FAQ
Here's a list of our most frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, please contact us.
What is the SEFOA?
The Southeastern Football Officials Association (SEFOA) is a non-profit organization that assigns football officials to public and private schools in the Southside Hampton Roads area.
who may join?
Membership is open to men and women who are at least 18 years old and who have a desire to become part of the most exciting and popular scholastic sport in America.
do i need any prior experience?
No. The SEFOA will provide you with the necessary classroom and field training to become an on-field football official.
I know very little about football, can i still be a football official?
Definitely. The SEFOA has a highly successful training program that covers every aspect of the game of football. We provide all of the training necessary to become an official. Individuals with prior game experience as a coach or player may have a little bit of a head start with rules knowledge and their feel for the game. Becoming a good official simply requires a love of the game of football, the willingness to study and learn the rules, and putting in the time to officiate games in order to gain experience.
What does the SEFOA training program consist of?
The SEFOA training program begins each year in mid-May and runs through the end of the season in mid-November.
New officials must complete a three (3) year training program to become a full member of the SEFOA with all rights and privileges thereto.
Transfer officials must complete a one (1) year training program to become a full member of the SEFOA with all rights and privileges thereto.
Prior to the regular season, trainees meet bi-weekly for approximately 2 hours devoted to rules study and field mechanics.
A couple of weeks prior to the start of the regular season, all trainees will be assigned to work at various scrimmages. During this time, the trainee will work side-by-side with an experienced official who will provide them with one-on-one instruction.
After the regular season starts, trainees will put to practice what they've learned through game experiences. At the conclusion of each game all trainees receive immediate feedback regarding their performance on the field. Training classes continue to be held every other week to review game situations and to answer questions that may arise.
New officials must complete a three (3) year training program to become a full member of the SEFOA with all rights and privileges thereto.
Transfer officials must complete a one (1) year training program to become a full member of the SEFOA with all rights and privileges thereto.
Prior to the regular season, trainees meet bi-weekly for approximately 2 hours devoted to rules study and field mechanics.
A couple of weeks prior to the start of the regular season, all trainees will be assigned to work at various scrimmages. During this time, the trainee will work side-by-side with an experienced official who will provide them with one-on-one instruction.
After the regular season starts, trainees will put to practice what they've learned through game experiences. At the conclusion of each game all trainees receive immediate feedback regarding their performance on the field. Training classes continue to be held every other week to review game situations and to answer questions that may arise.
when does the sefoa training begin?
Training classes for first, second, third year, and transfer officials will begin in mid-May each year. Classes are held bi-weekle through the end of the season in mid-November. For more information, contact us.
When and where are training classes held?
Training classes are typically held beginning in May on Monday nights starting at 6:00 PM. The classes are scheduled to be over by no later than 7:30 PM. Locations vary by year.
How much of the training do I have to attend?
You will be expected to attend a minimum of 80% of all training sessions in order to qualify for advancement to the next level (e.g. - first year trainee to second year, second year trainee to third year, etc.).Attendance at training sessions is vital, and it is the only way to gain the knowledge necessary to understand the responsibilities of the on-field position you are working as well as the responsibilities of the other positions on the field
I already have prior experience as a football official, do I still need to go through the SEFOA training program?
Yes. All transfer officials must attend at least one year of the training program. This is done in order to allow you to learn the SEFOA's mechanics and our policies/procedures. However, transfer officials with prior varsity experience may be assigned to work varsity games while in the training program. The assignment of varsity games will be based on several factors including performance during pre-season training, direct observation during scrimmages and the SEFOA's manpower requirements on any given day.
Will I officiate varsity games as a first-year trainee?
Definitely not. We owe it to the schools we serve, as well as the members of our association, to ensure that we only put the best product possible on the field to officiate at the varsity level. Our experience has shown that no matter how much football you have played, coached, watched, etc., officiating requires a totally different perspective on the game.
What kind of games will I officiate?
All SEFOA probationary members work on the field for games at the middle school, junior varsity (JV) level. In addition, all probationary members will also be assigned to work in the booth as Electronic Clock Operators (ECOs) for Varsity games which allow them to observe an experienced crew and to gain experience working in a varsity crew environment.First year trainees will work games at the middle school and JV levels. This is so you can gain valuable field experience in applying the rules of the game and in using SEFOA mechanics.
First year trainees will also be assigned as ECOs for varsity games to allow them to observe an experienced crew and to gain experience working in a varsity crew environment.Second year trainees work the same types of games as the first year trainees. However, based on their previous performances in training and based on the needs of the association, second year trainees may be assigned to fill vacancies on varsity on-field assignments.
First year trainees will also be assigned as ECOs for varsity games to allow them to observe an experienced crew and to gain experience working in a varsity crew environment.Second year trainees work the same types of games as the first year trainees. However, based on their previous performances in training and based on the needs of the association, second year trainees may be assigned to fill vacancies on varsity on-field assignments.
When, and Where, are games played?
Games at the various levels can be played Monday through Saturday.
Middle School games are scheduled on numerous days during the week, but usually occur on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons. These games usually start at 3:30 in the afternoon and are played at the home team's school.
JV games are usually played Thursday nights typically starting at 5:30PM. Games are usually played in the home team's school stadium.
Varsity games are played primarily on Friday nights starting at 7:00 PM. There are a few schools that do not have lights and therefore play their varsity games on Saturday afternoons starting around 1:00 PM. Again, the games are usually played in the home team's school stadium.
These are just the general guidelines when it comes to game dates and times. As always, there are exceptions based on each individual school. Changes may occur to the schedule during the football season due to inclement weather or other events like religious holidays, etc.
Middle School games are scheduled on numerous days during the week, but usually occur on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons. These games usually start at 3:30 in the afternoon and are played at the home team's school.
JV games are usually played Thursday nights typically starting at 5:30PM. Games are usually played in the home team's school stadium.
Varsity games are played primarily on Friday nights starting at 7:00 PM. There are a few schools that do not have lights and therefore play their varsity games on Saturday afternoons starting around 1:00 PM. Again, the games are usually played in the home team's school stadium.
These are just the general guidelines when it comes to game dates and times. As always, there are exceptions based on each individual school. Changes may occur to the schedule during the football season due to inclement weather or other events like religious holidays, etc.
how much is an official paid?
Field officials for Middle School games will earn $50 per game.
Field officials for JV games will earn $60 per game.
Field officials for Varsity level games will earn $75 per game.
Electronic Clock Operators (ECOs) will earn $35 per game.
Almost every official will tell you that you don't do this for the money. It's about the love of the game, the camaraderie with your fellow officials and, most importantly, you do it for the kids who play the game. However, the amount of money you may earn in a season will depend solely on your availability and the number of games you work. Most of the officials in the SEFOA earn between $600 and $1000 in a season.
Field officials for JV games will earn $60 per game.
Field officials for Varsity level games will earn $75 per game.
Electronic Clock Operators (ECOs) will earn $35 per game.
Almost every official will tell you that you don't do this for the money. It's about the love of the game, the camaraderie with your fellow officials and, most importantly, you do it for the kids who play the game. However, the amount of money you may earn in a season will depend solely on your availability and the number of games you work. Most of the officials in the SEFOA earn between $600 and $1000 in a season.
What does it cost me to get started?
The initial registration fee to join VHSL is $45.00, and covers your registration with the state organization (VHSL - Virginia High School League) and your mandatory state liability insurance.
Annual dues for SEFOA membership are separate and an additional $40.00 and cover rules and mechanics books, and the cost of your training materials.
The cost of purchasing the uniforms and equipment necessary to officiate will run between $150 and $250. This cost will vary depending on the company you purchase from and the amount of equipment you purchase.
Annual dues for SEFOA membership are separate and an additional $40.00 and cover rules and mechanics books, and the cost of your training materials.
The cost of purchasing the uniforms and equipment necessary to officiate will run between $150 and $250. This cost will vary depending on the company you purchase from and the amount of equipment you purchase.
My work schedule varies or requires that I make frequent trips out of town, can I still officiate?
Yes. Prior to the start of the season you will provide the SEFOA Commissioner with your availability. The SEFOA currently uses an online scheduling system called Arbiter. Within Arbiter you can block out any dates that you cannot officiate. Games are assigned to you based on the dates and times that you are available to work. If your availability changes or last-minute situations arise in your schedule, you simply need to contact the Commissioner