REFEREES - YOUR COUNTRY
NEEDS YOU !!!!!!!
Well it is only few weeks till American
Football’s night of the year – the Super Bowl- What else.
And normally at this time, clubs usually start
to think of their own preseason training and recruit new athletes
for the season ahead.
Only this time the goal posts have been moved
slightly with a campaign that has united Scottish sides with a
campaign that is just as vital to the future of the game as the
recruitment of players.
Ok we may have slagged them off the
off the odd occasion, now and again – OK often, but Referees are a
vital component for the future of American Football in Scotland.
The lack of officials in this
country have become evident in recent years, more so in the British
College League, which has to resort to competing teams coming to an
arrangement in providing from official during match days with
visiting coaches taking the role of the main whistler.
This year, Scottish teams will be competing in
the UK, Senior, College Youth, Junior Kitted Leagues, Flag Football
tournaments, with only seven officials available to cover the games.
In the past when officials have been known to
cover two games at different times in the same day.
But it is hoped that the
upcoming Super Bowl will inspire fans and ex players alike to join
the Zebra brigade and play a vital part in the future of the game in
this country.
All training will be provided – naturally.
Said Dundee Hurricanes Spokesman, Charlie
Campbell, “It’s a great opportunity for fans of the game to get
involved without any risk of bumps and bruises,” said Charlie
Campbell.
“American football referees are always part of a
crew of at least 3 officials so they aren't ever left to just show
up and handle a game alone.
“There are travel expenses paid for as well and
a good training programme to get people up to speed. There are
strict rules for team discipline on game day so referees never need
fear some of the abuse you read of from other sports.
“Most American Football fans will have a grasp
of the main rules already - knowing how a tackle is marked - a knee
on the ground for example, false starts, off sides etc. Each referee
has his or her own area of the field to look at and are not expected
to be able to see everything like other sports like rugby or
soccer.”
If you are interested in find out more about
wanting to become a match official, then contact the clubs direct or
contact us at Hot Iron and we will pass your details on to the
nearest club in your area.
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