BECOMING AN OFFICIAL IN THE IAFL:

The Irish American Football Officials Association (IAFOA) provides officiating crews to the IAFL. The IAFOA is currently looking for new members.

How can I join the IAFOA?

You can e-mail the IAFL or contact the IAFOA directly. The IAFOA can be e-mailed at: info@iafoa.org or call Steve Stacher +44 2882 247887. The IAFOA website is: www.iafoa.org.

What training will I receive?

The IAFOA will organize a training program for you. You will be given various training guides such as rules books, mechanics manuals, videos and CD-ROMs. One of our experienced officials will be assigned to tutor you and design a training program that is appropriate to your needs. You will be given the opportunity to shadow an experienced official on the field & then be shadowed yourself for a number of games until such time as you feel comfortable to go solo. Rookie officials will be assigned to work in experienced crews during their first season so plenty of support and guidance will be available at all times. Also, the IAFOA organizes a weekend refresher course for all officials just prior to the start of each season.

Do I need to be a football expert before I join?

No, you don't need to know the rule book inside out before you join. Obviously, you will need to be familiar with the basics of American football. Once your practical training begins, you'll pick up the intricacies quite quickly

How much commitment will I need?

Depends on how much time you have to spare. Some of our officials like to work every week of the season, whereas others, due to family, work, study etc. officiate whenever they have a free weekend. Once trained, it is recommended that each official does at least 10 games a year in order to keep their skills sharp.

What sort of people become officials?

Our officials come from many backgrounds. Their ages range from early 20s to late 50s. We have both male & female officials. They come from different parts of Ireland and beyond. Some of them have played football, some have not. Officiating is a great way to meet many different people.

Are the any opportunities for advancement & further training?

Yes, plenty. This season the IAFOA sent 3 officials to the European Federation (EFAF) officiating clinic in Barcelona. Officials who make it onto the EFAF roster can get the opportunity to officiate in Eurobowl & International tournaments throughout Europe. The European Federation also supplies 4 officials and 4 alternates to NFL Europe each season. In April of this year, 2 IAFOA officials attended the Great Lakes Fooball Officiating Clinic in Michigan USA. This is a clinic run by the officials in the NCAA Big Ten & Mid-American Conferences. Both these officials were assigned to work a college scrimmage while in Michigan. The IAFOA also sends a couple of officials to the Charleroi Tournament in Belgium each year. Generally the IAFOAs best and most experienced officials get to attend International events and training courses.

What rules are played in Ireland?

The IAFL uses NCAA rules i.e. those used in major college football in the USA. We usually have 5 man crews - referee, umpire, head linesman, line judge & back judge. Our mechanics are based on EFAF mechanics.

For more information, please contact: info@irish-american-football.org