Okay, so, let me tell you about this little adventure I had. It all started when I got this wild idea to become a female college football referee. Yeah, you heard that right. A field mostly dominated by guys, but I thought, why not give it a shot?
First things first, I hit the books, well, not exactly books, more like online courses. I signed up for this basic referee training course from the FA. It was all about learning the “Laws of the Game” and getting some practical skills to be a match official. Sounded simple enough, right? Well, it was a bit more than I expected. We’re talking about understanding every little rule, hand signals, and even how to stand on the field.
I attended these classes religiously, you know. They taught us the basics: the rules, how to position yourself, all those hand signals, and how to use the equipment properly. Plus, there were these sessions on dealing with tough situations. You know how heated football games can get, right? So, learning how to handle those tricky moments was crucial.
Next, I dove into the rule books. Not just your regular rule book, mind you. I got my hands on these enhanced ones, some with pictures and all. It was like learning a new language, but for football. And let me tell you, it’s way more complex than you’d think when you’re just watching a game.
The Real Deal
Then came the real test – getting out on the field. I started with small local games, you know, just to get my feet wet. It was nerve-wracking at first. Being one of the few women out there was kind of a big deal. But I focused on being fair, objective, and consistent, just like they taught us. It felt good to show that I could do it just as well as the guys.
The college football scene, though, that’s a whole different ball game. There are usually seven officials: the referee, umpire, line judge, side judge, back judge, field judge, and center judge. Each one has their own job, and it’s like this well-oiled machine when everyone knows what they’re doing. I learned a lot just by watching and being part of that crew.
Honestly, being a referee, especially in college football, it’s not just about the rules. You’re kind of like a mentor out there, showing the younger generation how to be honest, objective, and handle conflicts. It’s tough, no doubt, especially being a woman in this field, but it’s also super rewarding.
So, that’s my story about becoming a female college football referee. It was a journey full of learning, challenges, and a bit of breaking the mold. Would I do it again? Absolutely. It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.
