OFFICIALS

Why Officiate – As an official you will provide a critical role in helping to promote the ideals of fair play, sportsmanship & leadership for the development of flag football. It is also a fun & exciting way to be part of the game while staying active as well as fit.

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Role of an Official – Basically the role of the official is to ensure the game flows within the rules. A skilled official must not only penalize rule violations, but also prevent them from happening.

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Principles of Officiating – The official must be in the right position & see the total scene in order to make a right decision. Officials must be alert & poised to act quickly, but must not make any decisions on violations or infractions until they have become a fact. They must rule on completed plays & not on anticipated action.

 

Being a good official means – Knowing the rules & enforcing them intelligently, demonstrating integrity by being fair to both sides, building sound relationships with coaches, players & fans by being polite but firm in their decisions as well as having a primary concern for the safety of the players.

 

What experience is required – No previous experience is required to be an official, if you do have prior football experience or knowledge as a player, coach or fan it can be an asset but it is not essential. All you need is a genuine interest in football, a desire to succeed & basic physical fitness. The Airdrie Flag Football League is developing its officials’ with training through a combination of clinics, exams, mentoring, evaluations & certification initiatives.

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Is there a minimum age to be an official – Yes, potential new officials must be at least 14 years at the start of the season.

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Is there a limit on the number of new officials accepted each year – Yes, depending on how many officials do not return from the previous season will be the amount added each season.

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What gear is required – You need black shorts & preferably black shoes or cleats, the AIRDRIE FOOTBALL provides the whistle, hat, officials shirt, flags, stop watches, pens, game cards, penalty summary sheets, etc. required to officiate.

 

Do officials get paid – Yes they do, starting wage is $20/hr. Max wage is $25/hr.

 

How do you get started – Officials training is provided through a variety of ongoing clinics, mentoring & evaluations. If you would like more information please contact AIRDRIE FOOTBALL via email or call.

 

What are the certification levels for flag football – At this time there are no national certification levels defined for flag football, however Airdrie has defined levels in place based on discussions with Football Canada.

 

Officials Level 1 Theory & Technical Clinic(s) – This clinic is the entry point into the AIRDIE FLAG FOOTBALL officials training program for new officials with the goal to provide the required training & knowledge in all aspects of the game to prepare them for on field officiating. Topics include the role of officials, rules of the game, interpretations, mechanics, game management & conflict resolution. There is also on-field training provided after the online clinic. New officials are also required to complete a take home open book Level 1 Exam with a minimum 80% passing grade in order to become an active / certified Level 1 official.

 

Officials Level 2 Theory & Technical Clinic – This clinic is for those officials who have been recommended & invited to enter the Level 2 Program. The goal is to provide them with the information, knowledge & concepts to successfully pass the entrance examination to be completed at the end of the clinic as well as to participate in the program over the course of the year.