Recruiting

Kingston Football Officials Association (KFOA) is always looking for new recruits.  Why not consider a new way to enjoy the spring and fall.

KFOA will provide you with the necessary classroom and field training to become a good  on-field football official.  Those who have previously played the game may have a head start with rules knowledge and their feel for the game but it is nothing that a little extra effort will not overcome. Becoming a good official simply requires a passion for the game of football, the willingness to study and learn the rules, and putting in the time to officiate games in order to gain experience.

The primary responsibility of any officiating crew is to ensure that the game is played fairly and safely between two opponents. Each individual official on the football crew will be responsible for a particular area of play and will use "keys" to read the play and determine their coverage area. The various areas and "keys" will be based upon which position on the field they are assigned. A good crew is one where each official covers his/her area of responsibility and trusts the other officials to cover theirs.  The key is to have fun in the endeavor. 

As you start officiating the benefits you will enjoy are almost too long to list. There are a number of benefits that are enjoyed by all officials. Other benefits are much more personal and are determined on an individual basis:

• It's a great way to stay involved in the sport. The great thing about being an official is that you are an active participant in the game and you actually get to be on the field and not on the sideline or in the stands.
• Officiating is a way to give something back to the community. The sports official is a role model who is charged with enforcing the concepts of fair play and good sportsmanship. It provides a unique opportunity to positively influence young people.
• Officiating affords an individual the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills and to hone one's judgment skills. Football officiating requires you to make instantaneous decisions, resolve conflicts, and deal with stress and pressure. It demands good communications skills and the ability to think on your feet. The ability to work a game fairly and smoothly is a skill one can be proud of.

If you enjoy football and want to get involved, contact John Lowen.

Send mail to rchristian@cogeco.ca with questions or comments about this web site.