7 Reasons to Officiate

The Greater New Orleans Football Officials Association offers some great reasons to get involved . . .

Now that the season is almost here, think about getting involved as an football official during the off-season so you can start giving back to the game.

1. Because You Love the Game of Football

If you love football, officiating is the best way to stay involved in the game. The great thing about being an official is that you actually get to be on the field and not on the sidelines.

2. Great Way to Stay in Shape

Officiating provides a meaningful reason to stay in shape. As we get older, many adults find it more difficult to find the time to exercise. Officiating gives you the opportunity to get out of the house two or three times a week and participate in an enjoyable and rewarding physical activity.

3. Be a Positive Role Model

Officiating provides a unique opportunity to positively influence young people. The official is a role model who is charged with enforcing the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship.

4. For the Competitor in You

Officiating appeals strongly to the competitive spirit that all of us possess. The successful official is a fierce competitor who enjoys the opportunity to work with teammates toward a common goal of officiating a good game.

5. Personal Development

Football officiating requires you to make instantaneous decisions, resolve conflicts, and deal with stress and pressure. It demands good communications skills.

6. Make Lifelong Friends

Your fellow officials can become your friends for life. A tremendous bond is developed between officials as they work together for the common good and can only be fully explained after you’ve experienced it.

7. For the Money

Football officiating is not an extremely lucrative hobby, but then again, you will see a positive cash flow. Unlike other hobbies, the time spent at officiating will put some money in your pockets.