Becoming a Football Official

Do you have what it takes to become an official in one of Canada's premiere football communities? Then why not join the EOTFOA? It's easy and it's fun!

As football continues to grow throughout the National Capital Region, so too does the need for officials. The challenges and rewards are limitless. Beginning with younger recreational leagues you'll be asked to participate in three-person crews, familiarize yourself with basic understanding of the rules and learn on-field positioning. Many officials quickly work their way up to the more competitive senior recreational, high school and university levels. Several of our top performers even officiate in the CFL. As you progress, you'll be challenged to develop a greater understanding of the rules, be given opportunities to work in four or five-person crews, and undertake different on-field roles. In return, our officials earn the right to join the nation-wide fraternity of tackle football officials, challenge themselves physically and mentally, contribute to the community, and receive a paycheque based on experience and game load.

Football officials in our community, as do other officials across minor sports, act as role models. Acting as such, and vested with the authority of the position, we expect our officials to ensure player safety, encourage sportsmanship and fair play, and contribute to the growth of the game.

Personal Qualities & Skills

To meet our expectations, we're looking for individuals with:

  • Leadership qualities;
  • Decision-making skills; and
  • Physical ability


    • Don't worry if you're not at the top in all three. Once you become a member, you'll receive training and have a chance to prepare for your first assignments. Obviously, for the rookie official, starting at the little league level will require less physical effort and rule knowledge than that required at the senior level. When you become more comfortable you can elect to accept higher-level assignments. As you progress, you'll discover that you're improving in all three categories.

    How and Where To Get Started

    Interested? It's easy to get started. Just contact the Association through this website. If you elect to join, we'll provide the training and guide you in your progression. The pace of that progression is up to you. You'll have the opportunity to learn from seasoned veterans both at meetings and on the field. For insurance purposes, you'll be required to register for affiliation with the local, provincial and national associations. We'll look after this for you. And you'll be given a current amateur football rulebook to help you learn the game.

    You'll need to look the part. Starter packages are available through Honigh's Whistle Stop Canada and World of Sports, both major suppliers to officials across Canada. They have a reasonably priced starter package that includes:

  • Collared striped shirt - short sleeve
  • Fitted black hat with white piping,
  • White knickers (pants),
  • Striped stirrup socks,
  • Whistle,
  • Orange CFL flag, and
  • Downs counter.


    • If you eventually decide to become an official, to help defray your costs at the time of purchase, we recommend you also select a long-sleeve striped shirt, and a pair or two of NCAA striped socks. You'll also need a pair of black runners, or cleats, with white laces.

    In addition, World of Sports has a program for new officials in conjunction with our association. The payment for the starter package is deducted from the official's end of season paycheque, and forwarded to World of Sports on your behalf.

    Climb the Ladder

    Your progression as an official is up to you. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to work games at all levels, usually beginning with minor football. You'll have opportunities to attend clinics here and elsewhere that will help you qualify for higher levels. Weekly meetings during the fall offer opportunities for chalk-talk sessions where members can share their on-field experiences and rookies are given formal training. And you'll receive on-field practical training including immediate feedback after games from senior members. Check out the link listing the leagues we serve. There is no shortage of opportunities to learn and progress your skills as a football official.

    You can elect to work as little or as much as you like but the more you work the quicker you'll progress. Most officials begin at the younger age levels and upgrade to senior and high school ball after a couple of years. Then, after several more years and attending more officiating camps and clinics that focus on helping officials learn and improve some members receive assignments at the University level. If you continue to progress, you may be selected to officiate in the CFL.

    In addition to on-field officiating, our association also provides indispensable minor crews to many of the leagues we serve. Minor crews include stick crews, timers, and ball boys. These are great avenues to become part of the team, get involved in the game and learn about officiating all without being on the field!

    Contact us Today!

    Got your interest? Why not contact us today? Dedicated men and women are needed in Canada's sport officiating programs and football here in Ottawa is no exception. You have what it takes. The time to begin is now. Contact us and kick off your career as a football official.

    Go ahead. Make your first call!

    E-mail: executiveEOTFOA@gmail.com