This week we're featuring Phil, whose officiating journey started back in the late '80s thanks to a simple notice in a base newspaper. Decades later, he's still at it — and still loving every minute.
Here’s Phil’s story:

Interested in officiating high school football?
We’re currently recruiting for the upcoming season, and no experience is necessary — we provide all the training at no cost. You’ll get to stay connected to the game, support student-athletes, and join a strong community of officials who have your back.
🦓 Fill out our interest form here.

Brittany’s journey into officiating began with a nudge from a coworker and a powerful connection to her grandfather, the late Rudolph Freeman — a respected referee whose retired jersey she now proudly wears on the field.
For her, it’s about legacy, love of the game, and the camaraderie that comes with being part of SEFOA.
Read her full story below 

Interested in officiating high school football?
We’re currently recruiting for the upcoming season, and no experience is necessary — we provide all the training at no cost. You’ll get to stay connected to the game, support student-athletes, and join a strong community of officials who have your back.
​
🦓 Fill out our interest form here.

What started as a doctor’s recommendation to get more active after retiring from the Navy has turned into nearly a decade on the field as a high school football official. For Booker, officiating isn’t just about the game — it’s about health, mentorship, and the relationships he’s built along the way.

​Read on to hear how one conversation at church sparked a new purpose — and helped change his life in more ways than one.

What made you decide to become a football official?    
Health and wellness. Upon retiring from the Navy, I immediately gained about 50 pounds and became diabetic with high blood pressure. Doctor recommended I start exercising more and become more active. Upon discussing this with a person from my church, he recommended I become a baseball official. In my first game, I met Gomez, who stated he was the trainer for football and gave me the information to come out that May. Between the two sports, I have been able to lose weight and have healthy numbers. 

Do you officiate any other sports?
Baseball

What do you enjoy most about officiating?
The interaction with the students, hoping to be a positive factor for them. My wife is a high school teacher and is constantly discussing the lack of role models for students. During the time on the field, my goal is to provide a positive experience for the student. Another important factor is the relationships established with the other officials.

What would you tell someone who's thinking about joining?
The organization is great and will take care of you. Training is provided to help you become a better official by people who take the time to watch film to assess your mechanics and rule knowledge. The commissioner is fair and treats every person as an equal individual when it comes to game assignments. Within the association, you will meet individuals that can help you achieve higher levels of officiating if that is your personal goal.  

How many years have you been officiating high school football?
 I think nine years, maybe 10.  (Hard to keep track when you love what you do!)

Interested in officiating high school football?
We’re currently recruiting for the upcoming season, and no experience is necessary — we provide all the training at no cost. You’ll get to stay connected to the game, support student-athletes, and join a strong community of officials who have your back.
🦓 Fill out our interest form here.

Sometimes it’s simple: a love for the game, a passion for helping young athletes, and a front-row seat to Friday night lights.
This week, we’re proud to feature Herb, who has dedicated nearly two decades to officiating and mentoring youth through sports.
Here's a little more about why he officiates:​

What made you decide to become a football official?
I became a football official to stay close to the game and hopefully be able to help the youth.

Do you officiate any other sports?
I officiate high school and college basketball.

What do you enjoy most about officiating?
I enjoy getting a front-row seat to some great athletes and also being able to guide them with words of wisdom.

What would you tell someone who's thinking about joining?
You can’t do it for the money—you have to do it for the opportunity to help steer the youth with positivity.

How many years have you been officiating high school football?
This will be my 20th season.

Officiating stories don’t all start the same—and that’s what makes them so powerful. This week, we’re spotlighting Cody, whose journey into football officiating started with a push from his wife and turned into a total life transformation.
From calling fouls from the couch to running five miles a day and stepping onto the field 125 pounds lighter, Cody has found a new passion, a new team, and the best seat in the house.
​
Here’s Cody’s story, in his own words:

​At SEFOA, we’re proud to have officials who bring not only experience and dedication to the field—but heart, energy, and a genuine love for the game.
We’re spotlighting a few of our members to give you a closer look at the people behind the stripes. This week, we’re featuring Laura Kaiser, a multi-sport official who brings passion, perspective, and purpose to every game she steps into. From basketball and swimming to football and softball, Laura brings her all—and we’re lucky to have her on the team.
Here’s what she had to say about her path to officiating and why she keeps coming back season after season.

Whether you're already part of the SEFOA or just curious about what it takes to become a high school football official, we invite you to join us for a casual night out at Back Bay Brewing Co. Farmhouse on Friday, April 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.

We’ll be showing up in our stripes—literally. No formal presentations, no pressure, just a group of officials enjoying a beer and being available to answer questions for anyone who wants to learn more about what we do.

For SEFOA Officials:
If you’re part of our association, we’d love to see you there. Throw on your stripes and come hang out. The first 20 officials who attend in uniform will receive their first beer on us.

It’s a simple way to show up, be visible, and help others see what makes this profession special.

For Anyone Interested in Officiating:
If you’ve ever thought about officiating high school football—or just want to learn more—this is a great chance to talk with real officials and hear what it’s like.  

You’ll get honest answers about what’s involved, how to get started, and why so many of us keep coming back year after year.​

No pressure. No signup required. Just come hang out, grab a beer, and see if it might be a good fit.

Event Details:
Sips & Stripes
Friday, April 18 | 6–8 p.m.
Back Bay Brewing Co. Farmhouse
1805 Kempsville Rd, Virginia Beach, VA

We'll be the ones in stripes. Hope to see you there.

SEFOA proudly trains and supports football officials across Southeastern Virginia.

Football Rules Changes - 2019
BY STATE ASSOCIATION ADOPTION, USE OF VIDEO REVIEW ALLOWED FOR STATE POST-SEASON CONTESTS [1-3-7 NOTE (NEW), TABLE 1-7 – 1-3-7 NOTE (NEW)]
Rationale: By state association adoption, instant replay may only be used during state postseason contests to review decisions by the on-field game officials. This adoption would allow state associations to develop protocols for use of video replay.
IMPROVED VISIBILITY OF NUMBERS [1-5-1c, 1-5-1c(6) (NEW)]
Rationale: The purpose of numbers on jerseys is to provide clear identification of players. In order to enhance the ability to easily identify players, the committee has clarified the size requirements for jersey numbers through the 2023 season. The committee also added a new requirement that, effective in the 2024 season, jersey numbers must be a single solid color that clearly contrasts with the body color of the jersey.
REDEFINED REQUIREMENTS FOR A LEGAL SCRIMMAGE FORMATION (2-14-1, 7-2-5a)
Rationale: A legal scrimmage formation now requires at least five offensive players on their line of scrimmage with no more than four backs. This change will make it easier to identify legal and illegal offensive formations.
40-SECOND PLAY CLOCK (2-35-1, 3-6-1, 3-6-2a, 7-2-1)
Rationale: To have a more consistent time period between downs, the rules committee approved situations where 40 seconds will be placed on the play clock. The new rule defines when 40 seconds will be placed on the play clock and when 25 seconds will be placed on the play clock.
PROHIBITION ON TRIPPING THE RUNNER [2-45, 9-4-3o (NEW), 9-4-3o PENALTY (NEW)]
Rationale: In an effort to decrease risk, tripping the runner is now prohibited. It is now a foul to intentionally use the lower leg or foot to obstruct a runner below the knees.
ILLEGAL KICKING AND BATTING PENALTY REDUCED (6-2-1 PENALTY, 9-7 PENALTY)
Rationale: The penalty for illegally kicking or batting the ball was reduced from 15 yards to 10 yards.
HORSE-COLLAR TACKLE ADDITION (9-4-3k)
Rationale: Grabbing the name plate area of the jersey of the runner, directly below the back collar, and pulling the runner to the ground is now an illegal personal contact foul.


2019 EDITORIAL CHANGES
1-1-9, 1-3-6, 1-5-5, 1-6-1 NOTE, TABLE 1-7, 2-6-2b, 2-8, 2-24-3, 2-25-1, 2-26-5, 2-28-1, 2-43, 3-1-2, TABLE 3-1, 3-3-1, 3-4, 3-4-1, 3-4-2, 3-4-3, 3-4-4, 3-4-5, 3-4-6, 3-4-8, 3-5-2 NOTE b, 3-5-3, 3-5-6, 3-5-7j, 3-5-9, 3-5-10, 3-5-10a, 3-6-2d, 4-1-6, 4-3-6, 5-2-2, 5-2-4, 5-3-1, 5-3-2 NOTE, 6-5-4, 6-5 PENALTY, 7-1-5, 7-1-7, 7-2-6, 7-2 PENALTY, TABLE 7-5-2, TABLE 7-5, 8-3-2, 8-5-2 EXCEPTION, 9-2-3a, 9-3 PENALTY, 9-4 PENALTY, 9-4-6b, 9-9-5 NOTE, 10-4-2c EXCEPTION, 10-5-1c, 10-5-1j, Resolving Tied Games, Nine-, Eight-, Six-Player Rules Differences, Penalty Summary, Index.
2019 POINTS OF EMPHASIS

1. Proper Procedures for Weather Delays
2. Free-Blocking Zone and Legal Blocking

For the next 12 weeks, The End Zone will be advice from the "Next Level" series in Referee Magazine.  I hope you all take advantage.  There is some great advice here.  This is a great way to enhance your off-season training.  Whether you're a grizzled veteran or a just getting started, this is information we can all use.  Enjoy! ​

WEEK 12: MISCELLANEOUS

1. Have a short memory.
It’s important to have a short memory when it comes to a missed call. An official who stews over a missed call on one play loses focus and is more likely to miss several subsequent calls.

2. Don’t take comments to heart.
There will be times when coaches or others will approach you to tell you what a good job you did. Take those kudos with a grain of salt. If you believe them when they say you’re great, you have to believe them when they say you stink. Ask crewmates for input on your performance. Fellow officials know the rules and mechanics better than non-officials and are more likely to give you an honest and accurate appraisal.

3. Use cross-field mechanics when appropriate.
The official on the side of the field on which a play ends may have players blocking his view. The official on the opposite side is likely to have a good open look and can help with the spot. When blocked out on the sideline, look across the field to see where your counterpart has marked the spot. Then go to it like you knew it all along.

4. Always count the players.
Make eye contact with other officials who count the same team. If you have 11, extend your fist in front of you. If you count less than 11, place your palms on your chest and splay your fingers. If you count more than 11, place two fingers of each hand on your chest. If the official you’re looking at gives a different signal, you should both quickly recount until you agree. If you don’t complete your count before the ball is snapped, officiate the play. As soon as it’s over, quickly count the team in question. If the count reveals there are more than 11, throw your flag. That’s illegal participation. When the ball is dead, pay attention to substitutions. If your team doesn’t substitute, guess what? You’ve still got 11. But you still need to signal to your crewmate.
​