Jim Wharrie shared the duties, much of it hidden from view, of a college level football officiate, specifically his current position as Head Linesman in the Pac-12 Conference. This is not his day job – he is an IBM Sales Director.

Jim described working his way up from Pop Warner where there are three officiates “who don’t know what they are doing”, the young kids “who don’t know what they are doing” and the parents yelling at both. High school has five officiates with more skilled players. At college level he said the players are superb athletes and there are seven or eight refs.

At the next level, the NFL, refs must be financially independent and in addition to exemplary officiating skills endure an extensive background check. They are paid much more than the college level, currently at $2700 per game which must also cover expenses such as airfare, hotel and transfers.

The pre and post-game duties involve hours of effort. Three hours are spent reviewing the prior game and watching a training tape provided by the conference. Jim showed us his rule books and a filled binder of communications so far this season.

Jim shared the game day procedures starting with walking the field prior to the game. 2 hrs before play the officiates inspect 6 game balls per side and mark them. (They are re-inspected at half-time). 90 minutes prior to play they meet with the coaches and ask about any special/trick plays. 60 minutes prior they check the clocks are functioning and the chain crew is ready. Jim has the responsibility of carrying the coin for the toss.

Some of the tools of his trade cannot be easily observed. He has a rubber band around his wrist to track downs, bean bags to mark fumbles and punt received positions, and a game card to track fouls and time outs. The most common foul is the “false start”. Jim did explain when a ref throws his hat down, it’s to mark a player stepping out of bounds.

In the post-game excitement, the refs have more work to do. Jim explained he provides a two hour written report of his work- fouls called and fouls not called providing the rationale for both. His performance is under constant evaluation starting with certification. There are two tests, one prior to the season and an annual general test. In addition there are fitness requirements. If his officiating is not to expectation, his one year contract would not be renewed as one of 49 officiates in the Pac 12.

When queried about how the game has changed, Jim said in the last 10 years its moved to “wide open passing” and more aggressive athletes. The speed has also picked up in the Pac 12 – whereas around the country there are 108 plays per game average, the Pac 12 averages 210 per game.