Hey everybody, we took a week off from the podcast so Joel could celebrate his 30 year wedding anniversary in Alaska. We're back at it and in this episode Joel and Kirk Russell are joined by special guests Jerry Reimers and Joe Magnuson from the San Diego Football Officials Association. The focus of the discussion is on the importance of finding a mentor in the first few years as an official. Jerry shares his experience starting out as an official and the challenges he faced, while Joe provides insights on how to support and develop newer officials on the field. The episode also covers the role of technology in training and development during the off-season, as well as the value of attending camps and clinics to improve officiating skills. Take advantage of this insightful conversation for tips and advice on becoming a better high school football official.

In this episode of Your First Downs, hosts Joel Pogar and Kirk Russell are joined by Nick Brigati, a D1 Line Judge from Ohio. They delve into the key differences between the wing position at the high school and college level, focusing on communication, confidence, and observational skills. Nick shares tips on effectively managing coach interactions, diffusing situations, and mastering the responsibilities of the LJ position. He also highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of different rules and situations, such as false starts, encroachment, and holding calls. The episode concludes with a discussion on transitioning from high school to college officiating, emphasizing the need to trust and rely on fellow officials for support and accurate officiating. Join in for an insightful conversation on excelling in the wing position as a football official.

In this episode of Your First Downs, hosts Joel Pogar and Kirk Russell sit down with Chuck Hickey, a seasoned back judge and three-time state championship official from Colorado. They discuss the importance of the back judge position and how to excel in it. Chuck shares his journey to becoming a back judge and the challenges and responsibilities that come with the role. They also address listener questions and provide insights into dealing with difficult situations on the field. Additionally, Chuck shares advice for new officials and highlights the importance of staying engaged throughout the game. Tune in to learn from one of Colorado's best back judges!