Joining the PFOA

Thank you for your interest in becoming a football official with the PFOA. The following information is provided to inform you what the PFOA is all about and what is involved in football officiating as a member of our organization. We hope this is informative and further sparks your interest in joining us. Should you choose to do so, you will find that football officiating is a highly satisfying and rewarding avocation.

-Carl Haessler, Commissioner, Portland Football Officials Association (PFOA)

BACKGROUND

All football officials in the state of Oregon are assigned through local officials’ associations which are certified and regulated by the state governing body which is known as the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA). Our local association is the Portland Football Officials Association (PFOA).

The PFOA is the largest association in the state and serves a total of 57 High School and Middle School programs and numerous Youth Programs as well. Assigned games may range as far east as Corbett and as far west as Tillamook.

The association has approximately 200 members and its activities are governed by an elected board. All games are assigned by the commissioner and all assignments are made at the sole direction of the commissioner.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the PFOA, please contact Carl Haessler, Commissioner, at orwaid@yahoo.com or at 503-875-7278.

TRAINING PROGRAM

When you become a member, you will enter our comprehensive training program. This consists of a minimum of three years of classroom training for the study of rules and mechanics, observation of games, working scrimmages, officiating actual games, and participation in regular meetings. The training meetings are on Tuesday evenings beginning in August (end of July for first year) and are held prior to the regular scheduled meetings.

Our training program is exceptional and known throughout the nation for its quality. We have provided four NFL officials from our association, as well as numerous PAC 12, Big Sky and local NCAA small college officials who all gained part of their expertise through  PFOA training. An official is advanced based on their demonstrated ability, rules knowledge, and dedication. Typically our officials successfully complete their training in three (3) years, but in some cases an additional year is allowed for completion.

FINANCES

Yes, PFOA officials are paid for officiating games, and there are some initial expenses required. First you must purchase a packet supplied by the OSAA. This packet contains rules and mechanics booklets, sample tests, season guidelines and insurance coverage (secondary). The OSAA establishes the registration and packet fees on an annual basis.  Currently that cost is about $80.00. To 

Regarding your uniform and gear:  Most officiating equipment firms offer starter sets at a reduced price for the whole package. The clothing supplies will run about $100-$150, not including footwear which can run from $60-$100. Your instructor can assist in the choice of equipment and firms from which to order your uniform, and gear. Many times veterans will donate, or sell at reduced cost, used or “outgrown” equipment. This can help minimize your startup costs.

Game fees: The contracting schools and programs provide funds to the association for distribution to the officials. Officials are paid by Direct Deposit or by check issued by the PFOA and sent via regular US Mail approximately every third week for all games worked during the season. Officials may choose the option they prefer.

The fees for varsity contests are the highest. The payment amount depends on Class level (1A-6A) and by age group, and ranges from a high of around $90 to a low of $50 per game plus a mileage fee for high school games. Your total income from officiating is dependent upon game availability, and your willingness to work games. The need is there. The games are available. The choice is yours. An average starting schedule should net you about $600. Some first and second year officials have earned as much as $1400 in a season.

TIME COMMITMENTS

In addition to the time actually spent in training classes and working the games, there are other requirements:

• Meetings: Regular members meet once per week on Tuesdays beginning in mid-August. The training classes begin three weeks prior to the regular meetings and there are mandatory attendance requirements. Failure to adhere to the training and meeting attendance requirements will result in lost assignments and/or difficulty in advancement.
• Study. You are on your own on your personal study plan, however, keep in mind that your rules and mechanics knowledge are imperative to your success. You need good knowledge for the exam and it is an expectation on the field.
• Observations-Discussions. You will be invited, so take the time to go to games and watch the officials. Do not look at their calls, but instead, watch their mechanics and notice how they handle the tough situations. Take the time to talk to veterans and listen to their experiences. Most veterans love to share their stories and will welcome your interest and most strive to help improve all officials in our association.

POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES OF OFFICIATING

Many new officials believe that if they learn the rules, use proper mechanics, and be honest and objective, they will be appreciated by all. Not so, as occasionally, you will have to endure verbal abuse from players, coaches and fans. The official soon learns that the best rewards come from within, because it is rare to hear someone say, "great job ref".

Being a PFOA Professional means not losing your poise, and not posturing to get the last word in, no matter what the provocation. You are expected to respond quickly and accurately in a professional manner to situations never before experienced.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Reasons people officiate are the following:

• They gain the self-satisfaction and become proud that they are doing a job many cannot do. Few avocations or professions afford the opportunity for you to be in control of your destiny. Hard work toward obtaining great rules knowledge and proper mechanics, and direct experience gained over time will be directly translated into positive results.
• They develop strong friendships with fellow officials which are, on the whole a quality group of dedicated and responsible people. Backgrounds run the full range from corporation officers to the unemployed, but they share a special camaraderie of putting it on the line to do a good job, and do it in a professional manner.
• They achieve or maintain a level of physical and mental fitness related to getting the job done.
• They are active in a sport they enjoy, and have the "best seat in the house".
• Armed with the right attitude, it is just plain fun. Many PFOA officials still get the thrill after twenty plus years of officiating.
• The money. Not much, but after all, we all can use a few extra bucks.

SUMMATION

Obviously we believe the positive aspects of officiating far outweigh any negatives, but that is your decision.

Those who enjoy officiating and stick with it have many traits in common. If you decide to enter the profession of officiating you must be prepared to:

• Officiate every chance you can get
• Possess a positive attitude and approach every game as if it is the "Super Bowl" *
• Study and master both the written rules and on-field mechanics
• Get along and communicate with people
• Observe and learn from each other
• Have courage and confidence

The easiest way to fail is to:

• Lack dedication to officiating
• Lack integrity
• Be unreliable or uncommunicative
  

That's the story We hope your decision is to join our officiating fraternity at the PFOA. Any further questions about any aspect of officiating can be directed to your Instructor, Recruiting Committee Chairperson, the Commissioner, or any Executive Board Member. We can guarantee you outstanding support and training. The rest is up to you.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL! HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON!