Welcome Aspiring Officials

Join. Engage. Officiate.

Interested in becoming a football official?  This page provides information as well as a form to provide us your contact information.  Complete this form and we will be in touch soon. 

Officiating Advantages

  • Increased knowledge of the game
  • Meet officials and build camaraderie and friendships
  • Stay a part of a team
  • Earn Extra $$
  • Many more...

    How to become an official

  1. Indicate your interest through the form below.
  2. Get your questions answered at our FAQ page
  3. Reach Out - cd.football.officials@gmail.com
  4. Information Sessions (see below)
  5. Request to follow us on Instagram - @cdfootballofficials
  6. Join a Meeting
Read the FAQs
FAQ Brochure (PDF)

Upcoming Virtual Information Session

Join us for an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about officiating. We look forward to meeting you and answering your questions! Sign up in the form and we will send you a Zoom link the evening of the session.

  • Monday, February 17
  • Tuesday, February 25
  • Monday, March 10
  • Tuesday, April 8
  • Thursday, May 8
  • Monday, June 2
  • Monday, July 7
  • All sessions will be at 6 p.m. and will be virtual via Zoom.

Let us know who you are

Send us your contact information and we will follow-up shortly.

Based on your home and work location, we will determine if you are best served by the Adirondack Chapter or Capital District Chapter. 

Experience?

Our training classes are designed to prepare you for success as a football official. Led by experienced mentors, the classes cover the fundamentals of officiating, including rules, mechanics, positioning, and communication. You'll gain hands-on experience through classroom instruction and fieldwork, ensuring you're fully prepared for the season.

Training Classes

Our training classes teach the fundamentals of officiating, including rules, mechanics, and communication. Open to all skill levels, these sessions combine classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork to prepare you for the season.

Working Games

You will be assigned Pop Warner and Capital District Youth Leagues games to start, as well work the clock for varsity games.  As the season progresses, you will work high school modified and then JV games.  By your third year, you should begin to get varsity assignments. 

Observe and Learn

Observing games allows you to learn from experienced officials, enhancing your decision-making and field management skills. You'll have opportunities to shadow high school officials, and access game videos with tips on officiating specific plays.

Hanging Out

After Friday night games, head to a local restaurant for food, drinks, and camaraderie as officials swap stories from the night's game and share memorable experiences from past matches. It's a great opportunity to bond with fellow officials and make lasting friendships along the way.

Having Fun

Life is too short not to have some fun! We do this because we love the game and enjoy working with fellow officials. Officiating is not just about the rules—it's about the thrill of the game, building lasting friendships, and sharing stories with teammates after each match. It's a rewarding experience that makes every moment on the field worthwhile.

Testimonials

What officials have to say about why they officiate. 

Ted Minissale

Head Linesman, Empire/Liberty League

To officiate the game of football is wonderful privilege. I chose to officiate the game to still be part of a game I love. 

Kevin Labas

First year official, 2019

I never thought I'd enjoy officiating as much as I did.  You get to be a part of great football games, meet interesting people, continuously challenge yourself and make money while you're doing it.