, essentially becoming a piece of the puzzle in every play situation.Beyond the whistle blowing and flag throwing, officiating is an emotional journey. We'll delve into handling the inevitable frustrations from coaches, developing a deeper understanding of the game, and appreciating the significance of football in the high school curriculum. We shed light on the evolving dynamics of officiating, with fewer educators on board and the impacts this shift has on the field.To wrap up, we'll explore the journey of self-improvement that officiating demands. From learning to accept coaching, developing personality skills, to finding your niche in the officiating world. We highlight the need to maintain physical fitness and the importance of striking a balance between athleticism and physical well-being. Plus, we'll share why having family support is crucial when embarking on this journey. Sit tight as we unpack the characteristics of a successful official, the art of quick decision-making, overcoming the fear of errors, and how making mistakes are stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks in the officiating world. Prepare to be inspired!

Ready to elevate your game as a new football official? We've got a treat for you.  Joel Pogar and Kirk Russell sit down with Jerry Letofsky, a seasoned Colorado assigner, who offers his guidance and insights into embarking on an officiating journey. Jerry sheds light on the exciting world of assigning, reveals how to land your first games, and shares tips on leveraging technology to your advantage. As we navigate the process, we also delve into the challenge of juggling officiating with a full-time job, and the professional way to handle game cancellations.As we journey further, we delve into the nitty-gritty of confirming assignments and honing your officiating skills. Uncover the secrets to establishing rapport with host organizations and the mechanics of assignment confirmation. Get an inside look at the demanding role of the referee and learn how to upskill your rule knowledge for more significant games. We also underscore the essence of being an excellent crewmate and discuss professional growth strategies for sports officials. From the art of effective communication and owning your calls to the importance of being coachable and the value of post-game work, we cover it all. As a cherry on top, we engage in a stimulating discussion on the philosophies surrounding camps and clinics. So tune in and equip yourself with the tools to thrive in the world of football officiating.

Step onto the high-energy field of football with us and our esteemed guest, Scott Lewis, a seasoned referee and crew chief in the Denver Football Officials Association. Ever wondered what powers the game beyond the players? We're about to unfold the captivating world of football officiating, unraveling the synergy between mechanics, rules, and philosophy. Learn how mechanics is not just about executing the rules, but being in the right place at the right time, and how these rules create the legal framework of the game. All of this is wrapped up in the philosophy of the game, which forms the backbone of mechanics and rules. Embrace the thrill of the game as Scott guides us through the concept of foul threshold for sports officials, and the pivotal role of safety and fairness in the game. Is being flag-happy always good? Hear Scott's insights drawn from years on the field. Transitioning to a more academic take on football, we tackle the differences between high school and college rulebooks, while also learning how not to drown in the sea of rules. Scott paints an anecdotal picture of his first high school football game, unveiling the invaluable lesson it taught him.As we steer our conversation towards game infractions, we delve into the differences between live and dead ball fouls, substitution fouls, and the philosophy behind killing the play. Scott's invaluable advice for new officials and resources for understanding the rules is the cherry on top of our engaging discussion. Fast-paced, enlightening, and packed with insights, our chat with Scott Lewis is a masterclass in football officiating. So, get ready to view football through a whole new lens; through the eyes of the officials that keep the game running smoothly.

Who said football officiating was anything less than an art form? Picture this: You're on the field, the stadium lights blinding, the crowd roaring, and in that pivotal moment, your judgment can make or break the game. Now imagine being equipped with the ability to read the game's intelligence, the knack to smartly transition between key players, and the power to prevent fouls from happening in the first place. Intrigued yet? Welcome to our latest podcast episode where we cover the top lessons from our 2023 Colorado Football Officials Association Camp in Greeley, Colorado.Football officiating is not just about watching the game; it's about understanding every move, every formation, and every strategy. We kick off our discussion with the importance of mastering movement on the field, especially the critical goal line mechanics. Ever wondered about the art of focusing on a single player at the initial snap? Or about something as fascinating as 'money lines'? We'll take you through these concepts and the tactics to use them efficiently. But that's not all; we also dive into the nuances of preventive officiating - looking out for potential fouls and playing a fair game for both sides. What about coach interaction, you ask? We share detailed insights on dealing with the highs and lows of a coach's emotions, the art of responding calmly, and, importantly, standing up against coach abuse. So, join us on this riveting journey and discover the sheer joy and dedication that football officiating encapsulates. It's not just about the game; it's about playing it right. Let's get started!

Imagine stepping onto a football field as a female official, ready to face the unique challenges that come with a male-dominated sport. That's exactly what our guest, the tenacious Kaylinda Bunnell from Colorado Springs, has done. Drawing on her firsthand experience, we explore the complexities and advantages that female officials navigate in the world of football. Kaylinda's journey from a supportive spouse on the sideline to earning her own stripes is truly inspiring, offering a wealth of insights and tips for aspiring female officials.In our conversation, Kaylinda brings to light the extra efforts often required by women in officiating. We tackle the apprehensions women may feel when they haven't played the sport, and how to deftly handle pregame issues. But it's not all uphill; Kaylinda also shares the unique benefits that come with being a female official. Get ready for some tangible advice on expressing confidence, learning the sport, understanding the rules, and managing interactions with coaches.We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Kaylinda and Zach from Michigan, who submitted our first listener question on Crossfield Mechanics.  So whether you're a woman interested in football officiating or a new official seeking guidance, we hope this episode provides you with valuable insights. Remember, you're always welcome to reach out to us with your questions via YourFirstDowns.com. Let’s break the barriers and get more women in the stripes!

We're coming to you with an exhilarating conversation featuring our esteemed guest, Claire Gausman, who has undeniably left his mark in the world of football officiating. His journey from a high school official to an NFL scout and now a current replay official in the Mountain West, offers an unmatched perspective and insight. He uncovers the nuts and bolts of officiating - from the evolution of officiating styles to the essentials of managing emotions on the football field. Navigating the task of officiating isn't just about the play on the field, it's also about handling the emotions and actions off the field. Claire shares his wisdom on managing the thin line between tolerating and listening to a coach's critique, and when it morphs into unacceptable behavior. He underscores the importance of growing a thick skin to cope with the intensity that accompany the game. His experiences form a roadmap for young officials aspiring to grow in this profession.As an added bonus, Claire takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the college replay booth.  He discusses how technology has significantly enhanced officiating and the rigorous requirements to become an NFL official in todays game. Claire emphasizes the dedication, appearance, rules knowledge, judgment, and communication skills that are required at the heart of reaching this level. Wrapping up our conversation, Claire reflects on the unique bond between the officials and the crowd and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes from officiating at the highest level. This is one episode that will leave you inspired and in awe of the world of football officiating.

Ever wonder how conversationa between football officials and coaches can shape the game? Or how effective communication can diffuse potential conflicts on the field? This episode's special guest, Coach John Shipley from Conifer High School, sheds light on these vital dynamics. Coach Shipley dives into his pregame routines, sharing how he emphasizes appreciating officials for their hard work, understanding new rules, and ensuring the safety of his players. He also touches on the importance of preventative officiating, a strategy that can nip infractions in the bud before they become bigger issues.In the latter half of our engaging conversation, we shift gears to discuss the behavior of coaches and parents in football. Coach Shipley provides valuable insights from his experiences, addressing the challenges he's faced on the field and how he communicates with officials and parents. He also shares his perspective on game strategies and the potential of introducing replay in high school football in Colorado. We wrap up by discussing how effective communication can help rectify a mistake or a perceived missed call. Don't pass up this comprehensive conversation where Coach Shipley emphasizes the significance of sportsmanship, responsibility and respect to everyone on the field in high school football.

Join the conversation as we navigate the best practices of football officiating with veteran referee Randy Campbell. With an illustrious career including 20 postseason appearances, 18 FBS bowl assignments, and the 2013 BCS national championship, Randy is a treasure trove of wisdom and practical insights. He takes us through the maze of transitioning from high school to college officiating, underlining the importance of mentorship, understanding the rules, and mastering the mechanics.Beyond the whistle and the playbook, we delve into the less talked about, yet vital aspects of officiating. Fitness, physical appearance, mindset - all these play a crucial role in an official's career. Randy shares firsthand how looking the part can make or break an official's career trajectory. We also discuss the immense value of attending camps, clinics and college scrimmages to gain experience and exposure in the competitive world of officiating.In the final segment, Randy offers valuable advice for rookie. Balancing personal life with a demanding career is a challenge, and Randy candidly discusses how his wife's support played a pivotal role in his journey. He also highlights the importance of setting realistic goals, acquainting oneself with the rule differences between high school and college, and carving out daily time for the rule book. Tune in for an insightful episode packed with practical tips and sage wisdom from one of the best in the business and a legendary college official.