We are always seeking new members with or without officiating experience. You may fill out a membership form or call us at (626) 66-SGVFO if you would like to get more information or join for the 2010 season.

Who We Are

The San Gabriel Valley Unit of the California Football Officials Association trains and certifies officials that work games in and around the San Gabriel Valley for CIF Southern Section high schools.

 

How to Join Us

Joining the San Gabriel Valley Unit of the California Football Officials Association is easy! Simply fill out the online membership form or call us at (626) 66-SGVFO (626-667-4836), and someone will get in touch with you shortly.

 

Training

We offer a comprehensive training program for all officials, including first year officials. Our first meeting this year was on July 31 at Victory Park in Pasadena, however it is not  too late to join!. Our next meeting will be at 7:00 PM on August 31 at El Monte High School.

 

Your First Year

First year officials are assigned games on a week to week basis. Usually working with the more experienced officials, first year officials can expect a lot of personal guidance on the field. To get even more experience, we highly recommend working youth football, such as Junior All-American and Pop Warner.

 

Youth Football (Jr. All-American, Pop Warner, etc.)

Saturday and Sunday games are usually double-headers utilizing three or four officials. If you want to work more than just two games, let the assignor know, and he may assign you more. Games pay around $45, and checks are issued at the end of the football season.

From Pasadena west into the San Fernando Valley area, contact Kirk West at lites4you@aol.com.

From Pasadena east through the San Gabriel Valley area, contact Vern Sparling at verncan@aol.com .

 

 Why Become an Official?

Officiating football can be enjoyable for a number of reasons. Many find that the challenge is what attracts them. For others, it's being involved in football up close and personal that is the attraction. Most officials enjoy the strong camaraderie that exists among the fellow officials.

 

 New Officials Frequently Asked Questions:
 

• Where do I get the uniform and supplies?

Honigs.com and SOS-Sports.net are two local suppliers of officiating uniforms and equipment. Other online suppliers can be found on our links page.

• What positions are there and how do I know what position to work?

The positions worked in high school football are:

• Referee: He's in charge and gets to wear a "white hat"! Lines up in the offensive backfield.

  • Umpire: Lines up in the defensive backfield about 5-7 yards off the line of scrimmage
     
  • Head Linesman: On the line of scrimmage at the sidelines at the snap; responsible for chain crew.
     
  • Line Judge: On lines of scrimmage at the snap, opposite side of field from Head Linesman.
     
  • Back Judge: Works in the defensive secondary.

  Most new officials begin work at Head Linesman or Line Judge. Over time, as you gain experience you will be given opportunities to work different positions and can specialize if you wish.

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  How much money will I make?

  Officials receive approximately $60-$70 per game for High School games and about $45 for youth football games. Junior college officials make about $95 per game.

• How do I move up?

  Work hard, study hard, and become the best official you can be at the level you do. Once you are the best Frosh/JV official, be the best Varsity official. After 5 years or so, you may decide to start working junior college football. It takes about 5 years of JC experience to move on to NCAA, and about 5-7 years of NCAA to move to the NFL. Whether you want to move up or not, don’t forget that the reason you are officiating is to have FUN!

  What about other sports?

  Many of our officials work other sports as well. For baseball, please see the website of the San Gabriel Valley Baseball Umpires Association. For basketball, please see the website of the California Basketball Officials Association, San Gabriel Unit.