Featured Topics

Handling it the right way

One of the questions that officials often ask is, “how do I advance”? Listen to Dino Paganelli talk through his journey from high school official to current NFL official, COC position trainer and GLIAC coordinator of officials. We hear how it’s important to handle the journey the right way.

Training the unconventional athlete

Just like the 22 players have to prepare their bodies for game day, so do the other athletes on the field. Personal trainer Carly Munson and dietitian Vanessa Lennie take you through how officials need to prepare their bodies in the preseason, pre-game, and post-game to stay physically and mentally engaged in the game, all season long.

The hub on a wagon wheel

Referees might be asked to run a game but a great umpire conducts the crew. Steve Flanagan, umpire in the Missouri Valley Football Conference shares how an umpire and a crew can work together to run a smooth game. Great tips and advice not just for umpires but officials at all positions and levels.

Clinic 101

Attending clinics is an important piece to every official’s developmental process. In this recorded Zoom session from 2/27/23, Mike and JR help walk you through everything you need to know before you attend your clinic this offseason.

Attacking the Offseason

A strong season is set up by having a strong offseason. In this recorded Zoom session from 1/30/23, JR, Mike, and Wojo take you through what their offseason prep looks like to help you put your plan together to attack the offseason.

The Process

The margin for error in the replay booth is zero. In this session, we talk to Missouri Valley replay official, Pete Bobber, about the various processes that enable this standard of perfection.

Under Review

As the game of football changes, the impact of replay continues to increase. As a result, the demand for quality replay officials has created a new path to Division I. Missouri Valley replay official, Marty Abezetian, shares his journey from the field to the replay booth.

The Transformation

During this session we are joined by Marcus Allen, Missouri Valley line judge. Marcus explains how he got a head start to becoming a successful Division 1 football official by developing the skills required to officiate at a high level during his days as Division 1 football player.

The Grind

Working a D1 football game isn’t as simple as showing up at the game site and putting on your uniform. It takes many hours of individual and crew preparation. Mid-American Conference center judge, Rich Edwards, provides us insight into a D1 crew’s game prep and game day itinerary.

Making The Grade

Being ready for kickoff means working at your craft on and off the field. Ready For Kickoff alum and MFOA referee, Mike Lennie, shares proven techniques for successfully mastering collegiate exams and quizzes.

The More You Know

Ever wonder what it takes to make it to the top? It’s a whole lot more than anything you’ll find in the rule book or mechanics manual. Veteran B1G back judge, Robert Smith, outlines the top things to help officials optimize their success on and off the field.

Coach & Sideline Official Relationship

Mid-American Conference head line judge, Jeff Johnson, provides insight into the game management expectations of collegiate sideline officials. Jeff shares the tips and techniques to successfully navigate this critical segment of the game.

The Longest Day

Ready For Kickoff alum and MFOA back judge, Jamar Simpson, will walk you through how successful Division III officials balance their schedules and prepare for the rigors of a football Saturday.

Leaders Eat Last

Leadership takes many forms but all collegiate supervisors expect their officials to be leaders on and off the field.  In this session you will learn from Matt Gallagher, Missouri Valley Conference referee, about the process, expectations, and rewards for developing your own leadership qualities.